Three-row SUVs are big—literally and figuratively.
The Explorer competes against very stiff competition, including two of our Best Car To Buy winners.
The Kia Telluride won last year thanks to its good looks and better value.
(The Hyundai Palisade is related but wears a different look.) The Honda Pilot is a BCTB alum too, but time and tech has caught up to it.
The Chevy Traverse is big inside, but it lacks anything compelling otherwise.
The GMC Acadia is smaller than the bunch but offers a tough-looking off-road version that may appeal to some.
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 2021 Ford Explorer#4 in Large SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Chevrolet Traverse#13 in Large SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 GMC Acadia#10 in Large SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Honda Pilot#8 in Large SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Hyundai Palisade#2 in Large SUVs Get Your Price |  2021 Kia Telluride#1 in Large SUVs Get Your Price |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list. |
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is a big family mover with an update on the way next year. |
The 2021 GMC Acadia shines most brightly in turbo-4 spec, but rival three-row crossovers put out more lumens. |
The 2021 Honda Pilot does a solid impression of a minivan, minus the cultural baggage. |
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade builds a bridge to luxury with three rows of seats, big touchscreens, and quilted leather. |
The 2021 Kia Telluride earns our Best Car To Buy nod with its excellent features, warranty, space, and style. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $32,225 | $29,800 | $29,800 | $32,550 | $32,525 | $32,190 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Standard SUV 2WD | Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Small SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| Base RWD | FWD 4-Door L | FWD 4-Door SL | LX 2WD | SE FWD | LX FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility | Sport Utility | 4 Door | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Chevrolet Traverse | 2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 GMC Acadia | 2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Honda Pilot | 2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Hyundai Palisade | 2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Kia Telluride | |
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