
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.
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Quick Specs | ||||
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 Hwy | 13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas V6 | Gas 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 4-Door Base | 2WD 4-Door Express | FWD 4-Door SL | 2WD 4-Door LX | RWD 4-Door 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 | ||||
4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Durango | 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 GMC Acadia | 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Honda Pilot | 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee |