Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Porsche Macan GTS 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Also called:

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2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test
2017 Ford Explorer: Full Review | Platinum, Sport, Limited & XLT
2017 Ford Explorer UNBOXING Review - Why Even Bother With A BMW X5?
2017 Ford Explorer: Review
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2016 Ford Explorer Test Drive review by CarNichiWa.com
2016 Ford Explorer Limited - Review, Walkaround
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2018 Porsche Macan vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio Snowy Review
2018 Porsche Macan GTS Review: Curbed with Craig Cole
2017 Porsche Macan S: Review
2017 Porsche Macan 4 cylinder--SURPRISINGLY GOOD!
2018 Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Package TECH REVIEW
2022 Porsche Macan review // Updated power, looks and interior
NEW Porsche Macan GTS Review: Great Or Good?
Porsche Macan 2018 review
Average Price: 
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
77,200
Updated: 
01 Feb 2018
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2018
Total Seating: 
7
5
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
7-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
19.80gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424
Color: 
Agate Grey Metallic
#47484A
Black
#000000
Carrara White Metallic
#FFFFFF
Dark Blue Metallic
#3A475A
Impulse Red Metallic
#8C0E24
Mahogany Metallic
#4C3B33
Carrara White Metallic
#EFF0F1
Rhodium Silver Metallic
#E6E6E6
Sapphire Blue Metallic
#254578

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

The 2018 Porsche Macan is unchanged.We like the balance of price and performance you get in the Macan S. It has more capability than you'll likely ever need, yet it is still tame enough for daily driving. As for options, the Premium Package Plus is a good place to start since it adds a nice grouping of desirable equipment without getting too fancy with the customization possibilities.

PROS
Quick acceleration regardless of engine choice
Most athletic and engaging to drive SUV in its segment
Surprisingly comfortable and composed ride
Long list of options means you can customize every last detail

CONS
Must pay for numerous stand-alone options to get full-featured cabin
Less rear-seat and cargo space than segment competitors

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2018 Porsche Macan ranked #4 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Porsche Macan has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Outstanding acceleration
Nimble handling and quiet ride
Posh interior
User-friendly infotainment system

Cons
Subpar fuel economy
Undersized cargo hold
More expensive than most rivals

By: 
usnews.com

The 2018 Porsche Macan is the performance pick among compact crossovers because of course it is. Purists may scoff, but we don’t much care.

Pros
Breathtaking speed from a small crossover
Plenty of optional goodies
GTS model hits a performance sweet spot
Fit and finish is perfectly Porsche

Cons
Gets expensive in a hurry
Oddly shaped cargo area
Did we mention it can crest six figures?
No manual transmission. Don’t even ask.
Back seats aren’t really all that spacious

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Premium Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
16.00mpg
17.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
23.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
v
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.60L
Torque: 
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
406ft-lbs
at 1 350rpm
Horsepower: 
365hp
at 5 500rpm
400hp
at 6 000rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
40.00Feet
39.20Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
185.00in
Width: 
78.90in
76.10in
Height: 
71.00in
63.40in
Ground Clearance: 
7.80in
7.80in
Front Track: 
65.20in
Rear Track: 
65.00in
Wheel Base: 
112.80in
110.50in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
Rear Head Room: 
40.60
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
39.50in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.80in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
81.70cu.ft
53.00cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
4409lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
17.70cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
15.60degrees
26.60degrees
Angle of Departure: 
20.90degrees
23.60degrees
Curb Weight: 
4901.00lbs
4244.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
no
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
4 one-touch power windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
14 -way power passenger seat
14-Way Power Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Sport Front Seats
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Leather
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback
Split-folding rear seatback
Folding with storage center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning
Three Zone Climate Control
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
yes
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
yes
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system
USB connection
Radio data system
545 watts stereo output
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
1 Subwoofer(S)
Bose Premium Brand Speakers
Speed Sensitive Volume Control
Memory Card Slot
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
14 Total Speakers

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Intermittent rear wiper
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Privacy glass
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 in
19 X 9
Wheels more: 
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
All season tires
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R19

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Adaptive headlights
High pressure washers headlamps
Turn signal mirrors
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear height adjustable headrests
Tire pressure monitoring
Self-leveling headlights
Adaptive headlights
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System
Adaptive Cruise Control w/Porsche Active Safe (PAS)
Cornering Lights
Rear Center 3-Point Belt

