Ford Explorer vs the field
Every head-to-head WhichTrim has scored for the Explorer: 25 comparisons against 15 rivals across the 2025–2026 model years, each on price, fuel, safety, space, performance, tech and warranty from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data — the weights yours to change on any of them.
,_front_12.20.24.jpg){kind=link}
By rival
15 rivals · verdicts at default weightsJeep Grand CherokeeExplorer leads 2–0
Toyota HighlanderHighlander leads 2–0
Kia TellurideTelluride leads 1–0
Hyundai PalisadePalisade leads 1–0
Honda PilotPilot leads 1–0
Mazda CX-90CX-90 leads 2–0
Toyota 4Runner4Runner leads 2–0
Toyota SequoiaSequoia leads 2–0
Toyota Grand HighlanderGrand Highlander leads 2–0
Nissan PathfinderPathfinder leads 2–0
Chevrolet Tahoelevel 1–1
Jeep WagoneerWagoneer leads 2–0
Toyota Land CruiserLand Cruiser leads 1–0
Clear win 6+ points · Edge 2–6 · Toss-up under 2. Open any pair for the scorecard, the biggest gaps in words and the sliders.
Where the Explorer wins and loses
25 scored head-to-headsThe Explorer leads on fuel & range in 18 of 25; it trails on safety in 20 of 25, tech & comfort in 3 of 5. Category scores are 0–100 from the data on each pair page; a lead here means the Explorer scored higher in that category, whatever the weights.
| Category | Explorer leads | Trails | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel & range | 18 of 25 | 7 | 0 |
| Safety | 5 of 25 | 20 | 0 |
| Tech & comfort | 2 of 5 | 3 | 0 |
Common questions about the Ford Explorer head-to-heads
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Ford Explorer wins clearly, 90.2 to 48.7, on tech & comfort, safety, fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Ford Explorer comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 100 to 63.1, on safety, fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Ford Explorer). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride edges it, 90.4 to 85.4, on safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Kia Telluride comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Kia Telluride). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Ford Explorer or the Hyundai Palisade?
The Hyundai Palisade wins clearly, 93.2 to 69.7, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Hyundai Palisade comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Ford Explorer or the Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot wins clearly, 96.2 to 74.3, on tech & comfort, safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Honda Pilot comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Ford Explorer). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Where does the Ford Explorer win and lose against its rivals?
The Explorer leads on fuel & range in 18 of 25; it trails on safety in 20 of 25, tech & comfort in 3 of 5. Every count comes from the category scores on the pair pages linked above, which use EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press-kit data.
How does WhichTrim decide which vehicle wins?
Each of seven categories — price, fuel and range, safety, space and cargo, performance, tech and comfort, warranty — is scored 0–100 from the data on the page. Relative measures give 100 to the better vehicle and a proportional share to the other; NHTSA stars and the Safety Signal use their own scales. The overall score is the weighted mean at the default weights (price 4, safety 4, fuel 3, tech 3, space 2, performance 2, warranty 2). A margin of 6 points or more is a clear win, 2 to 6 an edge, under 2 a toss-up. Every pair page has sliders to set your own weights.