2013 Ford Explorer vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.