Ford Explorer vs. Chevrolet Suburban
When comparing the Ford Explorer to the Chevrolet Suburban, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and overall quality score. The Chevrolet Suburban has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer versus the Chevrolet Suburban, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Chevrolet Suburban.
Ford Explorer versus Chevrolet Suburban Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Ford Explorer ranges from $25,524 to $40,893 while a used Chevrolet Suburban from the same model year range is priced between $35,703 to $62,900. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $39,880 and $61,047, with the Chevrolet Suburban priced between $59,586 and $85,283.
Ford Explorer versus Chevrolet Suburban Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Suburban's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 31 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Chevrolet Suburban being ranked 15 out of 31. Out of 21 Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money, the Ford Explorer is ranked 21 and the Chevrolet Suburban is ranked 15.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Suburban base engine makes 355 horsepower.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Chevrolet Suburban has the advantage of offering higher towing capacity, ground clearance, and payload capacity than the Ford Explorer.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Suburban, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$39,880 - $61,047
Used Asking Price:
$25,524 - $40,893
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$59,586 - $85,283
Used Asking Price:
$35,703 - $62,900
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
45.6%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
43 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 8Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
22 out of / 31Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
Trim Levels
Base, Limited, ST-Line, ST, Platinum, King Ranch, Police Interceptor Utility, XLT, Timberline
Trim Levels
Fleet, LS, LT, RST, Premier, High Country, Z71
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
355 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
383 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
7800 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
5.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 20 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
420 / 560 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
66 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
64.8 inches
Cargo Space:
41.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
144.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5616 lbs
Width:
81.1 inches
Height:
75.7 inches
Length:
225.7 inches
Wheelbase:
134.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
265/65R18
