
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers. |
The 2017 Buick Enclave is a good-looking SUV for families and one of the better-aging GM cars in recent memory. |
The 2017 Dodge Durango tows like an SUV, drives like a crossover—but crash test scores are a dull spot. |
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. |
The 2017 Honda Pilot is a capable, refined crossover SUV with all the goodness of a minivan, save for the sliding doors. |
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 Hwy | 15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded V-6 | Gas V6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 |
EPA Class | |||||
Standard SUV 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | N/A | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
Base FWD | FWD 4-Door Convenience | SXT RWD | FWD 4-Door SLE w/SLE-1 | LX 2WD | 75th Anniversary Edition 4x2 *Ltd Avail* |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | 4 Door | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Buick Enclave | 2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Dodge Durango | 2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 GMC Acadia | 2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Honda Pilot | 2017 Ford Explorer vs. 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee |