Ford Explorer vs Toyota Fortuner: Which Should You Buy in Bahrain?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Toyota Fortuner⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Bahrain.

⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Toyota Fortuner⁩: the verdict

The Ford Explorer emerges as the superior choice for buyers prioritizing powerful performance, advanced features, and a spacious interior for family comfort. Its robust engine options and quicker acceleration offer a more dynamic driving experience. However, the Toyota Fortuner presents a compelling alternative for those seeking a more budget-friendly and traditionally rugged SUV, albeit with less power and cabin refinement.
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Price Comparison
Starting at16,740 – 20,550 BHD13,100 – 17,750 BHD
Engine & Power
Engine2,300 – 3,300 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,700 – 4,000 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)285 – 400 hp160 – 235 hp
Torque (Nm)353 – 563 Nm245 – 376 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.5 – 7.1 s9 – 12 s
Top Speed (Km/h)180 – 237 km/h180 – 187 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)7.8 – 11.7 L/100km12 – 12.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity67 L80 L
Gears106
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.8 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m2.8 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,970 – 2,132 kg1,524 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)515 L348 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats7 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBreakover AngleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDual Exhaust TipDVD PlayerDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHybridInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportManual ACMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun Flat TiresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSuperchargerTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsToolkitTorqueTorque SteerTouchscreen SizeTowing HookTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - SteelWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)AirbagsAnti theft alarmAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored MirrorsCargo Area LightCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFabric SeatsFog Lamp - Front and RearFog Lamps - Front OnlyFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHeadlight WashersHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsManual ACMap Reading LampsMP3Multi-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNumber of SpeakersOdometerPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRadioRear AC VentsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoof RailsRoof SpoilerScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTouchscreenTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUrethane Steering WheelUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyXenon Headlamps

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Ford Explorer, with its top-tier 400 hp engine and 5.5-second acceleration, delivers a far more exhilarating drive than the Fortuner, making it ideal for those who value power and speed.

2

Best for Family Comfort & Cargo

Offering a generous 515 L of trunk capacity and a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space, the Ford Explorer is the clear winner for families needing ample room for luggage and occupants.

3

Best for Value-Oriented Buyers

The Toyota Fortuner is the more affordable option, starting at 13,100 BHD, making it an excellent choice for buyers seeking a reliable 7-seater SUV without breaking the bank.

4

Best for Long-Distance Touring

With its larger 80 L fuel tank capacity, the Toyota Fortuner allows for longer stretches between refueling stops, which is advantageous for extended road trips.

Pros & cons

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Significantly higher maximum horsepower (400 hp)
  • Much faster acceleration (as quick as 5.5 seconds)
  • More advanced 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Larger trunk capacity (515 L)
  • Longer and wider for superior interior space

Cons

  • Higher starting price
  • Smaller fuel tank capacity
  • Heavier kerb weight

Toyota Fortuner

Pros

  • Lower starting price (from 13,100 BHD)
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (80 L)
  • Lighter kerb weight (1,524 kg)
  • Option for Rear Wheel Drive (in addition to AWD)

Cons

  • Significantly lower maximum horsepower (235 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (up to 12 seconds)
  • Less advanced 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Smaller trunk capacity (348 L)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner better for families in Bahrain?

The Ford Explorer is generally better for families due to its more powerful engines, faster acceleration, and significantly larger trunk capacity of 515 L. It provides a more comfortable and spacious experience for both passengers and cargo, making it ideal for daily family use and road trips.

Which SUV offers better performance, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

The Ford Explorer offers superior performance. Its top engine delivers up to 400 hp and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.5 seconds, compared to the Fortuner's maximum of 235 hp and 9-second acceleration. For those prioritizing power and speed, the Explorer is the clear winner.

What is the price difference between the Ford Explorer and Toyota Fortuner in Bahrain?

The Toyota Fortuner is more affordable, with prices starting from 13,100 BHD. The Ford Explorer has a higher starting price of 16,740 BHD, reflecting its more premium features, greater power, and larger dimensions.

Which has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner?

The Ford Explorer boasts significantly more cargo space with a trunk capacity of 515 L. In contrast, the Toyota Fortuner offers 348 L of trunk space. For buyers who frequently carry a lot of luggage or groceries, the Explorer provides much more versatility.

Is the Ford Explorer or Toyota Fortuner more fuel-efficient?

The Ford Explorer can be more fuel-efficient in some configurations, with its most efficient variant achieving 7.8 L/100km. The Toyota Fortuner's fuel economy ranges from 12 to 12.6 L/100km, making the Explorer a better choice for those prioritizing lower fuel consumption.