2 Better Midsize SUVs Than the Low Rated 2023 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is an icon when it comes to midsize SUVs. However, it’s not a perfect vehicle, as there have been several problematic models. Unfortunately, the 2023 Ford Explorer isn’t among the best and isn’t highly recommended. People still buy it because of the Explorer’s overall reputation, but the vehicle has some significant problems. Luckily, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse and the latest model Honda Pilot are worthy rivals.
Why the 2023 Ford Explorer isn’t one of the best midsize SUVs
Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer isn’t a bad midsize SUV. In fact, people celebrate it for the level of power it produces and for the speeds it achieves. According to Edmunds, the 2023 Explorer has a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine with a maximum output of 300 horsepower. The highest trim of the latest model Explorer adds 100 horses.
The problem with the new Ford Explorer is that it isn’t considered a reliable midsize SUV. Though J.D. Power gave the vehicle a decently high predicted reliability score, Consumer Reports scored it much lower as they believe it will be much less reliable than other new vehicles. In fact, there have already been some notable complaints about the vehicle. One of the most concerning is the vehicle not remaining in park and then rolling away. Similarly, the latest Ford Escape isn’t the most trusted vehicle these days. The Explorer starts at $36,760.
The 2023 Honda Pilot is one of the best midsize SUVs
The Honda Pilot is easily one of the best midsize SUVs on the market. Like the Ford Explorer, the Pilot delivers pretty great performance. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine under its hood, producing a max of 285 horsepower on the base trim. It may not be as powerful as the Ford SUV, but they achieve similar acceleration speeds. It takes the Pilot 6.3 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour and the Explorer 6 seconds flat to do so.
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a much more reliable midsize SUV than the Ford Explorer. Additionally, the vehicle has a spacious cabin with many features, both standard and add-ons. The use of interior technology in the latest Honda Pilot is also a reason it’s a solid choice over the Ford Explorer. They offer similar features, but the Honda SUV comes without the potential problems of the Ford. The Pilot starts at $36,300.
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is also a solid option
The Chevrolet Traverse is also considered one of the best midsize SUVs. It’s also one of the most versatile options as it is on the larger side of the segment. The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse has a standard 310 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine under its hood. It has front and all-wheel drive configurations and accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 6.8 seconds. The inside of the Traverse is also extremely modern and includes a nice high-mounted touchscreen display.
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse also has higher reliability scores than the Ford Explorer. It has an 83 out of 100 from J.D.Power, and Consumer Reports also trusts the vehicle to last. The latest model Chevrolet Traverse starts at $34,520, which aligns with the Explorer.
