New 2026 Ford Explorer Competitors
The new Ford Explorer faces stiff competition in the midsize SUV segment. Its primary rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride. Each of these vehicles offers a unique blend of features, capabilities, and price points, making the competitive landscape quite diverse.
Comparison Table
The following table compares the key specifications, features, and pricing of the 2026 Ford Explorer to its main competitors:
| Feature | Ford Explorer | Chevrolet Traverse | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot | Kia Telluride |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| Seating Capacity | 7-8 | 7-8 | 7-8 | 7-8 | 7-8 |
| Engine Options | 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.0L EcoBoost | 3.6L V6, 2.7L Turbo | 3.5L V6, 2.5L Hybrid | 3.5L V6 | 3.8L V6, 2.2L Diesel |
| Horsepower | 300 hp, 400 hp | 310 hp, 257 hp | 295 hp, 243 hp | 280 hp | 291 hp, 201 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft, 415 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft, 260 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft, 236 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft, 325 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 5,600 lbs, 6,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs, 5,300 lbs | 5,000 lbs, 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs, 5,100 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19 mpg / 27 mpg, 16 mpg / 22 mpg | 18 mpg / 27 mpg, 20 mpg / 28 mpg | 21 mpg / 29 mpg, 36 mpg / 35 mpg | 20 mpg / 27 mpg | 19 mpg / 26 mpg, 22 mpg / 29 mpg |
| Starting Price | $37,000 | $35,000 | $36,000 | $39,000 | $34,000 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers several advantages over its competitors. It boasts a powerful and efficient engine lineup, a spacious and well-equipped interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it falls short in terms of fuel economy and towing capacity compared to some rivals.
The Chevrolet Traverse offers a lower starting price and better fuel economy, while the Toyota Highlander provides a more fuel-efficient hybrid option. The Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride offer more spacious interiors and higher towing capacities.
Competitive Landscape
The midsize SUV segment is highly competitive, with each manufacturer vying for market share. The Ford Explorer has a strong reputation and loyal customer base, but it faces challenges from newer and more advanced competitors. To maintain its position in the market, Ford must continue to innovate and improve its product offerings.
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and capable midsize SUV. While it may not be the best in every category