-
Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features
Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!
What competitors did you consider before purchasing Explorer ST?
- Thread starter robbybenson
- Start date
I personally tried the VW Atlas, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade. I also tested a 2019 explore sport. Between those i would personally pick the Telluride if i had not gotten the ST. Honestly the interior quality is much better. But like all the other cars on my list the driving experience was dull. The 19 explorer sport led the pack but still felt sluggish. Once i drove the ST my mind was made up.
-
1
- Show All
My must haves were 3 rows, Captains chairs, towing up to 5k++, V8 level power, great driving, Android Auto (a must for me), 87 octane capable, local dealer network choices. As a result of my must haves, my choices were the Expedition (Ford had some nice rebates on 19's), Yukon/Tahoe (felt dated), Durango RT/SRT, Aviator, Telluride & Atlas. The ST delivered on everything I wanted and more at what I felt was the best value believe it not. Close second was the Expedition, third the Aviator, fourth the Durango's (felt dated compared to the ST). I liked the Telluride SX (if I could get one) & the Atlas SEL Rline, they just didn't have the power/driving feel vs.the ST and were actually within $3k-$4K of the OTD price I paid for the ST... I couldn't be happier with my decision, issue free in 3k miles thus far...
-
2
- Show All
I messed around thinking the Kia Telluride SX would be a good choice based on all the good press. Hated all the chrome on the Telluride SX and in the end it is still a Kia and I can't wrap my head my around that... Also considered a Durango RT and SRT. But since its due for a redesign I didn't want old technology for the next few years. Bottom line is I probably would have kept my 2016 Explorer Sport if I didn't wake up one day with my mind set on the 2020 ST.
Last edited:
I test drove an Audi Q7, Jeep Track Hawk, Chevy RST Tahoe, GMC Denali, Dodge Durango SRT and Mercedes GLE AMG 45. The Audi was a disappointing dog. The Track Hawk was fun but way over priced and based on a years old platform, the Chevy was just too big, same with the Denali, the Durango just wasn't refined on the interior and was 12K more money and the Mercedes wasn't worth the price difference, but performed well. The ST was just fun. I had to get used to seeing the hood, but after that, I'm now comfortable and I really like it.
My wife and I thoroughly inspected, drove, and researched several new midsize SUV vehicles over the course of about a year. BMW, caddy, gmc, chevy, jeep, dodge, Ford, honda, Kia, and Hyundai. Almost bought the new passport (too much $ for what it is).
There was just certain things about each that seemed like a compromise to us. Really liked the 019 explorer but decided to wait for the new 2020 to see. Glad we did. Right after testing a new palisade, several available BTW, we went next door to Ford to see if 20's landed yet. One drive in the ST and although pricey, it met all our needs and desires. Exciting vehicle to say the least.
There was just certain things about each that seemed like a compromise to us. Really liked the 019 explorer but decided to wait for the new 2020 to see. Glad we did. Right after testing a new palisade, several available BTW, we went next door to Ford to see if 20's landed yet. One drive in the ST and although pricey, it met all our needs and desires. Exciting vehicle to say the least.
OP
Thread Starter
#17
We were looking to downsize from my wife's CX-9. Don't need a third row anymore, but would still like to at least be able to move around my car trailer when I have the 5th wheel already attached to my F350. Looked at Mercedes, BMW, and was seriously considering a Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar. To get something I like better than the ST requires stepping up to the 6 digit price range. I'm also a die hard Ford guy so even though the ST is actually bigger, not smaller than the CX-9 it just seems like the best bang for the buck, especially when considering modding potential and price.
-
2
- Show All
