Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot Specs
Part of why the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot are in constant competition is because they're packed with similar features and abilities.
Each vehicle includes a V6 engine that are close in their respective outputs. However, the Ford Explorer offers two additional engine options, while the Pilot carries its entry-level engine all the way to the highest trim level.
- Both the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot include a V6 engine.
- The Ford Explorer's strongest V6 engine produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque in its ST trim. For the Honda Pilot, the V6 makes just 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- The Ford Explorer offers more engine options than the Honda Pilot with an available 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine and a 3.3L Hybrid motor. The 2.3L engine makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Hybrid can generate 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy Ratings
Not only does the Ford Explorer give you significantly more power with all three of its motors than what you would receive with the Honda Pilot, you'll find that fuel economy also favors the Ford SUV.
Because the Honda Pilot offers just the sole V6, your efficiency options are limited. With front-wheel drive, the Pilot maintains an EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG. If you want to use all-wheel drive (AWD) to help you stay stable over icy or wet roads, your fuel economy returns fall to just 19 city/26 highway MPG.
By contrast, the hybrid V6 engine of the 2021 Explorer returns an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG. Here are the returns with the other two engines:
- Ford Explorer receives an EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG with its 2.3L engine.
- Ford Explorer receives an EPA-estimated 18 city/24 highway MPG with its 3.0L engine.
- 2021 Ford Explorer offers 20.2 gallon fuel tank, besting the 19.5 gallon tank of the Pilot
Maximum Towing Capacity
As we continue our theme of performance for your SUV, we arrive at the maximum towing capacities.
Having a model capable of bringing along a trailer or boat for weekend trips is always handy. While the Honda Pilot is no slouch in this category, you're not going to be able to tow as much as you might like compared to the maximum capability of the Explorer.
The Honda Pilot has a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity if you decide to stick with the front-wheel drive arrangement, yet it bumps up to 5,000 pounds if you opt for AWD.
How does that stack up to the Explorer? Well, the hybrid V6 engine of the Explorer also peaks at 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity. That's the only engine that's close to the Pilot, however, as the other two motors give you more towing capability…
- 2.3L engine:Â 5,300 pounds of maximum towing capacity
- 3.0L V6 engine:Â 5,600 pounds of maximum towing capacity
Creating an Athletic SUV
Your unique lifestyle and what you expect of your SUV will be different than anyone else. Performance is often a sticking point for many car shoppers, which includes SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.
The Pilot doesn't offer a trim placing a unique emphasis on on-road ability. On the other hand, the Ford Explorer comes with the ST trim, a variant that significantly ups your enjoyment behind the wheel.
First, the ST trim is how the 3.0L V6 in your Explorer goes from offering 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The retuning results in a top speed of 143 MPH!
You'll know you're enjoying the ST trim during a test drive, thanks to the leather seating surfaces and micro-perforation with accent stitching. On the exterior, ST badging only adds to the already ferocious and eye-catching look of the Explorer!
Media & Technology Features
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer include dashboard-mounted displays that drivers can use to select their media options. Each vehicle includes an AM/FM radio, USB/auxiliary input for portable media players, and even Bluetooth® that not only allows you to stream audio through the sound systems, but also to conduct hands-free phone calls from the road.
However, the main advantage is with the Explorer and it's available 12.3-inch customizable digital cluster screen located behind the steering wheel. This advanced type of digital information display isn't going to be found in any trim of the Honda Pilot.
You can adjust the information showing on your cluster however you like. Want to keep track of tire pressure? That's an option. Want to see which drive mode you're currently cruising in? That's an option. Want to know how many miles you have before the tank empties? That's an option, too. Customizability is the biggest advantage of this digital cluster.
Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot: Making Your Decision
We hope this Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot comparison showed you what these SUVs bring to the table and how they differ.
Even though you're aware of the numerous advantages the Explorer holds over the Pilot, you may find that you need more details to move forward. You can always drop by and see us for a closer look or for some time behind the wheel!
Browse our inventory of Ford Explorer models today at Richmond Ford West. We're here to help our friends near Glen Allen, Ashland, and Rockville, Virginia, when it's time to find the right car!
Part of why the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot are in constant competition is because they're packed with similar features and abilities.
As we continue our theme of performance for your SUV, we arrive at the maximum towing capacities.
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer include dashboard-mounted displays that drivers can use to select their media options. Each vehicle includes an AM/FM radio, USB/auxiliary input for portable media players, and even Bluetooth® that not only allows you to stream audio through the sound systems, but also to conduct hands-free phone calls from the road.