Ford Explorer vs. Nissan Pathfinder

These days, the midsize SUV market is pretty crowded. How are you supposed to find the right choice in a sea of options? We are here to help at Ewald Hartford Ford, a Ford dealer near West Bend. Before you even step foot into our dealership, we want you to have an idea of the right car for you. So, you're looking at a Ford Explorer for sale, but you're not sure if it would be better than the Nissan Pathfinder? Don't worry. We've got the juicy details.

What is the Ford equivalent to a Nissan Pathfinder?

The Ford Explorer is the match when it comes to the closest rival to the Nissan Pathfinder. They are both midsize SUVs for sale with three rows of seats. Combining sleek looks with practicality, both have a pleasing exterior. And both of them are great for hauling, whether it's kids or a bunch of cargo. But which one is the better choice between these two close rivals?

Is the Nissan Pathfinder better than the Ford Explorer?

No, not really. It is a capable car with a few stand-out features. But we think that the Ford Explorer comes out ahead in this comparison. Though the Pathfinder is improving, it still doesn't do as much as the Explorer for the same price.

• The Ford Explorer for sale has more engine options than the Nissan Pathfinder. Where the Pathfinder has one, the Explorer has three, including a hybrid option that gets 28 mpg combined.

• The Ford Explorer is also larger than the Pathfinder. It has more cargo space in all configurations and almost five more inches of legroom in the third row. That's a lot if you find yourself stuck in the back!

• Lastly, the Ford Explorer for sale has more trim options. This SUV is more customizable for precisely what you need. The Explorer also has an off-road trim that makes it quite capable on the trail.

Are Ford Explorers reliable?

If you find a Ford Explorer for sale, you can bet you've found a reliable vehicle. Per RepairPal, Ford Explorer has an above-average reliability rating. It also has about average ownership costs, and the frequency of repairs is low. Specifically, Explorer owners bring their vehicles into the shop an average of 0.2 times per year. Compare that to an average of 0.4 times per year for other midsize SUVs. If you're at a Ford dealership near you, it's well worth it to check out an Explorer!

How long do Ford Explorers last?

Are you looking at a Ford Explorer for sale but not sure if it's an excellent long-term choice? You can rest easy. The Explorer lasts about 10 to 17 years on average. Okay yeah, that's a wide range. The third and fifth generations had some issues that brought down the average. But all the other generations have maintained their reputation as reliable cars. These SUVs can last up to 200,000 miles if well-maintained. Remember to do your scheduled maintenance, and you'll have an SUV you can trust!

Are Ford Explorers good cars?

They aren't one of the most popular SUVs on the market for nothing! Ford Explorers for sale have a lot to offer.

• The Explorer has a fantastic standard infotainment system. You don't have to upgrade trims to get a Wifi hotspot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a smartphone-sized cubby right by the screen, and more. 

• If you're looking for space, the Ford Explorer has got it! As we mentioned earlier, it's certainly more than the Nissan Pathfinder. It has 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded down. 

• Safety features abound in the Explorer. Rear parking sensors, lane assist, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, etc. There are honestly too many standard safety features to list here.

All in all, the Ford Explorer for sale holds up. And with its new hybrid option for 2022, you can combine fuel efficiency with practicality. So why wait? Come check it out! Head into our closest Wisconsin Ford dealership today.