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Ford Explorer vs Vauxhall Frontera
Selected trimDesignChange trim186 mi · 44 kWh · £23,995
At a glance
In this comparison, Ford Explorer leads on value for money, family practicality and charging speed, while the Vauxhall Frontera leads on running costs and city driving.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
Choose the Vauxhall Frontera if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Ford Explorer leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueFord
Ford
6.1
Vauxhall
5
Motorway Range
Ford
3.5
Vauxhall
3.6
Too close to call
FamilyFord
Ford
6.7
Vauxhall
3
ChargingFord
Ford
4.6
Vauxhall
2.6
Cost Per MileVauxhall
Ford
3.5
Vauxhall
6.2
City DrivingVauxhall
Ford
5.4
Vauxhall
6.7
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Vauxhall FronteraDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £35,185 | £23,995 (better) |
| Official range | 273 miles (better) | 186 miles |
| Boot space | 470 L (better) | 460 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 25 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec (better) | 12.1 sec |
Size Comparison
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Ford Explorer
Vauxhall Frontera
Length
Ford Explorer4,468mm
Vauxhall Frontera4,385mm-83mm
Width
Ford Explorer1,872mm
Vauxhall Frontera1,795mm-77mm
Height
Ford Explorer1,630mm-30mm
Vauxhall Frontera1,660mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Vauxhall FronteraDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,468 mm | 4,385 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,872 mm | 1,795 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,063 mm | Not available |
| Height | 1,630 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.9 m (better) | 11.1 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 528 mm spare | 605 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Vauxhall FronteraDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear legroom | 916 mm | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L (better) | 460 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1460 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,000 kg | Not available |
Full specifications
| Specification |  Ford Explorer Style 58kWh |  Vauxhall Frontera Design |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.47m | 4.38m-83mm |
| Width | 1.87m | 1.79m-77mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.06m | Not available |
| Height | 1.63m | 1.66m+30mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.77m | 2.67m-97mm |
| Ground Clearance | 193mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L (better) | 460L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1460L | Not available |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear Legroom | 916mm | Not available |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.9m (better) | 11.05m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,908kg | 1,573kg (better) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000kg | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 58kWh (better) | 44kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 273 mi (better) | 186 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 105kW (better) | 100kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £35,185 | £23,995 (better) |
| Price after EV grant | £33,685 (-£1,500) | £22,495 (-£1,500) (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2026+ | 2025+ |
* Vauxhall Frontera: Not yet Euro NCAP tested as of 2026-05. Limited-production / halo / pre-launch / new-brand models are typically rated some time after general sale.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Vauxhall FronteraDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 273 miles (better) | 186 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 183 miles (better) | 155 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 25 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 105 kW (better) | 100 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 164 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 58 kWh (better) | 43.8 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Vauxhall FronteraDesign |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec (better) | 12.1 sec |
| Power | 140 kW (better) | 83 kW |
| Torque | 310 Nm (better) | 125 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
Vauxhall Frontera
Design
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 - Vauxhall Frontera Design
Vauxhall Frontera Design
Not yet Euro NCAP tested as of 2026-05. Limited-production / halo / pre-launch / new-brand models are typically rated some time after general sale.
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Vauxhall FronteraDesign |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km (better) | 160,000 km |
Buying options
Get a quote
Ford Explorer
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Vauxhall Frontera
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Ford Explorer
No active listings.
Vauxhall Frontera
- £15,9492026Car360View
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer worth the extra £11,190 over the Vauxhall Frontera?
The Ford Explorer costs £11,190 more than the Vauxhall Frontera. For that premium it adds 87 miles more WLTP range, 57 kW more power and a 4.1s quicker 0-62mph time. 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 Vauxhall Frontera?
The Vauxhall Frontera is £11,190 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £160 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Vauxhall Frontera comes out roughly £11,270 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 Vauxhall Frontera like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 183 miles for the Ford Explorer and 155 miles for the Vauxhall Frontera - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Ford Explorer goes roughly 29 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Ford Explorer or the Vauxhall Frontera?
The Vauxhall Frontera is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 77 mm narrower than the Ford Explorer. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 605 mm of total clearance for the Vauxhall Frontera and about 528 mm of total clearance for the Ford Explorer.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Ford Explorer or the Vauxhall Frontera?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Ford Explorer and 90% for the Vauxhall Frontera. That gives the Vauxhall Frontera a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Vauxhall Frontera'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 Vauxhall Frontera 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 Vauxhall Frontera rank among the cheapest EVs after the grantWhere the Ford Explorer and Vauxhall Frontera rank among the best family EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Vauxhall Frontera rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Ford Explorer and Vauxhall Frontera rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Vauxhall Frontera rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Vauxhall Frontera rank among the best city EVs
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Ford Explorer EV (2024 on): Standard or Extended Range, RWD or AWD, Recalls & What to Pay
A used electric Ford Explorer buyer’s guide: Standard and Extended Range, RWD and AWD explained, the 2026 battery change, recalls, warranty, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay against a new one with the grant, and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used Vauxhall Frontera Electric (2025 on): 44 or 54 kWh, Brake Recalls, Range & What to Check
A used Vauxhall Frontera Electric buyer’s guide: 44 kWh and Extended Range compared, the brake recalls on 2025-built cars, warranty, realistic range, what to pay against new with the grant, and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .