2011 Ford Explorer vs. Its Competition

2011 Ford Explorer
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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

It could be argued that the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee are crossovers, since they're going to be driven primarily on pavement.

Both are brand-new this year, and they're fantastic efforts, with better off-road ability than the Explorer, if a touch less avant garde inside.

The Honda Pilot used to be the best crossover on the market, but the new version has a plasticky interior and over-the-top SUV styling that detracts from its driving feel.

The GMC Acadia is a bit narrower inside than the Explorer, and lacks the high-tech onslaught, but it's still a fine crossover with a tasteful balance of sport-ute looks and capabilities.

2011 Ford Explorer2011 Ford Explorer
Browse Used Listings		2011 Dodge Durango2011 Dodge Durango
Browse Used Listings		2011 GMC Acadia FWD 4-door SLE Angular Front Exterior View2011 GMC Acadia
Browse Used Listings		2011 Honda Pilot 4WD 4-door Touring w/RES & Navi Angular Front Exterior View2011 Honda Pilot
Browse Used Listings		2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.6
The 2011 Ford Explorer a formidable shot right at the heart of the crossover market--one that's sure to pull some of the remaining SUV loyalists off their very high horses.
8.4
The 2011 Dodge Durango is the anti-crossover, especially with the HEMI and R/T trim, and if the world still sanctioned big SUVs for small families, the Durango would be elbowing its way to driveways everywhere.
8.2
The 2010 GMC Acadia strikes a good balance: more useful than full-size SUVs for passenger duty, yet a lot better-looking than a minivan.
7.0
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.
8.6
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one capable, good-looking crossover—and a welcome sign of life from Chrysler.
MSRP From    
$28,360$29,195$32,000$28,320$30,215
Gas Mileage    
17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6Gas/Ethanol V6
EPA Class    
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name    
FWD 4-Door Base2WD 4-Door ExpressFWD 4-Door SL2WD 4-Door LXRWD 4-Door Laredo
Drivetrain    
Front Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
77885
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/A4
Body Style    
4 Door4 Door4 Door4 Door Sport UtilitySport Utility Vehicle
Transmission    
Automatic w/ODAutomaticAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Durango2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 GMC Acadia2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Honda Pilot2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee