The Ford Explorer's main competition is probably the GM trio of the Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Chevy Traverse, which are being replaced across their brand lineups.
The Acadia came first, and it pairs a downsized body with leaner engines, less pleasant cabins, and somewhat stiff handling.
The Enclave appears late in the 2018 model year, while the Traverse goes on sale in a few months.
The Explorer posts up directly against the Dodge Durango, another affordable three-row crossover SUV that still offers V-8 power and some Mercedes roots hidden well by its Toyota-esque shape.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is more off-road ready than the Explorer, and it has gorgeous and pricey models that now top off with Hellcat V-8 power.
The Honda Pilot is our pick for moderately expensive three-row utility: it’s safe, has flexible seats in its vast interior, and draws power from a big V-6, though its infotainment system is meh and its handling sometimes feels wobbly.
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 2018 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Buick EnclaveBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Dodge DurangoBrowse Used Listings |  2018 GMC AcadiaBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Jeep Grand CherokeeBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2018 Ford Explorer has pulled off a graceful transition from clumsy off-roader to genteel family wagon. |
The 2018 Buick Enclave hones its appeal with beautiful style, much-improved handling, and no-nonsense technology. |
The 2018 Dodge Durango prioritizes fun over practicality, but we’re fine with that. |
The 2018 GMC Acadia is a solid, if not stand-out choice among mid-size crossovers with seating for up to seven. |
The 2018 Honda Pilot ranks among the very best three-row crossover SUVs; it’s all about the packaging. |
Only poor crash test scores keep the Grand Cherokee down, as this talented family hauler offers luxury and utility and buyers can choose off-road capability, track talent, or even more luxury. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $32,140 | $39,995 | $29,995 | $29,000 | $30,900 | $30,895 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 11 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 SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| Base FWD | FWD 4-Door | SXT RWD | FWD 4-Door SL | LX 2WD | Altitude 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 | |||||
| 2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Buick Enclave | 2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Dodge Durango | 2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 GMC Acadia | 2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Honda Pilot | 2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
