2012 Ford Explorer vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.6 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

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Aug 28, 2011

The Explorer isn't the only crossover to roll over the SUV Rubicon.

Technically, the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee are crossovers, since they're intended mostly for on-road driving, though those fantastic vehicles have a bit more off-road prowess than today's Explorer does.

We can't figure out what happened to the Honda Pilot, which had been a top pick in the class, but now has less flexibility and a more plasticky interior, not to mention over-the-top SUV cues that look cartoonish for a Honda.

We like the GM crossover triplets, and the GMC Acadia may be our favorite of all: it's a little narrower than an Explorer, but the traditional ute looks are married to a fine V-6 drivetrain and on Denali models, a luxe interior.

2012 Ford Explorer Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Dodge Durango Get FREE Price Quote	2012 GMC Acadia Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Honda Pilot Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.6 It's a rifle shot at the heart of the crossover market: the 2012 Ford Explorer gives any SUV loyalist a reason to leap off their very high horse.	8.4 Call it the anti-crossover: the Dodge Durango does SUV dirty work, but carries itself like a civilized family wagon.	8.2 The 2012 GMC Acadia: better for people than a big SUV, better looking than a minivan.	8.6 The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-8.	7 If you can get past the garish grille and overwrought look, the 2011 Honda Pilot is a fine family vehicle, with minivan-like interior space and decent performance.
MSRP From
$28,280	$28,995	$32,835	$27,195	$28,320
Gas Mileage
17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
FWD 4dr Base	2WD 4dr SXT	FWD 4dr SL	RWD 4dr Laredo	2WD 4dr LX
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
7	7	8	5	8
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	4	N/A
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door	Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door Sport Utility
Transmission
Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/OD