2019 Ford Explorer vs. Its Competition

2019 Ford Explorer XLT Desert Copper Edition
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

Good three-row crossover SUVs are plentiful.

Great ones are harder to find, but the versatile Honda Pilot comes to mind with its roomy interior, superlative safety record, and excellent value proposition.

The Dodge Durango charms with its sporty driving dynamics and available V-8 power, even if it’s old school in too many ways.

The GMC Acadia is on the small end for a three-row vehicle but is worth considering if maximum passenger hauling isn’t your goal.

For those who need to seat more than five, the Chevrolet Traverse handles the job especially well.

This year’s newcomer is the excellent Subaru Ascent, the perfect vehicle for families that outgrew their Outbacks.

2019 Ford Explorer XLT Desert Copper Edition2019 Ford Explorer
Browse Used Listings		2019 Chevrolet Traverse2019 Chevrolet Traverse
Browse Used Listings		2019 Dodge Durango2019 Dodge Durango
Browse Used Listings		2019 GMC Acadia2019 GMC Acadia
Browse Used Listings		2019 Honda Pilot2019 Honda Pilot
Browse Used Listings		2019 Subaru Ascent2019 Subaru Ascent
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
4.8
The 2019 Ford Explorer has many virtues, but its replacement can’t come soon enough.
6.4
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is bigger and more butch, but still every bit as good for a bunch.
5.7
The muscle-SUV 2019 Dodge Durango offers engaging handling and powerful engines, but it's falling behind in terms of safety.
6.0
The 2019 GMC Acadia doesn’t stand out but is a solid choice for those who only need a third row occasionally.
7.0
Subtle upgrades make the 2019 Honda Pilot a must-see for three-row crossover shoppers.
6.8
The 2019 Subaru Ascent isn’t another quirky hatchback-wagon-crossover thing—it’s a mainstream hit and Subaru will be better for it.
MSRP From     
$32,365$29,930$30,445$29,000$31,450$31,995
Gas Mileage     
16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded V-6Gas V6Regular Unleaded V-6Gas I4Regular Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4
EPA Class     
Standard SUV 2WDSport Utility VehiclesN/A2WD Sport Utility VehicleSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 4WD
Style Name     
Base FWDFWD 4-Door L w/1L0SXT RWDFWD 4-Door SLLX 2WD2.4T 8-Passenger
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel
Passenger Capacity     
785788
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility4 DoorSport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODCVT w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Chevrolet Traverse2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Dodge Durango2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 GMC Acadia2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Honda Pilot2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Subaru Ascent