Shopping for a 2025 Ford Explorer? Here’s What Experts Say You Should Look At Instead

A tried and true classic with some appealing alternatives

The Ford Explorer is one of the mainstays of the midsize SUV segment and one that it helped create. The 2025 Ford Explorer continues that legacy with three rows of seating, anywhere from 16 to 85 cubic feet of cargo space, up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, and up to 165 pounds of roof capacity. With all of that put together, it’s no wonder that the Explorer remains a popular choice among buyers.

Power comes courtesy of a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Inside, a 13.2-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard.

The Explorer’s performance will certainly meet all of your expectations. What it doesn’t do, and its competitors do, is surpass them in any particular way. While the Ford Explorer remains a solid entry in the class, you might want to look at these competitors instead. 

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot possesses the traits found in so many Honda vehicles, namely a responsive driveline that inspires confidence behind the wheel.

Power is adequate for the class, with a standard 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, although all-wheel drive is optional. The off-road TrailSport trim provides an extra inch of ground clearance, along with the requisite gear for light-duty off-roading. Towing is rated at 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.

Cargo space is impressive at 19 cubic feet, growing to 89 cubic feet with the seats stowed. It can also carry an additional 165 pounds of cargo on its roof. A seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard but opt for an upper trim level, and it grows to nine inches and gains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade proves to be a very competitive entrant in this segment, thanks in part to its 3.8-liter DOHC V6 that funnels 291 horsepower to the front wheels or all four. There are three spacious rows, anywhere from 18 to 86 cubic feet of cargo space, and a roof that can carry 220 pounds of items.

A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. Better yet, the Palisade can be filled with indulgent features, like a head-up display, dual sunroofs, heated steering wheel, Wi-Fi hotspot, rear heated seats, and quilted Nappa leather seating.

The Palisade’s relaxed demeanor and tranquil manner are complemented by its precise steering, modest body roll, and plenty of powertrain punch.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L slots between the smaller Grand Cherokee and the larger Wagoneer. It is powered by a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic with rear—or four-wheel drive. It can tow up to 6,200 pounds, has 17-to-85 cubic feet of cargo space, and has a 220-pound roof load capacity.

This is the SUV to have if you’re a serious off-roader, with 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water-fording ability. Its on-road demeanor reflects its off-road agility, returning a quiet ride and capable handling for such a big boy. 

An 8.4—or 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, while tonier models have a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, a 10.3-inch passenger screen, and dual 10.1-inch rear screens. 

Kia Telluride

More so than the Hyundai Palisade, its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride, belies its price, particularly on pricier models. Quiet, comfortable, and sophisticated, it plays the part of a luxury SUV without the corresponding price tag. No wonder it’s the current cul-de-sac sweetheart.

Like its cousin, the Telluride has a potent 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. The cargo capacity ranges from 21 to 87 cubic feet, a roof rack is rated at 165 pounds, and its towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard.

Mazda CX-90

With its subtle elegance and sophisticated finishes, the CX-90’s elegance is far above its price. However, its sleek urbanity is undermined by its infotainment system, which is controlled by a clunky, console-mounted controller. Power comes from a 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder mild hybrid system with 280 horsepower or 340 horsepower depending on the trim.

There’s also a 323-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid with 26 miles of pure electric range. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds with the Towing Package and 3,500 pounds without it. The The CX-90’s cargo capacity ranges from 15 to 74 cubic feet with a roof that can hold 210 pounds.

While it is athletic, there’s no hiding its size and weight. Thankfully, the nicely weighted steering and well-controlled body motions make it rewarding to drive. It’s a true class act – except for its infotainment.

Toyota Grand Highlander

This is the SUV in the gray flannel suit, a bit of family hauler orthodoxy that isn’t exciting but performs with a comprehensive competence that renders it the ultimate automotive butler: seen, but not heard. For many buyers, the Highlander’s strength comes from Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability and good resale value. 

Being four inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and 2 inches taller than the Highlander, there are three voluminous rows and 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to a minivan-like 97.5 cubic feet if you need it. Its roof can also haul 165 pounds.  A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a wireless smartphone charging pad are among the standard tech features in the cabin.

A 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. You can also opt for a 245-horsepower or 365-horsepower hybrid with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as well.

Final thoughts

If you’re in the market for a three-row, family-hauling SUV, there are plenty of choices. While the Ford Explorer is certainly sufficient, there are others that outclass it, whether it’s the Mazda’s on-road athleticism, the Jeep’s off-road athleticism, the Kia’s upscale allure, the Hyundai’s generous feature content, or the Honda’s driving pleasure. There are plenty of unique choices beside that of the Ford Explorer that are well worth, um, exploring.