The Ford Explorer at Premier Ford Inc. has been a familiar name in the three-row SUV market for decades, and the current lineup covers a range of driving needs. Its rear-wheel-drive-based platform, turbocharged engines, available Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD), and 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity suit everything from weekday commuting to weekends outside the city.
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander are two natural alternatives. Both provide three rows and room for up to eight, giving them an advantage for larger families. The Ford Explorer seats up to seven and takes a more performance-focused direction, particularly with the ST and Tremor trim levels.
Performance and Capability
A 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers most Ford Explorer models, generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission handles shifting. The Ford Explorer ST uses a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
The Honda Pilot relies on a 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Toyota gives Grand Highlander shoppers several choices, including a 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine and two hybrid systems. Its Hybrid MAX powertrain develops 362 horsepower. Buyers focused on fuel economy may find the Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid options especially relevant.
The Ford Explorer Tremor addresses different types of driving. Standard Intelligent 4WD pairs a Torsen limited-slip rear axle with all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and an off-road-tuned suspension. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance can come in handy during winter weather or weekends that take you beyond paved streets around Brooklyn.
Three-Row Seating and Cargo Space
The Ford Explorer seats six or seven, depending on the second-row configuration. It offers 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Available PowerFold third-row seats make it easier to switch between passenger and cargo duty.
Space is a bigger priority in the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. Both can seat up to eight. The Toyota Grand Highlander also has 20.6 cubic feet behind its third row and up to 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Those differences are worth considering for a Queens family that regularly uses every seating position. Seven seats may be plenty for many households, and the Ford Explorer pairs that capacity with a shorter overall length than the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Technology and Safety
A 13.2-inch touchscreen running Ford Digital Experience comes standard in the Ford Explorer, along with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Google Maps and Google Assistant integration can handle navigation and voice commands without relying entirely on a connected phone.
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander also include extensive infotainment and driver-assistance technology. Honda Sensing and Toyota Safety Sense cover functions such as collision mitigation, lane assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
Available Ford BlueCruise adds hands-free highway driving on compatible roads to selected Ford Explorer configurations, a useful feature for shoppers who spend long stretches on major highways outside New York City.
Towing and Family Usability
The Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and Ford includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package as standard equipment. The Honda Pilot and properly configured Toyota Grand Highlander models can also reach a 5,000-pound maximum.
Daily usability goes beyond a tow rating. The Ford Explorer has USB-C charging ports across all three rows, available second-row captain's chairs, roof rails, and a third row that folds for additional cargo room. Those details help when a Maspeth household needs one vehicle for school runs, grocery trips, luggage, sports gear, and weekend travel.
Key Differences Versus Popular Competing SUVs
The Honda Pilot emphasizes passenger capacity. Seating for up to eight and its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 make it an option for families that want an extra seat and traditional V6 power.
The Toyota Grand Highlander also seats up to eight and has more maximum cargo capacity than the Ford Explorer. Its hybrid options are particularly appealing to shoppers who want electrified power without moving to a fully electric SUV.
The Ford Explorer takes another direction. Rear-wheel drive is available, Intelligent 4WD can be added, and the lineup stretches from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost models to the ST trim's 400-horsepower output. The Ford Explorer Tremor adds hardware for rough roads and trails rather than relying on an appearance package alone.
Which Type of Shopper May Prefer the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer suits shoppers who need three rows and also care about what happens from the driver's seat. Its rear-wheel-drive-based architecture and 10-speed automatic transmission distinguish its basic mechanical layout from many family SUVs.
A Ridgewood, NY, shopper who needs eight seats or wants a hybrid powertrain has good reasons to consider the Honda Pilot or Toyota Grand Highlander. Someone who wants available V6 performance, a dedicated off-road configuration, or rear-wheel-drive-based handling may find more of what they want within the Ford Explorer lineup.
Shop the Ford Explorer Lineup Today at Premier Ford Inc
Browse our new inventory online or in person today at Premier Ford Inc to compare the latest Ford Explorer lineup and see which engine, drivetrain, seating configuration, and equipment package fit your driving needs.
Start your shopping experience online and explore financing and leasing options, then visit our showroom to learn more about the Ford Explorer and schedule a test drive.