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Deviated Stitching Package
Sport Chrono Package In Conjuction W/Porsche Communication Manager (PCM)
Sport Chrono Package
Interior Package Painted
Turbo Exterior Package
Premium Package Plus
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
19" Macan Design Wheels
ParkAssist (Front and Rear)
Thermal and Noise Insulating Privacy Glass
Stainless Steel Skid Plate (Front)
Porsche Entry and Drive
20" RS Spyder Design Wheels
ParkAssist (Front and Rear)
Automatically Dimming Mirrors
Carbon Fiber Side Blades
Delete Model Designation
21" 911 Turbo Design Wheels
20" Summer Tires
Wheel Center Caps w/Full-Color Porsche Crest
19" Summer Tires
Fuel Cap in Aluminum Look
Roof Rails In Aluminum Finish W/Roof Transportation System
Roof Rails In Black
Roof Rails In Aluminum Finish
Snow Chains
21" Sport Classic Wheels In Black
Decorative Valve Stems In Silver W/Colored Porsche Crest
Racing Bike Carrier W/Front Wheel Holder
19" Sport Classic Winter Wheel-And-Tire Set, Platinum Satin
Ignition Starter Switch Painted
"Porsche" Logo Painted
Sport Tailpipes In Black
Sport Tailpipes
Window Trim In Black (High-Gloss)
Roof Box In Black (High-Gloss), 11.3 Cu. Ft.
Thermally & Noise Insulated Glass
Roof Box In Platinum Satin, 11.3 Cu. Ft.
Panoramic Roof System
Tinted LED Taillights
Ski/Snowboard Holder, Pull-Out
Trailer Hitch W/Out Tow Ball
Outdoor Car Cover
Indoor Car Cover
Bicycle Rack
LED Headlights W/Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
Bi-Xenon Headlights In Black W/Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console
Heated Multifunction Sport Steering Wheel in Carbon Fiber
14-Way Power Seats w/Memory Package
Gear Selector in Aluminum
Dark Walnut Interior Package
Carbon Fiber Interior Package
Heated Multifunction Sport Steering Wheel in Dark Walnut
Porsche Crest on Headrests (Front and Rear)
Leather Key Pouch
Burmester High-End Surround Sound System
Telephone Module w/Cordless Handset
Telephone Module
Voice Control
Electronic Logbook
3-Zone Climate Control
Electronic Logbook
Sunblind for Rear Side Windows
Seat Ventilation (Front)
Cargo Management System
Fire Extinguisher
6-Disc CD/DVD Changer
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Seat Belts in Agate Grey
Whitewashed Oak Interior Package
Heated Multifunction Sport Steering Wheel In Whitewashed Oak
Illuminated Personalized Door-Sill Guards In Carbon Fiber
Footrest For Rear Passenger Compartment
Key Pouch In Black Alcantara, Stitching In Black
Luggage Net, Loadspace Floor
Bose Surround Sound System
Door-Sill Guards In Carbon Fiber
Illuminated Personalized Door-Sill Guards In Brushed Aluminum
Illuminated Door-Sill Guards In Carbon Fiber
Illuminated Door-Sill Guards In Brushed Aluminum
Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment
Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment Plus
Compass On Dashboard
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Guards Red
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Agate Grey
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Racing Yellow
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Racing Yellow
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Acid Green
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Black
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Pebble Grey
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Espresso
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Pebble Grey/Garnet Red
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Luxor Beige/Saddle Brown
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Luxor Beige/Black
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Garnet Red
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Steel Grey
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Garnet Red/Pebble Grey
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Titanium Blue
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Luxor Beige
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Mahogany
Color Selection For Stitching In Deviated Thread- Saddle Brown
Heated Multifunction Steering Wheel In Alcantara
Vehicle Key Painted W/Key Pouch In Leather
Instrument Dials In White
Center Console Armrest W/Model Logo
Center Console Armrest W/Porsche Crest
Seat Console In Leather
Personalized Floor Mats W/Leather Edging
Rear-View Mirror In Leather
Sun Visors In Leather
Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment In Leather
Air Vents In Leather
Personalized Reversible Loadspace Mat W/Leather Edging And Sill Protection
Steering Column Casing In Leather
Deviated Seat Centers
Extended Interior Package, Dashboard Trim In Leather
Deviated Stitching Package And Deviated Seat Centers
Leather Interior Package
Smoking Package
Sunblind For Rear Side Windows
Ski Bag
Seat Belts In Saddle Brown
Seat Heating (Front And Rear)
Seat Belts In Garnet Red
Seat Belts In Agate Grey
Seat Belts In Luxor Beige
Seat Belts In Pebble Grey
Instrument Dials In Luxor Beige
Instrument Dials In Garnet Red
Sport Chrono Clock Or Compass In Garnet Red
Seat Belts In Espresso
Sport Chrono Clock Or Compass Dial In White
Sport Chrono Clock Or Compass In Luxor Beige
Air Vent Slats Painted
18-Way Adaptive Sport Seats W/Memory Package
Seat Ventilation (Front)
Luggage Compartment Liner, Flat
Luggage Compartment Liner, High
Porsche Bluetooth Headphones
Leather Care Kit
Car Care Kit
12V Cooling Bag
Luggage Compartment Liner W/Variable Organizer System
Piano Black Interior Package

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789
Color: 
Agate Grey, leather
#594F44
Agate Grey, leather/sueded microfiber
#62584D
Agate Grey/Pebble Grey, premium leather
#BEBEBD
Black, leather/sueded microfiber
#070707
Black/Garnet Red, leather
#953E3E
Black/Garnet Red, leather
#000000
Black/Garnet Red, premium leather
#612C2C
Espresso, premium leather
#382925
Luxor Beige, leather
#A08560
Luxor Beige, leather/sueded microfiber
#8E734E
Saddle Brown, leather
#595048
Saddle Brown/Luxor Beige, premium leather
#433A32