Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: SUV Showdown
Wondering about the Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer? We’re comparing these top midsize SUVs known for reliability and features. The SUV market is full of choices.
Yet, the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are top options. They offer great performance, big interiors, and the latest tech.
In this face-off, find out about their performance, comfort, safety, and prices. We want you to know which SUV is best for you.
The Honda Pilot is great for families, while the Ford Explorer has awesome tech. You’ll see reviews and comparisons that show what makes each SUV stand out.
Looking for the best SUV or just curious about the top choice? This guide will help you decide the best option for you and your family. Let’s dive in!
Introduction To Midsize SUVs
Midsize SUVs are now top picks for both families and individuals. Their big interiors and flexible seating choices make daily life easier.
They offer lots of room for stuff and comfy seats, suiting different ways of living. This makes them great family cars.
Vehicles like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer show people prefer roomy and cozy cars. More people are choosing midsize SUVs that mix practicality with style.
Makers are always adding better features and boosting performance. When picking your next car, knowing about midsize SUVs can help you choose the best one for you.
Overview of The Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot shines as a top pick for families who want space and comfort. It can seat up to eight people, making it perfect for trips or running errands.
Key Features of The Honda Pilot
The SUV packs features that boost convenience and safety. Highlights include:
- Spacious interior with third-row seating
- Multiple cargo compartments for enhanced storage
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Honda Sensing® technologies for advanced safety and driver assistance
Honda Pilot Reviews and Ratings
Reviews often praise the Honda Pilot for comfort and dependability. The roomy cabin and smooth ride are big pluses.
However, some say the infotainment system is a bit behind its rivals. Still, the Pilot enjoys a strong reputation in the auto world.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers |
| Cargo Space | Up to 109 cubic feet with seats down |
| Infotainment System | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Safety Features | Honda Sensing® suite standard on all trims |
Overview of The Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has changed a lot, now looking sportier but still practical. The latest models offer different engines.
You can choose from a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder or a stronger turbo V6. This way, you can pick what fits your driving style best.
Ford Explorer Specs
The Explorer mixes performance and comfort well. Inside, it’s nicer with better materials and cool tech. The big touchscreen makes using the car’s features easy for everyone.
Here are some key ford explorer specs:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Fuel Economy (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbocharged 2.3L I-4 | 300 | 310 | 21 city / 28 highway |
| 3.0L Turbo V6 | 400 | 415 | 18 city / 24 highway |
Ford Explorer Ratings
The ford explorer ratings are pretty good. People like its reliable and family-friendly design. Many love its big space inside.
But, a few say the back seats are tight for tall people. Knowing these ratings helps see if the Explorer is right for you in the midsize SUV world.
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Performance Comparison
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer bring different things to the table when we talk about power and how they drive. Each car is perfect for certain types of drivers and needs.
Engine Specifications and Fuel Economy
The Honda Pilot boasts a V6 engine with 285 horsepower. It’s reliable for everyday use and offers 22 mpg combined, according to the EPA.
But, when we compare it to the Ford Explorer, there’s a slight shortfall. On the other side, the Ford Explorer is equipped with a turbocharged engine. It pushes out 300 horsepower.
Not only does it offer more pep, but it also provides better gas mileage at 24 mpg in its rear-wheel-drive versions.
This makes the Explorer a top pick for those who want both power and fuel efficiency.
Driving Experience and Handling
The Honda Pilot shines on highways, offering a stable and comfortable ride, especially with passengers.
The Ford Explorer, though, brings something different. It feels more agile and fun, perfect for enjoying a twisty road.
So, whether you want a smooth journey or an adventurous drive, both models have something special to offer.
Interior and Comfort Features
The inside of both the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer is key to enjoying the ride. We’ll look at what makes these two midsize SUVs stand out.
We’re talking about the honda pilot interior and ford explorer comfort features here.
Honda Pilot Features
The honda pilot interior focuses on space and use. It has large front seats, perfect for long drives, and making it easy to move around.
It also has lots of places to store your things, which is great for families or anyone with lots of stuff. The design looks neat too.
However, the back row is a bit tight for adults. It’s still good for kids and smaller people.
Ford Explorer Interior Design and Comfort
On the other hand, the Ford Explorer aims to be comfy at all levels. It has seats that keep you comfortable on long drives. But, its back row is also on the tight side for adults.
Both SUVs have easy-to-use systems for playing music and navigating. But, people find the Pilot’s system simpler to use, making driving a bit easier.
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Front Seat Comfort | Spacious, supportive | Comfortable, adjustable options |
| Third-Row Seating | Cramped for adults | Narrow, less spacious |
| Storage Options | Ample storage compartments | Good storage, but less than Pilot |
| Infotainment Layout | Intuitive and user-friendly | User-friendly but less practical |
Technology and Infotainment Systems
Today, the tech in cars is key to a great drive. For SUVs aimed at families, like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, modern tech boosts comfort and keeps you connected.
These two offer different tech features worth noting.
Honda Pilot Technology Offerings
The Honda Pilot sports a 9-inch touchscreen. It works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone use.
Still, its system might seem a bit old to some, especially when compared to newer models. The Pilot focuses on giving you what you need to stay linked up on the road.
Ford Explorer Technology Advantages
The Ford Explorer steps it up with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It’s more updated and gives a top-notch infotainment experience.
The explorer comes with Ford BlueCruise for hands-free driving on certain roads. This tech pushes the envelope in helping the driver.
Its systems are for those who love the latest tech and interactive screens.
Safety Ratings and Features
When picking out a family SUV, safety tops the list of priorities. The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are both great choices with strong safety features.
Yet, they have different ratings and specifics. Knowing these can help you choose the safest option for your family on the road.
Honda Pilot Safety Ratings
The Honda Pilot boasts impressive safety ratings from several groups. It comes with key safety features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
These features help it do well in crash tests, giving drivers peace of mind.
Ford Explorer Safety Assessments
On the other hand, the Ford Explorer scores even higher in safety tests. It includes advanced features, such as pedestrian detection and rear automatic braking.
This makes the Explorer a top pick in safety, with excellent scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Families looking for a safe SUV will find the Explorer a solid choice.
Towing Capacity and Utility
Looking for a midsize SUV for adventures? It’s key to check out towing abilities. The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are top choices in this field.
They have unique features for hauling needs. Let’s dive into what they offer in towing power.
Honda Pilot Towing Capabilities
The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when set up right. This strong ability lets you pull trailers, boats, or campers easily. It’s a great option for families who love the outdoors.
Ford Explorer Towing Performance
The Ford Explorer can tow more, up to 5,600 pounds, with a V6 engine. This extra power is perfect for moving bigger items. It suits those who often carry heavy gear or enjoy big adventures.
Pricing and Value Assessment
When you’re looking at midsize SUVs, the prices and values of the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are key.
These factors help figure out which SUV gives you more for your money. This is based on what you can spend and what you need.
Honda Pilot Price Range and Value
The Honda Pilot starts at about $41,650 for its base model. It has lots of room, safety tech, and a strong V6 engine.
Prices go up with higher trims, like the Black Edition at $56,030. This model offers more luxury and tech.
Ford Explorer Pricing and Features Comparison
The Ford Explorer starts at a slightly lower price of $41,350. It also has great features, a nice look, and good performance. Its top Platinum model costs around $55,855.
This makes it a close match to the Pilot’s top options. Shoppers can compare each SUV’s features and prices closely.
| Model | Base Price | Top Trim Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | $41,650 | $56,030 | Spacious interior, advanced safety, V6 engine |
| Ford Explorer | $41,350 | $55,855 | Stylish design, strong performance, modern tech |
Additional Considerations and User Preferences
When looking at the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, think about what matters to you.
Things like how a car looks, if you like the brand, and what features it offers are important.
The Honda Pilot is great for families because it has lots of room and is very useful. The Ford Explorer, though, has a cool look and lots of new tech, which might be more exciting for people who love driving.
Knowing what you want in an SUV helps you choose the right one. If having plenty of space and family features is key, then the Pilot is a good choice.
But, if you want the latest technology and enjoy driving, the Explorer could be better for you. What you need and like will help you pick, as both these SUVs offer great choices.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this analysis of the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, we see they meet different needs.
The honda pilot vs ford explorer showdown reveals the Pilot is top-notch for family comfort and space.
It’s perfect for those who need a lot of room and easy-to-use features. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is for those who love performance and the latest tech.
Its power and high-tech options offer a sportier vibe for adventures. Think about your lifestyle needs whether you prefer the Pilot’s comfort or the Explorer’s agility.
Deciding between the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer depends on what you value in a car.
Look at how you drive, what your family needs, and the features you can’t do without. Both SUVs offer unique strengths for a rewarding ownership experience.
FAQs
Q: What distinguishes the Honda Pilot from the Ford Explorer?
A: The Honda Pilot is loved for its big interior that fits families well and its high reliability scores. The Ford Explorer, though, has a sportier look and stronger engine power.
Q: How does the engine performance of the Honda Pilot compare to the Ford Explorer?
A: The Honda Pilot comes with a 285-horsepower V6 engine that makes the ride smooth. On the other hand, the Ford Explorer has a turbocharged engine that gives 300 horsepower for a more lively ride.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Honda Pilot or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer gets slightly better gas mileage, with up to 24 mpg in some models, compared to the Pilot’s 22 mpg.
Q: What are the technology offerings in both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer?
A: The Honda Pilot has a 9-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ford Explorer steps up with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and cool tech like Ford BlueCruise for driving without using hands.
Q: How do the safety ratings of the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer compare?
A: Both SUVs are highly rated for safety. However, the Ford Explorer often does better in crash tests and comes with extra safety features like pedestrian detection.
Q: What is the towing capacity of the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer?
A: The Honda Pilot can pull up to 5,000 pounds. The Ford Explorer can handle more, towing up to 5,600 pounds, especially models with a V6 engine.
Q: Which SUV provides the best value for money?
A: Both SUVs are a good deal, with prices that are quite similar. But, buyers should look at what each higher trim offers, like the Pilot’s Black Edition and the Explorer’s Platinum trim, to see what best meets their needs.
