The Ford Edge vs. Honda Pilot debate is one that commonly pops up around Rockville, Ashland, and Glen Allen, Virginia. If you have a family or are just looking for a model with ample space, these two options are probably at the top of your list. While they share similarities, there are key factors in their performance and overall makeup that differ.
To provide insight into both SUVs while giving you a feel for which option is better, our team at Richmond Ford West decided to review the Edge vs. Pilot!
Ford Edge or Honda Pilot: Which SUV Has the Higher Performance?
When behind the wheel of your SUV, it's reassuring to know that you have power on tap if you need to merge onto a busy highway or make a passing maneuver on a 2-lane road. Between these two competitors, you'll have quite a bit more power with the Ford Edge vs. Honda Pilot.
The Edge can be equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 engine that will rev out 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. A rotary gear shifter, active grille shutters, and an 8-speed automatic transmission work in unison to give you a behind-the-wheel experience that is engaging and reassuring.
The Honda Pilot has its own V6 motor under the hood, yet it delivers less power than the Ford Edge with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The available 6-speed and 9-speed automatic transmissions are smooth, yet it's hard to get over that power discrepancy.
Even if you stick with the base engine in the Ford Edge, a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, you'll still get performance similar to the Pilot. That's because the 2.0L motor makes 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy Ratings
If you're like many other motorists who prefer fuel economy over power, you'll once again want to lean toward the Ford Edge as opposed to the Honda Pilot.
The Ford Edge has more fuel efficiency than the Honda Pilot when it's properly equipped.
Here's how the peak EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings match up for both SUVs:
- Ford Edge offers an EPA-estimated 21 city/29 highway MPG.
- Honda Pilot offers an EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG.
This impressive fuel economy for the Edge is accessible with the SUV's base engine. Ramping up to the stronger V6 doesn't hinder your efficiency levels too much, though. The V6 returns an EPA-estimated 19 city/26 highway MPG in the Ford.
Turning Your SUV into a Performance Machine
Highlighting the available power of the Ford Edge is merely one aspect of its overall performance ability. If you're wrestling with the thought of getting a fun-to-drive SUV or a practical SUV for family travels, the Ford Edge expertly blends both personalities while the Pilot merely delivers steady traveling.
While the Pilot offers a few trims that give it a unique personality, such as the top-end Black Edition variant, you're not going to get any added performance chops by moving up to these higher trims. Conversely, the Ford Edge has the heralded ST trim level for those who want to enjoy the open road like they're in a sports car.
The performance-oriented ST trim is making its way into more and more Ford models, and the Ford Edge is a good reason why folks love it.
In addition to the increased power from the V6 motor, you can look forward to the ST Performance Brake Package. The package starts off with a set of 21-inch premium gloss black-painted aluminum wheels, vented disc brakes in the front and rear, plus unique front rotors for increased stopping power and enhanced reliability.
Other traits found within the ST trim include:
- Colorado Red-painted brake calipers
- Brushless radiator cooling fan
- Performance brake pads
- Summer-only tires
- Vented brake shields
Helping You Settle into Those Tight Parking Spaces
Ford has always been on the cutting-edge of driver-assisting technologies, yet the most endearing features may be those related to parking. When you compare the available parking technologies for the Ford Edge and Honda Pilot, it's like you're looking at two entirely different time periods.
The Pilot is limited to features like a rearview camera-which you'll find in the Edge-and a Cross Traffic Monitor-which is also offered in the Ford counterpart. The reason Ford feels so much further along in its parking technology is because it's started to integrate autonomous controls into the SUV.
If you want, you can enjoy your Ford Edge with an Enhanced Active Park Assist setup. As soon as you spot a parallel or perpendicular spot on the street, you merely need to line up the SUV properly, activate the park assist feature, and then control the accelerating and braking. As for the steering, the Ford Edge will take care of that for you. Using precise sensors, the Edge SUV will comfortably nestle itself into place!Â
Enjoyable Infotainment Technology
Music, podcasts, or a simple phone call will all be filtered through the speakers of your Ford Edge or Honda Pilot. If you're prioritizing entertainment, you'll want a cabin with luxurious levels of technology.
Both the Edge and Pilot feature Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, integration systems that make linking your smartphone to the SUV a piece of cake.
The divide comes when looking at the stereo setups. The Edge has an available Bang & Olufsen arrangement with 12 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. For the Pilot, the premium sound setup offers just 10 speakers.
Ford Edge vs Honda Pilot: Verdict
After a look through the performance and technology offered in the Ford Edge vs. Honda Pilot, the Edge is clearly the superior choice for those throughout Glen Allen, Ashland, and Rockville, VA.
If you want to check out the SUV in person, get in touch with your friends at Richmond Ford West!