Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Ford Explorer | Mercedes-Benz R-Class | |
Engine | 4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 268 hp@6000 258 lb-ft@2400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 113.7 in | 126.6 in | -12.9 in |
Length | 193.4 in | 203.0 in | -9.6 in |
Width | 73.7 in | 75.7 in | -2 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 65.4 in | 7.4 in |
Curb Weight | 4531 lb. | 4629 lb. | -98 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 25.1 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 60.3 in | -1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 0.0 in | 55.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.4 in | 39.8 in | 2.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 40.4 in | -1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 59.6 in | -0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 0.0 in | 55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 36.2 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.4 in | 37.2 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 53.1 in | 52.8 in | 0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 45.3 in | 0.0 in | 45.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.9 in | 32.4 in | 2.5 in |
Total Legroom | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | 108.4 in (over 3 rows) | 5.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.6 ft3 | 15.3 ft3 | -1.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.9 ft3 | 42.2 ft3 | 1.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.7 ft3 | 85.0 ft3 | -1.3 ft3 |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Very roomie see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seats are big enough and comfortable enough for an adult. 2nd row seats are the best captain chairs I have ever sat in in a car. Glass roof gives additional room appearance. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Great front view, comfortable seats. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There is excellent legroom in the middle and rear seats. All four recline. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Outstanding room in the second row- tons of leg room. Very comfortable see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Three different lumbar pumps...don't seem to be very different in what is inflated. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |