The Ford Explorer 2025 with its bold styling, powerful engines, and available BlueCruise hands-free driving takes on top rivals: Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. We break down where the Explorer shines, where it trails, and how it stacks up for real-world American driving—from highway cruising to light trails. Ready to pick your next family SUV? Let's dive in!
Ford's Philosophy: Built for Adventure
The Ford Explorer isn't just another crossover—it's designed for freedom and exploration. Ford's DNA is about inspiring drivers to go further, whether it's cruising I-405 in Los Angeles or hitting backroads on Route 66. With Terrain Management System, EcoBoost turbo engines, and available BlueCruise, the Explorer delivers power, tech, and confidence on any road. But how does it hold up against the competition in the U.S. market? Let's compare.
Tackling American Roads: Capability and Ground Clearance
U.S. roads throw everything at SUVs—potholes in cities, snow in the Midwest, gravel paths in national parks. The Ford Explorer offers 7.6–8.2 inches of ground clearance (depending on trim) and Terrain Management (modes for snow, mud, sand) to handle dirt roads in Colorado or snowy highways confidently. Full-time 4WD and the sport-tuned ST suspension add stability on rough pavement. The third row (32.2 inches of legroom) is a bit tight for long family trips with adults.
The Kia Telluride (8.0 inches) and Hyundai Palisade (7.9 inches) offer slightly less clearance but softer suspensions for smoother rides over bumps. The Honda Pilot (7.3 inches) excels in urban driving but lags off-road. Toyota Grand Highlander (8.0 inches) strikes a balance between city and light trails, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee L (8.4 inches, available air suspension) rules serious off-road with Quadra-Trac II. The Explorer wins on versatility, but the Jeep edges it on tough terrain.
Power and Performance: Who Leads on the Highway?
On the open road, acceleration and confidence matter. The Ford Explorer ST packs a 400-hp engine (415 lb-ft, 0–60 mph in 5.2 seconds)—a beast that outruns the class. Its 10-speed automatic and sport suspension deliver thrill, plus 5,000-lb towing capacity for boats or trailers. Comparatively, the Kia Telluride (291 hp, ~6.8 sec) and Hyundai Palisade (291 hp, ~6.9 sec) are less exciting but tow similarly. Honda Pilot (285 hp, ~7.0 sec) and Toyota Grand Highlander (265 hp, ~7.2 sec) prioritize efficiency over power. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L (357 hp, ~6.2 sec, up to 6,200 lbs towing) is close but thirstier. Speed lovers pick the Explorer ST every time.
Future-Proof Tech: Who's the Smartest?
Today's SUVs are rolling tech hubs. The Ford Explorer features a 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience screen with Google Maps integration, Alexa, and BlueCruise 1.2 (hands-free highway driving, subscription after trial). Climate controls via screen can be distracting, though. Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer 12.3-inch displays that are more user-friendly. Honda Pilot (9-inch screen) feels dated, while Toyota Grand Highlander (12.3-inch) keeps it basic. Jeep Grand Cherokee L's 10.1-inch Uconnect wins on ease. Explorer leads in cutting-edge features, but Telluride and Palisade feel more practical day-to-day.
Comfort and Space: Family-Friendly or Practical?
For American families, room and comfort are key. The Ford Explorer provides 18.2 cu ft behind the third row (up to 87.8 cu ft max) and 40.9 inches of second-row legroom, but the third row (32.2 inches) is snug for grown-ups. Kia Telluride (21 cu ft, up to 87 cu ft) and Hyundai Palisade (18 cu ft, up to 86 cu ft) feel roomier, especially for kids. Toyota Grand Highlander leads cargo (20.6 cu ft to 97.5 cu ft max), while Honda Pilot (18.6 cu ft to 83.9 cu ft) is close. Jeep Grand Cherokee L (17.2 cu ft to 84.6 cu ft) trails in cargo, and its glossy interior trim attracts fingerprints. Grand Highlander and Telluride win for big families; Explorer balances well for most.
Ownership Costs: What's the Real Price Tag?
In the U.S., buyers look beyond sticker price to fuel, maintenance, and parts. The Ford Explorer Active starts around $40,000 MSRP (higher trims like ST reach ~$55,000). Fuel economy (20/29 mpg city/hwy RWD) and 5-year ownership costs (~$14,000–$17,000 including fuel, service, insurance) make it competitive. Kia Telluride (~$36,000–$52,000, ~$13,500–$16,500 over 5 years) and Hyundai Palisade (~$37,000–$54,000, ~$13,000–$16,000) benefit from strong warranties. Honda Pilot (~$40,000–$54,000) and Toyota Grand Highlander (~$43,000–$54,000, ~$14,000–$17,000) are similar. Jeep Grand Cherokee L (from ~$39,000 to $65,000+, ~$15,000–$18,000) costs the most. For value, Palisade shines, but Explorer justifies its price with performance and tech.
| Model | Starting MSRP (approx.) | Fuel Economy (city/hwy mpg) | Est. 5-Year Ownership Costs | Cargo Max (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | $40,000–$55,000 | 20/29 | $14,000–$17,000 | 87.8 |
| Kia Telluride | $36,000–$52,000 | 20/26 | $13,500–$16,500 | 87 |
| Honda Pilot | $40,000–$54,000 | 19/27 | $13,500–$16,500 | 83.9 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | $43,000–$54,000 | 21/28 | $14,000–$17,000 | 97.5 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $37,000–$54,000 | 19/26 | $13,000–$16,000 | 86 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | $39,000–$65,000+ | 18/25 | $15,000–$18,000 | 84.6 |
Popularity in the U.S.: What's Trending?
In 2025, three-row SUVs dominate family sales, and the Ford Explorer remains a leader thanks to strong U.S. reputation (over 150,000 units sold recently). Buyers love its power and road adaptation, though Ford service networks are solid but not as widespread as Toyota or Hyundai. Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade surge in popularity for value and warranties. Toyota Grand Highlander draws reliability seekers, Honda Pilot versatility fans. Jeep Grand Cherokee L appeals to off-road enthusiasts despite higher costs. Explorer stands out for those wanting excitement and tech, while Palisade and Telluride win on everyday affordability.
Pros & Cons: Straight Talk
- Ford Explorer: Power (up to 400 hp in ST), BlueCruise, versatile capability. Drawback—tight third row, higher fuel use.
- Kia Telluride: Spacious, intuitive interface, long warranty. Drawback—less punch, average off-road.
- Hyundai Palisade: Value, warranty, roomy cabin. Drawback—interior plastics, milder performance.
- Honda Pilot: Agile handling, AWD, reliability. Drawback—smaller screen, lower clearance.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Massive cargo, efficiency. Drawback—noisier cabin, slower acceleration.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L: True off-road ability, towing, Uconnect. Drawback—pricey, fingerprint-prone trim.
Final Verdict: Why the 2025 Ford Explorer Could Be Your Pick
The 2025 Ford Explorer is the SUV for drivers who want to stand out. Its up-to-400-hp engine and BlueCruise turn every drive into an event—whether blasting down the interstate or exploring scenic byways. It's perfect for enthusiasts craving performance and families okay with a snug third row for the sake of tech and power. Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade suit big families prioritizing space and savings. Toyota Grand Highlander is for practicality lovers, Honda Pilot for all-rounders, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L for trail conquerors. On American roads that demand versatility, the Explorer delivers a compelling mix of muscle and innovation—just budget for fuel and maintenance.
