Acura RL vs. Ford Explorer Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Acura RL vs. Ford Explorer

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Model Year	2011	2007	2007	2007
Model	RL	Explorer	Explorer	Explorer
Trim	Base	XLT	Eddie Bauer	Limited
Engines (hide)
3.7L V6 OHC-4v 303 hp@6300 273 lb-ft@5000
4.0L V6 OHC-2v 210 hp@5100 254 lb-ft@3700
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950
Transmissions (hide)
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
AWD
RWD
4WD w/low range
Final Drive Ratios (hide)
3.73 axle ratio
Tires (hide)
245/45VR18 tires
235/70R16 tires
245/65R17 tires
235/60R18 tires
235/65R18 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Bose, 260W, 10 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 80W, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 190W, 7 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
Active noise reductionCancels out interior noise by playing the opposite noise through the vehicle's speakers.   [?]
Cancels out interior noise by playing the opposite noise through the vehicle's speakers.
Adaptive cruise controlAutomatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.   [?]
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.
Cruise control
Keyless entry keypadUnlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.   [?]
Unlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Power-adjustable pedalsPedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.   [?]
Pedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote startStart the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.   [?]
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.
Remote window/roof operationOperate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Sunshade, rear, powerGreatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window. Includes the value of manual rear shade.   [?]
Greatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window. Includes the value of manual rear shade.
Sunshades, second rowGreatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.   [?]
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.
Tilt steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Automatic braking, high-speed or partialIf collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking.   [?]
If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Daytime running lights (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Forward collision warningAlerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.   [?]
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Front side airbagsTorso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Full-size spare tire
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Radar- or camera-based collision preparation systemPrepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat   [?]
Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.   [?]
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo cover
Cargo net
Class II trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.   [?]
Hitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Class III trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.   [?]
Hitch rated for up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Console with shifter
Overhead sunglass holderUsually part of an overhead console.   [?]
Usually part of an overhead console.
Rear seat pass-throughUsually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.   [?]
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.
Roof rack crossbarsRequires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.   [?]
Requires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.
Roof railsNo crossbars.   [?]
No crossbars.
Second-row high consoleSecond-row center console that rises to armrest height, and usually includes storage.    [?]
Second-row center console that rises to armrest height, and usually includes storage.
Storage beneath cargo floorLarge storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.   [?]
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Trailering equipment (4 wire)Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.   [?]
Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.
Trailering equipment (7 wire)Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers.   [?]
Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Electrically heated windshieldLayer within windshield creates heat, quickly melting ice on the windshield.   [?]
Layer within windshield creates heat, quickly melting ice on the windshield.
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rear air ventsVents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.   [?]
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.
Rear air vents with manual controlsFan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.   [?]
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear HVAC unitA second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.   [?]
A second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.
Rear wiper
Speed-sensitive wipersOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Drivetrain (hide)
Active rear differentialActively splits power between the left and right rear wheels, which generally yields sportier handling.   [?]
Actively splits power between the left and right rear wheels, which generally yields sportier handling.
Exterior (hide)
Bodyside claddingProtective cladding extending partly onto the doors.   [?]
Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors.
Bodyside moldingsMoldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.   [?]
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Bright-finished fuel doorChrome or satin-painted fuel door.   [?]
Chrome or satin-painted fuel door.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Paint, special white
Power-deployable running boards
Running boards
Special exterior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sunroof
Tubular side steps
Tubular side steps, bright finish
Wheel-lip moldingsExtensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.   [?]
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Infotainment (hide)
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, in-dashIncludes CD player.   [?]
Includes CD player.
CD player
DVD-Audio-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.
Entertainment system, ceiling-mountedA DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.   [?]
A DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Surround sound
Traffic + travel informationInformation about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Automatic-off headlightsHeadlights automatically turn off.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn off.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Power-folding mirrorsMirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.   [?]
Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row 3-person bench
Second-row buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Second-row 3-section 3-person split bench
Third-row 2-section 2-person split bench
All-weather floor matsAll-weather floormats.   [?]
All-weather floormats.
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Cooled or ventilated front seats
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seatManually adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seatManually adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Manual recliner, second row seats
Memory system, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power lumbar adjuster, passenger seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power-folding headrests, second row seatsFold at press of a button on the instrument panel, to improve rearward visibility.   [?]
Fold at press of a button on the instrument panel, to improve rearward visibility.
Power-folding third row seatsSeat powers flat to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual folding seat, and includes the value of that feature.   [?]
Seat powers flat to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual folding seat, and includes the value of that feature.
Special interior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Synthetic suede inserts in leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.   [?]
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Wood trimReal wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.   [?]
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheelReal wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.   [?]
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
All-season tires
All-terrain tiresOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Alloy wheels
Machined alloy wheelsOuter surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.   [?]
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.
Polished alloy wheelsAlloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau   [?]
Alloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau
White-letter tiresThe letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.   [?]
The letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.
Transmission (hide)
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.
Transmission coolerOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.

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