Ford Explorer EcoBoost 300 vs Cupra Terramar: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Explorer EcoBoost 300 hits 100 km/h in 6.71 s versus 8.31 s for the Terramar. Despite lacking instant torque, 305 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Explorer EcoBoost 300 leads by 1.60 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Explorer EcoBoost 300 is doing 127 km/h against 116 km/h for the Terramar. The gap is 0.87 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Explorer EcoBoost 300 crosses the line in 14.92 s versus 16.25 s. The 1.33 s gap represents roughly 52 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Explorer EcoBoost 300 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 173 km/h versus 160 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Explorer EcoBoost 300 finishes in 27.09 s versus 29.41 s, with a 2.32 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (220 vs 214 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The Explorer EcoBoost 300 features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Terramar’s FWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Electronically capped at 220 km/h, the Explorer EcoBoost 300 never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 13.30 seconds. The 1.60 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.