In the crowded midsize SUV market, the 2025 Ford Explorer continues to lead the way, bringing unmatched power, technology, and versatility that meet the demands of families and adventurers alike. Competing models such as the 2025 Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90 each offer their own perks, but they lack the well-rounded excellence of the Ford Explorer. Let’s take a closer look at how the Explorer stacks up against these rivals, proving itself the most capable and advanced option in the class.
2025 Explorer vs. 2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot is known for its roomy interior and solid reputation for reliability, making it a popular choice among families. However, the Ford Explorer pulls ahead by delivering a more exciting drive, superior safety technology, and features designed specifically to meet the needs of both adventurous drivers and larger families. The Explorer is more than just an SUV—it’s a highly capable vehicle designed to tackle the variety of demands modern drivers face, whether they’re navigating city streets or taking on rougher terrain.
Unique Explorer Advantages Over the Pilot:
- Multiple Powertrain Options: While the Honda Pilot is limited to a single V6 engine, the Explorer gives drivers a choice between a turbocharged 4-cylinder and an available V6, providing enhanced performance for those who want extra power or better fuel economy.
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ with Advanced Features: The Explorer’s safety suite outpaces Honda’s with features like adaptive cruise control, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist, making it safer and easier to drive in crowded or unpredictable situations.
- Class-Leading Towing Capacity: The Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds, significantly more than the Pilot’s maximum, making it the better choice for families who plan to bring trailers, boats, or other equipment on their adventures.
- Off-Road-Ready Timberline Trim: The Timberline trim level on the Explorer is built for rugged exploration with features like underbody protection, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, while the Pilot lacks a dedicated off-road variant.
- SYNC® 4 Infotainment System: Ford’s SYNC® 4 system offers a smoother, more intuitive user experience with faster response times, better voice control, and easier integration with smartphones than the Honda system.
While the Honda Pilot remains a comfortable and practical option, it simply can’t match the Ford Explorer’s power, towing capacity, and advanced features, making the Explorer the better choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts who want more from their SUV.
2025 Explorer vs. 2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has built a reputation as a budget-friendly luxury option, with upscale finishes and a spacious interior. However, it can’t compete with the Explorer’s blend of advanced technology, versatility, and robust power. While the Palisade may appeal to those looking for a softer ride, the Explorer’s focus on performance and capability means it’s ready to tackle a much wider range of tasks and adventures.
Unique Explorer Advantages Over the Palisade:
- Turbocharged Engine Options for Extra Power: Unlike the Palisade’s single V6 engine, the Explorer’s turbocharged engine lineup allows for more power, better performance, and a more exhilarating drive, especially on highways or winding roads.
- SYNC® 4 with Superior Infotainment Capabilities: The Explorer’s SYNC® 4 infotainment system is more advanced, offering more seamless integration for smartphone connectivity, faster response, and better voice command controls compared to Hyundai’s infotainment options.
- Higher Towing Capacity: The Explorer’s towing ability tops out at 5,600 pounds, which is significantly higher than the Palisade’s 5,000-pound maximum, making the Explorer a better choice for those who plan to tow equipment or recreational vehicles.
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Safety Features: While Hyundai SmartSense™ offers many driver aids, the Explorer’s Co-Pilot360™ provides more comprehensive coverage with features such as intersection assist and more sophisticated adaptive cruise control.
- Exclusive Timberline Trim for Off-Roading: The Explorer offers an off-road-oriented Timberline trim designed for rugged trails and challenging terrain, something the Palisade lacks entirely.
For drivers who want a combination of luxury, power, and off-road capability, the Ford Explorer outperforms the Hyundai Palisade by providing more robust options and flexibility for families and adventurers alike.
2025 Explorer vs. 2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has earned its place in the market thanks to its bold looks and spacious interior. But while it may look the part, it lacks the range of features, power, and capability that the Ford Explorer offers. For drivers who want an SUV that’s as powerful as it is practical, the Explorer is the clear leader, providing a more satisfying driving experience and a broader range of features that cater to families and outdoor explorers alike.
Unique Explorer Advantages Over the Telluride:
- Variety of Engine Choices with More Power: The Explorer’s turbocharged engine options bring a level of performance that the Telluride’s single V6 engine simply can’t match, giving drivers more control over their drive experience.
- SYNC® 4 with Advanced Connectivity: Ford’s infotainment system outpaces Kia’s with smoother performance, better voice recognition, and faster response times, making it more user-friendly for tech-savvy drivers.
- Higher Towing Capacity: The Explorer’s 5,600-pound towing capacity tops the Telluride’s 5,000 pounds, giving families the freedom to bring more along for the ride.
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Safety with Enhanced Driver Assistance: While the Telluride has standard safety features, the Explorer’s suite includes exclusive technologies like evasive steering assist and intersection assist, providing extra peace of mind in busy traffic.
- Dedicated Timberline Off-Road Trim: The Timberline trim gives the Explorer a rugged edge with off-road-focused features like skid plates, underbody protection, and all-terrain tires, making it more capable than the Telluride on rough terrain.
Although the Kia Telluride offers bold styling and good value, the Ford Explorer surpasses it with greater power, more advanced safety features, and an off-road-ready variant for drivers who want a true adventure vehicle.
2025 Explorer vs. 2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is known for its sporty, luxurious feel, appealing to drivers who want a high-end look with a hint of performance. However, the Ford Explorer doesn’t just look powerful; it brings a robust engine lineup, superior towing capability, and a range of family-friendly features that the CX-90 lacks. For drivers who want their SUV to be as functional as it is stylish, the Explorer is a better choice for a well-rounded driving experience.
Unique Explorer Advantages Over the CX-90:
- Engine Options That Balance Power and Efficiency: The Explorer’s lineup of engines provides more flexibility, balancing both performance and efficiency, while the CX-90’s single engine choice limits options for drivers who want extra power or fuel savings.
- SYNC® 4 Infotainment System for Seamless Connectivity: Ford’s infotainment system offers more features and a more intuitive interface than Mazda’s system, making it easier for drivers and passengers to stay connected on the go.
- Class-Leading Towing Capacity: With a maximum of 5,600 pounds, the Explorer’s towing capacity far exceeds the CX-90’s, giving families the flexibility to tow heavier equipment.
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Advanced Safety Features: The Explorer’s safety suite is more comprehensive than Mazda’s i-Activsense®, with additional features like intersection assist and enhanced adaptive cruise control.
- Off-Road-Ready Timberline Trim: With the Timberline trim, the Explorer provides off-road capability that the CX-90 doesn’t offer, making it a better fit for drivers who want an SUV that can handle varied and rugged terrain.
While the Mazda CX-90 brings a luxury appeal, the Ford Explorer surpasses it with superior functionality, making it the more capable option for families and those who want more power, tech, and versatility from their SUV.
The 2025 Ford Explorer: The Clear Winner in the Ultimate Showdown
Each of these SUVs brings something unique to the table, but none match the 2025 Ford Explorer’s combination of power, advanced safety, family-friendly features, and off-road capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle daily commutes, family road trips, or rugged weekend adventures, the Explorer outshines the competition in every category. Contact us or visitPaul Thigpen Ford of Vidalia to experience the 2025 Ford Explorer firsthand and discover why it’s the most complete and capable midsize SUV on the market today.