20-02-2025
Thinking about buying a 2025 Ford Explorer? Here are other top choices to consider
A popular nameplate among midsize three-row SUVs, the Ford Explorer has been around since 1991 as one of the most recognizable names in the segment.
Fast forward 34 years into the present and the Explorer continues to offer the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive with enough room to schlep the family.
For 2025, it gets a light makeover, with revised lighting and front fascia. Bigger changes await inside, with a new instrument panel and upgraded finishes, which it desperately needed. There's also a new 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen running new software that allows for video streaming when the vehicle is parked.
The Explorer Active, ST, and Platinum grades are powered by a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that returns an EPA-rated 23 mpg with all-wheel drive and 24 mpg with rear-wheel drive. The high-performance Explorer ST, which is standard, and the Platinum, which is optional, are powered by a 400-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. According to the EPA, expect to get 21 mpg. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds.
With a fairly firm ride and predictable handling, this Ford has plenty of room in the first two rows, while the third row is low and uncomfortable. Cargo space is average at 16 cubic feet, expanding to 85 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Still, you might wonder if there's something better out there. There just might for 2024, the Chevrolet Traverse looks more like a true SUV and even boasts a Z71 trim, which adds an off-road suspension, underbody skid plate, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. A 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google-based software and a wireless smartphone charging pad are standard.
Power comes from an unrefined 328-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can tow 5,000 pounds. Performance is nothing special, but the cabin is very spacious, with three rows and 23 cubic feet of cargo space that expands to 98 cubic feet.
Very much the middle child between the smaller CR-V and Larger Pilot, the Honda Passport costs as much as three-row rivals but only offers two rows. Those two rows are put to better use, with a 41 cubic foot cargo hold that expands to 74 cubic feet. There's also a rather small 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in the functional-not-flashy interior.
The Passport is equipped the way most buyers would want it, with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds.
Overall, the Passport is every bit a Honda with nimble handling and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Still, you can get a three-row SUV for three-row Hyundai Palisade offers a good imitation of a luxury vehicle at a mainstream price, with cabins trimmed in quilted Nappa leather and whitewashed wood trim. A punchy 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, 8-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive are standard, but you can also opt for all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds.
A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, and the cabin is awash in USB ports and power points. Cargo space is rated at 18 cubic feet, expanding to 86 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The feeling of luxury is accentuated by Hyundai's smooth driveline and quiet, comfortable ride. It also benefits from precise steering and modest body roll while cornering, although its Sport driving mode is unconvincing. Still, this is one righteous wagon.
The Palisade's mechanically identical corporate cousin and current cul-de-sac darling is well worth considering. The main difference is its design, which seems more appealing, but the Palisade's goodness can still be found here. Aside from the Volkswagen Atlas, the Hyundai and Kia are the only midsize SUVs to offer an adult-friendly third row, making them compelling competitors to the the Hyundai and Kia, the Mazda CX-90 has upper-class aspirations despite being a mainstream three-row, 8-passenger SUV. Powertrains include a mild hybrid 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder that generates 280 horsepower or 340 horsepower, depending on trim.
There's also a 323-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid that offers 26 miles of pure electric range. All powertrains get a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds with the Towing Package and 3,500 pounds without it. Its 14.9 cubic-foot cargo hold is the smallest here, but it does expand to more than 74 cubic feet.
Choosing refinement over ruggedness, the beautifully trimmed CX-90's adept athleticism, well-controlled body motions, perfectly weighted steering feel, and inline six-cylinder powerplant make it a paragon of smoothness. Mazda's infotainment system is the Achilles heel jere, with clunky software and a console-mounted controller.
Once a true SUV, the Nissan Pathfinder is now little more than a suburban road warrior. Its 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 feeds the front wheels through a 9-speed transmission, although all-wheel drive is offered. Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive and 6,000 pounds with all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder boasts a 17 cubic-foot cargo bay, expanding to 81 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
Power is adequate, but the transmission is slow to downshift when more juice is requested. The steering is light, and bumps are noticeable but do not filter through. While handsome, the Pathfinder's biggest advantage is its tow rating. Otherwise, you'll find it competent, if you'd like a Subaru with three rows, this is your ride of choice. With standard all-wheel drive, power comes from a 260-horsepower turbocharged flat-four engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission.
As you might imagine, this is not an exciting vehicle to drive. There's a lot of body lean in corners, the steering is fairly light, and the transmission isn't quick to offer up more power. At least the ride is comfy, and towing is rated at 5,000 pounds.
The Ascent also offers a decent tech package, with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, eight USB ports, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large, easy-to-hit buttons. The first two rows prove spacious, although the third one seems tight. Cargo space is rated at 18 cubic feet or 87 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Toyota's spacious three-row SUV offers a comfortable ride, light steering, a composed driving manner, and impressive cargo space. How much? How about 21 cubic feet, expanding to 96 cubic feet? Sweet, right? And because it's four inches longer than the standard Highlander, the third row is adult-friendly.
As you'd expect, there's a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless smartphone charging as standard.
Power comes from an adequate 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. You can also opt for a 245-horsepower hybrid or 382-horsepower Hybrid Max option, all with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. Regardless of the powerplant, towing is rated at 5,000 pounds, and its 36-mpg fuel economy rating may be the best Volkswagen Atlas has always offered three adult-sized rows along with generous cargo space—in this case, 21 cubic feet, which expands to 97 cubic feet. The 12-inch infotainment screen is beautifully integrated into the instrument panel, and the cabin's trim has been drastically upgraded for a much finer feel.
Being a VW, it won't surprise you that the Atlas's power is generated by a 269-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard, although the SE can be had with front-wheel drive. The Atlas is surprisingly smooth, quiet, and refined, with the turbo four providing the requisite power. The ride remains stable yet remarkably absorbent, lending a premium feel.
The Ford Explorer helped define the midsize SUV class decades ago, but there are many fine competitors in today's market. Each has its distinct advantages, be it Toyota's outstanding fuel economy, the Chevrolet Traverse's roominess, Nissan's towing capacity, or the Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda's class-above aspirations.
Having so many options gives buyers a lot of choice, so settling for the Ford is no longer a given.
Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
