***
The Ford Explorer kicked off the SUV revolution that has since taken over the United States auto industry. Boxy SUVs became the first choice for family vehicles thanks to their ample cargo and passenger space along with an elevated ride. But the Explorer now competes with a massive field of impressive midsize SUVs. Here are some of the best alternatives available.
Ford Explorer Alternatives
Alternative Midsize Three-Row SUVs
The Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV, offering seating for seven in addition to cavernous cargo space. But it's not the only choice out there.
Honda Pilot
Current generation first year: 2016
Average CarMax price
Edmunds rating: 8.2
Pick because: Better fuel economy than rivals
Pass because: More expensive than the competition
The Honda Pilot is a truly impressive all-around SUV. Its storage, while not at the top of the class, is more than enough for most families. And its fuel economy (up to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving) is very impressive for a vehicle of its size. The first two rows are spacious and easy to access, while the third row is fine for adults as long as the drive isn't too long. The Pilot kicked off its fourth generation in 2023, but we're big fans of the third-generation Pilot, which ran from 2016 all the way to 2022. Its smooth ride, roomy interior, and impressive fuel economy add up to a compelling SUV.
Volkswagen Atlas
Current generation first year: 2018
Average CarMax price
Edmunds rating: 8.0
Pick because: Massive cargo area
Pass because: Interior controls are a chore to use
We think the Volkswagen Atlas is a great choice if you need to haul a lot of gear. Its 96.6 cubic feet of storage (with seats folded down) is seriously impressive thanks to the lie-flat seats in the second and third rows. The third row is also more adult-friendly than rivals, with enough headroom and legroom for most adults (or very, very big kids). If we have a complaint, it's the touchscreen infotainment system and some of the Atlas' other interior controls on 2021 and newer models. We're also not impressed with either available engine when it comes to power. They're fine but worse than the competition when it comes to getting up to speed on a highway on-ramp.
Kia Telluride
Current generation first year: 2020
Average CarMax price
Edmunds rating: 8.4
Pick because: Lots of standard driver aids
Pass because: Fuel economy is disappointing
Kia introduced the Telluride in 2020 and immediately made a big impact. It was named Edmunds Top Rated SUV in 2022 and 2023 thanks to its impressive tech, ample standard driver aids, and an upscale interior. All this at a price that often undercuts competitors like the Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas. We were disappointed in its fuel economy, though. The EPA estimates the Telluride will get up to 22 mpg in combined driving, which lags behind the competition. And when Edmunds owned a Telluride for a year, we averaged just 19.3 mpg. But its roomy interior is great for a car full of adults and its total cargo space (87.7 cubic feet) is mighty impressive.
Hyundai Palisade
Current generation first year: 2020
Average CarMax price
Edmunds rating: 8.3
Pick because: Comfortable seating and ride quality
Pass because: Disappointing fuel economy
The Hyundai Palisade shares a lot with the Kia Telluride (Kia and Hyundai are part of the same company), but it differs in style and some feature availability. It suffers from so-so fuel economy, just like the Telluride, but its interior styling feels a bit fancier than the competition. It's also quite roomy, providing plenty of space for adults in the third row, and cargo space is ample. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and lane keeping assistance all come standard on every Palisade, making it a standout when it comes to standard driver aids.
Toyota Highlander
Current generation first year: 2020
Average CarMax price
Edmunds rating: 7.9
Pick because: Above-average fuel efficiency
Pass because: Third row is cramped
We think the Toyota Highlander is tough to beat when it comes to practicality. Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent and it's comfortable to drive. Fuel efficiency is also a standout, as the EPA estimates the front-wheel-drive Highlanders get 25 mpg in combined driving. (All-wheel-drive Highlanders get 24 mpg.) So, what's the catch? The third row is cramped for adults and tall kids—and its cargo space is a tad worse than middle of the pack (84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded). But the Highlander offers a quiet ride, easy-to-use tech, and driver aids like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning on every model. There is a new, larger Toyota Grand Highlander with a more generous third row, but since it just went on sale last year they're hard to find used.
Conclusion
We dig the Ford Explorer's roomy cargo space and powerful engine. But it's far from the only compelling three-row SUV available. From the Kia Telluride to the Toyota Highlander, there's an SUV that fits your—and your family's—needs.
Jake Sundstrom has worked in the automotive industry since 2017 and written hundreds of car related articles over the course of his career. Jake is an editor at Edmunds, where he helps produce the best used car content on the web. He has also contributed to the National Hot Rod Association and other motorsport publications. When he's not writing about cars, he's probably driving them to his next vacation; he's still working out how to get a Wrangler from Los Angeles to Maui.
Edmunds is a wholly owned subsidiary of CarMax.
