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Ford Explorer vs Rivian R1S

2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Rivian R1S — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD
VS0 – 5Rivian R1S wins 5 of 5 categories
Rivian R1S

2026 Rivian R1S

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $1,900 a year less in fuel for the Rivian R1S (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Rivian R1S is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Rivian R1S has had fewer recall campaigns (22 vs 105).

The two cars

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).

The 2026 Rivian R1S is a standard SUV powered by electricity and part-time 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 201 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 7,068 lb.

Buying used? The 2024 Explorer and the 2024 R1S have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Explorer.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Regular Gasoline
Fuel
EV
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

24 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
20 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
410 mi
$2,800
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$900

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
533 hp
–
Seats (most)
7
198.8 in
Length
200.8 in
78.7 in
Width
79.1 in
70.1 in
Height
77.2 in
4,458 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
7,068 lb

Safety & reliability

10
Driver-assist features standard
12
15
Recalls (2026)
3
105
Recalls, all years since 2005
22
42
Owner complaints (latest year)
14

Interest

23,294
Wikipedia views, 30 days
4,312

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2016
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Ford Explorer if…

It doesn't clearly beat the Rivian R1S on any measure we track.

Choose the Rivian R1S if…

  • You want an EV with more range (410 miles)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech
  • You put reliability history first (22 vs 105 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Ford Explorer

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

2026 Rivian R1S

  • Long EV rangeUp to 410 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Strong performanceUp to 533 hp, versus about 280 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Full 2026 Rivian R1S specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →