7 Great Ford Explorer Competitors: Which Alternatives Stack Up

Published November 1, 2023
in Car Comparisons

Ford Explorer driving through the desert

The Ford Explorer is one of the most competitive models from the iconic brand, known for its reliability on the road. It’s easily one of the best compact SUV selections on the market, but there are many excellent alternatives on the market. If you’re interested in other options, you might wonder - what are the best Ford Explorer competitors on the market?

If you’re interested in learning more about the Ford Explorer alternatives on the market, you’ve come to the right place. It’s always a good idea to be informed about your options before investing. Read on to learn more about seven of the top competitors, whether you want something with high value or excellent features.

Honda Pilot

First on our list of Ford Explorer competitors is the Honda Pilot. This car is much bigger than the Ford Explorer, providing more room for passengers and their cargo. For families, it’s one of the best vehicles available for the practicality of its size.

According to automobiles.honda.com, here are the features you will find in the Honda Pilot:

Seating for up to eight people
Available all-wheel drive system
Up to 5,000-pound towing capacity

It’s a valuable car with many practical additions.

If you want the Honda Pilot for your next vehicle you will find it for a starting price of $37,090. Although it isn’t the best in styling, it beats out the Ford Explorer in the space available for cargo and people on the road.

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Toyota Highlander

Next up is the Toyota Highlander. This vehicle is the epitome of the soccer mom car, offering excellent safety features and excellent driver assistance technology to keep everyone in one piece. It beats out the Toyota Highlander in the safety features it offers in the environment.

According to toyota.com, here are the features you will find in the Toyota Highlander:

Up to 5,000-pound towing capacity
²²⁄₂₉ highway and city MPG
Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive drivetrain

There’s much fun to be had with these features in the system.

If you’re looking into the Toyota Highlander, you will find it for a starting price of $36,620. If you want safety and assistance, this machine is your best bet.

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is one of the most popular cars from Kia for a reason, and it’s also a solid competitor for the Ford Explorer. This car is stylish, and comfortable, and offers all of the top technology for drivers to enjoy.

According to kia.com, you will find the following in the Kia Telluride:

Seating for up to eight people
Available dual panoramic displays
17 standard driver assistance features

There are many excellent additions to the Kia Telluride.

If you’re looking into the Kia Telluride, you will find it for a starting price of $35,990. It’s a stylish replacement with practical features for an alternate Ford Explorer.

Nissan Pathfinder

Next up is the Nissan Pathfinder. This vehicle wins out for its extensive storage features hidden inside the car, including small cubbies and other elegant pockets to maximize the storage room in the vehicle.

According to nissanusa.com, here are some features available in the Nissan Pathfinder:

284 horsepower
6,000-pound towing capacity
²¹⁄₂₇ MPG on the city and highway

There are many valuable additions here to the Pathfinder.

If you’re interested in this car, you will find it for a starting price of $35,810. If you want a vehicle that will maximize storage for you and your family, the Pathfinder is the best Explorer replacement.

THE BEST TWO-SEATER CARS

If you’re in the market for a speedy two-seater, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best two-seater cars on the market today.

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is an excellent car if you, again, want to increase the cargo and passenger space available in your vehicle. It’s one of the best family SUVs, which does mean you lose a little on fuel economy.

According to chevrolet.com, here are some features you will find in the Chevrolet Traverse:

¹⁸⁄₂₇ city and highway MPG
98.2 cubic feet of cargo storage
5,000-pound towing capacity

There are many excellent features here.

If you want the Chevrolet Traverse, you will find it for a starting price of $34,520. It’s made incredible use of storage in its system.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is another practical alternative to the Ford Explorer, offering something closer to a crossover than an SUV. It also offers excellent driver-assistance features to keep those inside safe.

According to hyundaiusa.com, you will find the following features in the Hyundai Santa Fe:

Four powertrain options to choose from on the market
277 horsepower on the fastest engine
Multiple options, including a hybrid selection

There’s plenty to love with the Hyundai Santa Fe.

If you’re looking into the Hyundai Santa Fe, you will find it for a starting price of $28,750. It’s an affordable vehicle with tons of kick inside the upgraded trims.

8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.

Mazda CX-9

Last up on our list of Ford Explorer competitors is the Mazda CX-9. This vehicle wins in the styling department, offering an incredible appearance on the inside and outside.

According to caranddriver.com, here are the features you will find in the Mazda CX-9:

Engaging driving on the road
Excellent trim in the cabin
Quality exterior and interior appearance

These make the Mazda CX-9 popular to look at.

If you’re interested in the Mazda CX-9, you will find it for a starting price of $40,125. It beats out the Ford Explorer in appearance by far.

Final Thoughts

There are many choices for Ford Explorer competitors, from the Mazda CX-9 to the Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s a good idea to explore all available options to determine which car will best suit your needs. The Explorer might work for some while being less-than-ideal for others.

We hope this information is valuable! The more you know about what you can buy that’s similar to the Ford Explorer, the easier it will be to make the right choice for your life. It’s up to you to determine the best vehicle selection for your driving needs.

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