2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh for a more rugged look and a 2020 Black Edition for a blacked-out aesthetic, its exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where it was standard. The new Special Edition trim added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $51,435 with a $395 paint option.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was the epitome of luxury in the Expedition lineup, which started with the XL STX and included the XLT, Limited, and King Ranch trims. The Platinum trim, priced at $74,375, offered an extended-length MAX version for an additional $2,000. Our test vehicle, equipped with Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, totaled $80,510. Despite its plush interior and power-deploying running boards, the Expedition struggled to accommodate six passengers and their luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Expedition's bold presence was accentuated by a chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, but its cargo space was limited without the MAX version.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 22 mpg combined by the EPA, with our test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though its off-road capability was limited by 7.3 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered impressive towing capacities between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's ride quality was affected by its 22-inch wheels, but its four-wheel independent suspension ensured stability. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like a two-speed transfer case and all-terrain tires. Our test vehicle averaged 17.1 mpg, with the EPA rating the 4WD model at 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's front seats were leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on Touring trims and standard on Elite and Black Edition models, offering comfort and sliding functionality for easier third-row access. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with wide seats for all passengers and an independent rear suspension ensuring comfort. Storage was plentiful, with cargo volume expanding from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet. However, the cargo floor's high liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker audio system. The system's small screen and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks, and HondaLink services were restricted to higher trims. The Touring trim also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, provided essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The 8-inch touchscreen was small, and the system occasionally lagged in response. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless charging, but lacked the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system available on other trims. This setup offered DVD playback, gaming inputs, and streaming capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While effective, the system's operation was not particularly smooth. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with its substantial curb weight, had a safety advantage, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, its RWD model received a three-star rollover-resistance rating, while the 4WD model earned four stars. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking system. The Expedition's lane-keeping technology was effective without being intrusive.