
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.
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Quick Specs | ||||
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. |
Call it the anti-crossover: the Dodge Durango does SUV dirty work, but carries itself like a civilized family wagon. |
The 2012 GMC Acadia: better for people than a big SUV, better looking than a minivan. |
Don't let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012. |
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-8. |
MSRP From | ||||
$28,280 | $28,995 | $32,835 | $28,620 | $27,195 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
17 MPG City / 25 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 4-Door Base | 2WD 4-Door SXT | 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 | ||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | 4 Door Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Dodge Durango | 2012 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 GMC Acadia | 2012 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Honda Pilot | 2012 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee |