2013 Ford Explorer vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.8 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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Jan 2, 2013

If you're cross-shopping crossovers, the bulk of them don't even pretend to cater to the more adventurous drivers.

Of those, we like the GM crossover triplets best, 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.

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.

When the need for something more rugged arises, 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.

Either one's an excellent pick, but the Jeep's only a five-seater, while the Durango comes with a third-row bench.

2013 Ford Explorer Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Dodge Durango Get FREE Price Quote	2013 GMC Acadia Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Honda Pilot Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.8 The Ford Explorer trades some trail-riding and towing for on-road driving lessons, and comes out fluent.	8.4 A composed family hauler most of the time, the 2013 Dodge Durango isn't afraid of getting its hands dirty when it needs to.	8.2 The 2013 GMC Acadia's chiseled, rugged look masks a family-friendly cabin and smooth street performance.	7.6 The 2013 Honda Pilot looks tough and truck-like from the outside, yet inside it's one of the better family haulers.	8.4 The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee blurs the SUV-crossover line expertly; better transmissions are at the top of the wish list.
MSRP From
$29,100	$29,495	$34,050	$29,520	$27,695
Gas Mileage
16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas/Ethanol 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 SLE w/SLE-1	2WD 4dr LX	RWD 4dr Laredo
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
7	7	8	8	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door	Sport Utility	Sport Utility
Transmission
Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic