What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a family SUV that offers both practicality and adventure, the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer stand out as two of the most popular options.
- However, the Honda Pilot offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the Explorer’s 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
- However, the Honda Pilot offers a few more standard features, such as heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which are only available as options on the Ford Explorer.
When it comes to choosing a family SUV that offers both practicality and adventure, the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles boast spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a plethora of features designed to keep families comfortable and entertained. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.
Performance and Power: A Close Match
Both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer offer capable powertrains that deliver ample performance for everyday driving and occasional off-road excursions. The Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of acceleration, the Ford Explorer has a slight edge, reaching 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds compared to the Honda Pilot‘s 7.3 seconds. However, the Honda Pilot offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the Explorer’s 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Family
Both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to eight passengers. The Honda Pilot has a slight advantage in terms of overall passenger volume, with 152.9 cubic feet compared to the Explorer’s 143.2 cubic feet. However, the Ford Explorer offers more cargo space behind the third row of seats, with 18.2 cubic feet compared to the Pilot’s 16.5 cubic feet.
When it comes to comfort, both vehicles offer well-appointed interiors with supportive seats and plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows. However, the Honda Pilot offers a few more standard features, such as heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which are only available as options on the Ford Explorer.
Technology and Features: Keeping You Connected and Entertained
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer come loaded with a variety of technology and features designed to keep you connected and entertained on your journeys. Both vehicles offer large touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a plethora of standard features such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system.
The Honda Pilot offers a few more standard features than the Ford Explorer, such as a wireless charging pad and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the Ford Explorer offers a larger touchscreen display (12.3 inches compared to the Pilot’s 8-inch display) and a more advanced voice control system.
Safety Features: Protecting Your Precious Cargo
Both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
The Honda Pilot offers a few more standard safety features than the Ford Explorer, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Ford Explorer offers a more advanced driver-assistance system, called Co-Pilot360, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Off-Road Capability: Exploring the Great Outdoors
Both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer offer all-wheel drive (AWD) systems that provide enhanced traction in slippery conditions and light off-roading. However, the Ford Explorer offers a more advanced AWD system, called Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to select different driving modes for different types of terrain.
The Honda Pilot offers a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, while the Ford Explorer offers a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Both vehicles offer a variety of skid plates and off-road suspension components to protect the undercarriage from damage.
Which One is Right for You?
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are both excellent choices for families looking for a spacious and capable SUV. The Honda Pilot offers better fuel economy and more standard features, while the Ford Explorer offers more powerful engines and a more advanced AWD system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
The Verdict: A Close Call, But One SUV Comes Out on Top
After careful consideration of all the factors, we believe that the Honda Pilot is the better choice for most families. It offers a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a more comprehensive suite of standard features. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful engine or a more advanced AWD system, the Ford Explorer is a great option.
Answers to Your Questions
- Which SUV has a better towing capacity?
The Ford Explorer has a better towing capacity than the Honda Pilot, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds compared to the Pilot’s 5,000 pounds.
- Which SUV has a better warranty?
The Honda Pilot has a better warranty than the Ford Explorer, with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty compared to the Explorer’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- Which SUV is more reliable?
The Honda Pilot is generally considered to be more reliable than the Ford Explorer, with a lower frequency of reported problems.