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Ford Explorer vs Smart #5
At a glance
In this comparison, Ford Explorer leads on motorway range, running costs and city driving, while the Smart #5 leads on family practicality.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2.2p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Smart #5 if...
- you have a family - it has the best combination of boot space, safety, and rear legroom
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Ford Explorer leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Ford
6.1
Smart
6.4
Too close to call
Motorway RangeFord
Ford
3.5
Smart
2.7
FamilySmart
Ford
6.7
Smart
9
Charging
Ford
4.6
Smart
5
Too close to call
Cost Per MileFord
Ford
3.5
Smart
1.6
City DrivingFord
Ford
5.4
Smart
3.2
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Smart #5
Pro
- 160 litres more boot space
- 45 kW faster rapid charging
- 110 kW more power
- 1.1s quicker 0-62 mph
- 600 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £35,185 (better) | £39,800 |
| Official range | 273 miles | 288 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 470 L | 630 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 25 min (better) | 30 min |
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec | 6.9 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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Ford Explorer
Smart #5
Length
Ford Explorer4,468mm-227mm
Smart #54,695mm
Width
Ford Explorer1,872mm-48mm
Smart #51,920mm
Height
Ford Explorer1,630mm-75mm
Smart #51,705mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,468 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,872 mm (better) | 1,920 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,063 mm (better) | 2,169 mm |
| Height | 1,630 mm | 1,705 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.9 m | Not available |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 528 mm spare (better) | 480 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear legroom | 916 mm | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L | 630 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1460 L | 1530 L (better) |
| Frunk | Not available | 47 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,000 kg | 1,600 kg (better) |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Ford Explorer
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Smart #5
- Boot space of 630 L is bigger than 90% of SUVs we track.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Ford Explorer Style 58kWh |  Smart #5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.47m | 4.70m+227mm |
| Width | 1.87m | 1.92m+48mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.06m | 2.17m+106mm |
| Height | 1.63m | 1.71m+75mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.77m | 2.90m+133mm |
| Ground Clearance | 193mm | 190mm-3mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L | 630L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1460L | 1530L (better) |
| Frunk | Not available | 47L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear Legroom | 916mm | Not available |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.9m | Not available |
| Kerb Weight | 1,908kg (better) | 2,200kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000kg | 1,600kg (better) |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 58kWh | 76kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 273 mi | 288 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 105kW | 150kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £35,185 (better) | £39,800 |
| Price after EV grant | £33,685 (-£1,500) | £39,800 (not eligible) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2026+ | 2025+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 273 miles | 288 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 183 miles | 202 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 25 min (better) | 30 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 105 kW | 150 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 164 Wh/km (better) | 185 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 58 kWh | 76 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 800V (better) |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec | 6.9 sec (better) |
| Power | 140 kW | 250 kW (better) |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 373 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
Smart #5
Pro
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Ford Explorer
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Ford Explorer Style 58kWh
Tested 2024
Adult Occupant89%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users80%
Safety Assist72%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart #5 Pro
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users84%
Safety Assist92%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | Not available |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
Owners love
- Owners praise the quiet, comfortable ride and the planted, enjoyable handling, often rated above the VW ID.4.
- Efficiency is a strong point: owners report around 3.4 to 4 miles per kWh, 300+ miles from a full charge in mild weather and about 200 in winter.
- Rear-seat space is generous, and the interior is felt to be a step up from other Fords.
Watch out for
- A few owners report electrical faults soon after delivery (warning lights, a failed instrument display, a car that would only select neutral), with long waits for a diagnosis.
- Several owners report slow repairs, parts waits and difficulty getting a courtesy car, and some dealers were unfamiliar with the car.
- The heat pump and head-up display are extra-cost options.
Owner tips
- Precondition the car before cold-weather journeys to keep efficiency up.
- Check the car thoroughly on collection, including paint and every warning light, before accepting it.
Smart #5
Pro
Owners love
- Exceptional interior space with comfortable rear legroom, reclining seats, and 630 litres of boot space
- Outstanding acceleration (3.8 seconds 0-62mph) and impressive 800V fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes at optimal conditions)
- Advanced infotainment with three screens, superb conversational voice control, and premium materials (Alcantara, vegan leather)
Watch out for
- High energy consumption significantly impacts real-world range compared to competitors despite 335-mile WLTP rating
- Design is polarizing and divisive; frequently compared unfavorably to the Nissan Cube with questionable styling details
- 335-mile WLTP range underwhelming for a 100kWh battery and not class-leading compared to rivals
Owner tips
- Test drive the rear-wheel drive base models which offer better steering feel, more dynamic handling, and additional frunk space compared to all-wheel drive variants
- Visit dealerships in person to confirm driver's seat comfort if over 6 feet tall and test voice assistant behavior to ensure it suits your driving style
Buying options
Get a quote
Ford Explorer
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart #5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the Smart #5 worth the extra £4,615 over the Ford Explorer?
The Smart #5 costs £4,615 more than the Ford Explorer. For that premium it adds 45 kW faster peak rapid charging, 160 litres more boot space and 110 kW more power. The Ford Explorer is not just cheaper - it also offers lower energy use, 164 versus 185 Wh/km. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Ford Explorer comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Ford Explorer or the Smart #5?
The Ford Explorer is £4,615 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £176 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Ford Explorer comes out roughly £4,735 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Ford Explorer and Smart #5 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 183 miles for the Ford Explorer and 202 miles for the Smart #5 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Smart #5 goes roughly 19 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 25-30 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Ford Explorer or the Smart #5?
The Ford Explorer is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 48 mm narrower than the Smart #5. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 528 mm of total clearance for the Ford Explorer and about 480 mm of total clearance for the Smart #5.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Ford Explorer or the Smart #5?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Ford Explorer and 90% for the Smart #5. That gives the Smart #5 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Smart #5's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Ford Explorer's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Ford Explorer comparisons
More Smart #5 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Ford Explorer and Smart #5 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #5 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Ford Explorer and Smart #5 rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #5 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #5 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Smart #5 rank among the cheapest EVs to run
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .