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Ford Explorer vs Hyundai Ioniq 3
At a glance
In this comparison, Ford Explorer stays competitive across the board, while the Hyundai Ioniq 3 leads on value for money, motorway range and family practicality.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai Ioniq 3 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you have a family - it has the best combination of boot space, safety, and rear legroom
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 wins almost every category - it's the clear choice unless price is the deciding factor.
ValueHyundai
Ford
6.1
Hyundai
7.2
Motorway RangeHyundai
Ford
3.5
Hyundai
4.7
FamilyHyundai
Ford
6.7
Hyundai
8.2
ChargingHyundai
Ford
4.6
Hyundai
7
Cost Per MileHyundai
Ford
3.5
Hyundai
9.5
City DrivingHyundai
Ford
5.4
Hyundai
8.3
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
- 60 miles more WLTP range
- 32 kW more power
- 0.8s quicker 0-62 mph
- 250 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Hyundai Ioniq 3Advance 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £35,185 | £22,245 (better) |
| Official range | 273 miles (better) | 213 miles |
| Boot space | 470 L (better) | 441 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 25 min (better) | 29 min |
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec (better) | 8.8 sec |
Size Comparison
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Ford Explorer
Hyundai Ioniq 3
Length
Ford Explorer4,468mm
Hyundai Ioniq 34,155mm-313mm
Width
Ford Explorer1,872mm
Hyundai Ioniq 31,800mm-72mm
Height
Ford Explorer1,630mm
Hyundai Ioniq 31,505mm-125mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Hyundai Ioniq 3Advance 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,468 mm | 4,155 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,872 mm | 1,800 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,063 mm (better) | 2,100 mm |
| Height | 1,630 mm | 1,505 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.9 m | 10.4 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 528 mm spare | 600 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Hyundai Ioniq 3Advance 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear legroom | 916 mm | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L (better) | 441 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1460 L (better) | 1213 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,000 kg (better) | 750 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Ford Explorer
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Hyundai Ioniq 3
- 3rd-largest boot among hatchback EVs in our catalogue at 441 L.
- Eligible for the full £3,750 UK Electric Car Grant, one of 8 hatchback EVs we track that qualifies for the top band.
- Peak DC charging of 119 kW, faster than 90% of hatchback EVs in our catalogue.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Ford Explorer Style 58kWh |  Hyundai Ioniq 3 Advance 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.47m | 4.16m-313mm |
| Width | 1.87m | 1.80m-72mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.06m | 2.10m+37mm |
| Height | 1.63m | 1.50m-125mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.77m | 2.68m-87mm |
| Ground Clearance | 193mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L (better) | 441L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1460L (better) | 1213L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear Legroom | 916mm | Not available |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.9m | 10.4m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,908kg | 1,550kg (better) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000kg (better) | 750kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 58kWh (better) | 42.2kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 273 mi (better) | 213 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 105kW | 119kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £35,185 | £22,245 (better) |
| Price after EV grant | £33,685 (-£1,500) | £18,495 (-£3,750) (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | Hatchback |
| Available | 2026+ | 2026+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Hyundai Ioniq 3Advance 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 273 miles (better) | 213 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 183 miles (better) | 178 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 25 min (better) | 29 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 105 kW | 119 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 164 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 58 kWh (better) | 42.2 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | Not available |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 400V |
| 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 | Hyundai Ioniq 3Advance 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec (better) | 8.8 sec |
| Power | 140 kW (better) | 108 kW |
| Torque | 310 Nm (better) | 250 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Ford Explorer
Style 58kWh
Hyundai Ioniq 3
Advance 42kWh
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
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)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Ford ExplorerStyle 58kWh | Hyundai Ioniq 3Advance 42kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | Not available |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | Not available |
Buying options
Get a quote
Ford Explorer
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Hyundai Ioniq 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer worth the extra £12,940 over the Hyundai Ioniq 3?
The Ford Explorer costs £12,940 more than the Hyundai Ioniq 3. For that premium it adds 60 miles more WLTP range, 32 kW more power and a 0.8s quicker 0-62mph time. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Ford Explorer or the Hyundai Ioniq 3?
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is £12,940 cheaper to buy. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is cheaper to charge, roughly £136 a year versus £176 for the Ford Explorer, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Hyundai Ioniq 3 comes out roughly £13,140 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 Hyundai Ioniq 3 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 183 miles for the Ford Explorer and 178 miles for the Hyundai Ioniq 3 - effectively matched, and both well below their WLTP figures because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 25-29 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Ford Explorer or the Hyundai Ioniq 3?
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 72 mm narrower than the Ford Explorer. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 600 mm of total clearance for the Hyundai Ioniq 3 and about 528 mm of total clearance for the Ford Explorer. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 also turns in a 0.5 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
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 Hyundai Ioniq 3 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 Hyundai Ioniq 3 rank among the cheapest EVs after the grantWhere the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Ioniq 3 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Ioniq 3 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Ioniq 3 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Ioniq 3 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Ioniq 3 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 .