Fuel Efficiency Showdown: Ford Explorer Vs Honda Pilot – Who Wins The Mpg Race?

When it comes to choosing a spacious and versatile SUV for your family, the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot stand out as top contenders. Both vehicles offer ample seating, impressive performance, and a suite of advanced features. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Explorer against the Honda Pilot, evaluating their key aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Capability

Engine Power and Efficiency

The Ford Explorer boasts a powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds.

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While it offers slightly less power than the Explorer, the Pilot’s V6 engine is known for its smoothness and reliability. Its maximum towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy

In terms of fuel economy, the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot are comparable. The Explorer achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Pilot returns 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Off-Road Performance

If you’re an adventure enthusiast who enjoys exploring off-road trails, the Ford Explorer offers more capability than the Honda Pilot. The Explorer’s available Terrain Management System allows you to select different driving modes for various terrains, including sand, mud, and snow. The Pilot, while not as capable off-road as the Explorer, still offers decent ground clearance and all-wheel drive for light off-roading.

Interior Space and Comfort

Seating and Cargo Capacity

Both the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot offer spacious interiors with three rows of seating. The Explorer provides seating for up to seven passengers, while the Pilot can accommodate up to eight. In terms of cargo space, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Pilot offers slightly less cargo space, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Interior Features and Comfort

The Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot come well-equipped with a range of interior features to enhance comfort and convenience. Both vehicles offer a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system. They also feature comfortable seats, ample legroom and headroom, and a panoramic sunroof for a more airy cabin feel.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety Ratings

The Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot have both earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and active safety features to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Standard Safety Features

Both the Explorer and Pilot offer a range of standard safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. They also feature a rearview camera and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot offer a variety of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety and convenience. These systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and a surround-view camera system.

Price and Value

Starting Price

The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $36,675, while the Honda Pilot starts at $39,150.

Trim Levels and Options

Both the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and preferences. The Explorer offers the XLT, Limited, Timberline, and Platinum trims, while the Pilot comes in the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims.

Warranty Coverage

The Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot come with comparable warranty coverage. Both vehicles offer a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, off-road capability, and towing capacity, the Ford Explorer is the clear choice. However, if you value fuel efficiency, a more spacious interior, and a lower starting price, the Honda Pilot might be a better fit for you. Both vehicles offer excellent safety features, advanced technology, and a comfortable driving experience, making them top contenders in the three-row SUV segment.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy, the Ford Explorer or the Honda Pilot?

A: The Honda Pilot has slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer, with EPA-estimated ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, compared to the Explorer’s 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Q: Does the Ford Explorer have more cargo space than the Honda Pilot?

A: Yes, the Ford Explorer offers more cargo space than the Honda Pilot. The Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rows folded down, compared to the Pilot’s 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity, the Ford Explorer or the Honda Pilot?

A: The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the Honda Pilot, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds compared to the Pilot’s 5,000 pounds.