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.
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 2013 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Dodge DurangoBrowse Used Listings |  2013 GMC AcadiaBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Jeep Grand CherokeeBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The Ford Explorer trades some trail-riding and towing for on-road driving lessons, and comes out fluent. |
A composed family hauler most of the time, the 2013 Dodge Durango isn't afraid of getting its hands dirty when it needs to. |
The 2013 GMC Acadia's chiseled, rugged look masks a family-friendly cabin and smooth street performance. |
The 2013 Honda Pilot looks tough and truck-like from the outside, yet inside it's one of the better family haulers. |
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 | $29,795 | $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 4-Door Base | 2WD 4-Door SXT | FWD 4-Door SLE w/SLE-1 | 2WD 4-Door LX | RWD 4-Door Laredo Altitude *Ltd Avail* |
| 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 |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 Dodge Durango | 2013 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 GMC Acadia | 2013 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 Honda Pilot | 2013 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
