2017 Ford Explorer vs. Its Competition

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package
Aaron Cole Aaron Cole Managing Editor

The Ford Explorer's main competition is probably the GM trio of the Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Chevy Traverse, which are all mechanically related.

The Explorer doesn't offer the same looks as the Acadia, or the same comfort as the Enclave, or the same brute-force versatility as the Traverse—but it's more well-rounded than each of those three separately.

More often the Explorer may be compared to the Dodge Durango, which is also an affordable three-row crossover SUV, isn't as refined as the Explorer, but offers traditional V-8 power.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is more off-road ready, if you're looking for that.

The Honda Pilot is an outside pick, but doesn't offer the same tech as the Explorer.

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package2017 Ford Explorer
Browse Used Listings		2017 Buick Enclave Sport Touring Edition2017 Buick Enclave
Browse Used Listings		2017 Dodge Durango2017 Dodge Durango
Browse Used Listings		2017 GMC Acadia2017 GMC Acadia
Browse Used Listings		2017 Honda Pilot2017 Honda Pilot
Browse Used Listings		2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
6.7
The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.
7.2
The 2017 Buick Enclave is a good-looking SUV for families and one of the better-aging GM cars in recent memory.
6.7
The 2017 Dodge Durango tows like an SUV, drives like a crossover—but crash test scores are a dull spot.
7.3
The 2017 GMC Acadia wears its new, smaller size well, offering good room for up to seven, improved dynamics and fuel economy, plenty of features, and a touch of family luxury.
7.5
The 2017 Honda Pilot is a capable, refined crossover SUV with all the goodness of a minivan, save for the sliding doors.
7.7
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a benchmark SUV; it's a luxury vehicle, a talented off-roader, a scalding-hot track runner, and a family wagon extraordinaire.
MSRP From     
$31,660$39,065$29,995$29,070$30,745$30,395
Gas Mileage     
16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded V-6Gas V6Regular Unleaded V-6Gas I4Regular Unleaded V-6Regular Unleaded V-6
EPA Class     
Standard SUV 2WD2WD Sport Utility VehicleN/A2WD Sport Utility VehicleSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 2WD
Style Name     
Base FWDFWD 4-Door ConvenienceSXT RWDFWD 4-Door SLE w/SLE-1LX 2WD75th Anniversary Edition 4x2 *Ltd Avail*
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
775785
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport Utility VehicleSport Utility4 DoorSport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Buick Enclave2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Dodge Durango2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 GMC Acadia2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Honda Pilot2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee