Ford Explorer: Top Alternatives for 2025

The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize, three-row sport utility with a long history on the market.

As times have changed, so has the Explorer, always keeping with consumer trends and remaining popular.

Known for style, spaciousness, and capability, the Explorer is a top seller in the utility market.

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What’s New for 2025?

For the 2025 model year, the Ford Explorer has dropped the hybrid engine option from its lineup. Other than this significant change, the Explorer carries over unchanged, maintaining its diverse range of eight trims.

Ford Explorer Top Competitors Comparison Summary

Ford Explorer: Known for its versatility with various trims and powertrain options, including hybrids. It caters to a wide range of needs, from off-road adventures to performance driving.
Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer: The Telluride offers a similar range of versatility with its trims but stands out with its styling and upscale feel. While both have strong capability features, Telluride’s design and luxury aspects might appeal more to those looking for a premium feel.
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Ford Explorer: The Traverse focuses more on interior space and comfort, making it a better option for those prioritizing passenger and cargo room over the Explorer’s broader range of capabilities and powertrain options.
Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: The Highlander, especially in its hybrid form, offers better fuel efficiency than the Explorer. It’s a strong contender for buyers prioritizing eco-friendly driving without sacrificing versatility.
Honda Pilot vs. Ford Explorer: The Pilot provides a comparable level of technology and safety features but focuses more on interior comfort and a smoother ride. It’s an excellent alternative for families who value reliability and a more conservative design approach.

1. Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride Alternatives to Ford Explorer

The Kia Telluride receives mild styling upgrades for 2025 but remains largely unchanged, maintaining its appeal with a range of trims from the well-equipped LX to the luxurious SX Prestige and the off-road-capable X-Pro models.

Its combination of style, space, and capability keeps it at the forefront of the 3-row midsize SUV market.

The Kia Telluride edges closer to luxury, making it appealing for those who want an upscale experience without moving into luxury brand territory.

Current Kia Telluride Deals & Incentives

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2. Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet Traverse Alternatives to Ford Explorer

The Chevrolet Traverse offers spacious seating and cargo capacity, making it an ideal choice for families.

For 2025, it continues to provide a comfortable ride and a powerful V6 engine, ensuring it remains competitive in the segment for those prioritizing interior space and comfort.

The Chevrolet Traverse excels in providing spacious interiors that are suitable for large families or those needing significant cargo space.

Current Chevrolet Traverse Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month’s Chevy deals

3. Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Alternatives to Ford Explorer

The Toyota Highlander, including its hybrid variant, offers a blend of efficiency, reliability, and technology.

The 2025 model year brings updates that enhance its appeal, particularly for buyers looking for a versatile SUV that balances performance with fuel economy.

The Toyota Highlander is the go-to for fuel-conscious buyers, especially with its efficient hybrid option.

Current Toyota Highlander Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month’s Toyota deals

4. Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot Alternatives to Ford Explorer

The Honda Pilot has been updated for 2025 to offer more technology, enhanced safety features, and a more comfortable interior.

It remains a top choice for families, offering a spacious cabin and a smooth ride, along with a reputation for reliability.

The Honda Pilot is ideal for those seeking a reliable family vehicle with a focus on comfort and a smooth driving experience.

Current Honda Pilot Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month’s Honda deals

Frequently Asked Questions

The Chevrolet Traverse outclasses all others on this list by a landslide for most cargo room.

When it comes to the vehicles we’ve listed above, the most comparable SUV is arguably the Honda Pilot. The Honda Pilot, like the Ford Explorer, is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating, catering to families needing plenty of passenger space. Both vehicles offer similar cargo capacities, and they provide comparable fuel efficiency. They also have a suite of safety and technology features, including infotainment systems with smartphone integration.

The Pilot’s V6 engine performance aligns well with the base engine of the Explorer. However, the Explorer offers additional high-performance engine options. Regarding price, the Honda Pilot tends to be in the same ballpark as the Ford Explorer, making it a worthy competitor for those considering the Explorer.

While the other SUVs (Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander) have many similar characteristics and could also be considered comparable to the Ford Explorer, the overall attributes of the Honda Pilot align most closely.

The two are about the same size, but the Ford Explorer is a bit longer and taller than the Toyota Highlander.

The three-row segment is heavy with options right now. Those with an open mind could also look towards minivans, full-size SUVs, and even some entry-level luxury options for alternatives.

The Explorer has a hybrid variant for 2021. Ford is planning an electric and perhaps plug-in electric Explorer, but those are future products not yet on the dealer’s lot. The Toyota Highlander has a hybrid option as well.