2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which transitioned the midsize SUV from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform. This change resulted in a more balanced and sleek appearance, with a tapered roof and greenhouse that flowed into the liftgate. The refreshed 2025 model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim with the SUV’s name added to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements, with upgraded materials, colors, and displays that made it competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels from eight to four, offering options like the new base Active trim, sporty ST-Line, luxurious Platinum, and performance-tuned ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the destination charge.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trims, including Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Black Edition, based on the Pilot Elite, featured black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and exclusive red accents inside. While the Pilot aimed for a rugged look, especially with the TrailSport trim, the Black Edition was more suited for suburban environments. The interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, though the digital displays appeared dated. The Pilot's cabin lacked a significant "wow factor," but it offered practical storage solutions. Prices for the Pilot ranged from $40,200 to $54,580, plus a $1,395 destination charge.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle, equipped with rear-wheel drive, averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic offered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and optional performance brakes. The Explorer ST showcased its capabilities on a short autocross course, while the Platinum trim demonstrated the V6's fast acceleration and pleasant sound. The Explorer Active handled off-road conditions well, but Ford recommended the Bronco for serious off-roading.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Pilot could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered various driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. The AWD system provided hill descent control and torque vectoring, with up to 7.3 inches of ground clearance (8.3 inches for the TrailSport). The V6 offered good acceleration, but the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. The Pilot averaged 20 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating. The Black Edition's handling was predictable, though an adaptive-damping suspension system would have improved ride quality. The Pilot could handle off-road terrain, but it was better suited for typical driving situations.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and the Premium Package, which added ambient lighting, massage front seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts. The second-row captain’s chairs were equally comfortable, and manual rear side window shades were included. The third row was less comfortable for adults but suitable for children. The Explorer offered competitive cargo space, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. The Black Edition's front row had a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat but only a four-way adjustable passenger seat, which was a drawback for long trips. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable center section for easy access to the third row. The third row was habitable for adults if the second row slid forward. The Pilot featured a triple-zone climate control system, heated second-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo space measured 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and web browser apps provided internet access. The system was user-friendly, with excellent Google Maps integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers in the Platinum and ST trims.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens. The Black Edition had a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The Pilot's voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the Bose audio system was adequate but not exceptional. The Pilot included a CabinTalk feature for driver-passenger communication and a small head-up display.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with tight curves and heavy traffic. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition had parking sensors and a multi-view camera system with TrailWatch technology. The adaptive cruise control occasionally struggled in traffic, and the lane-centering assist system affected steering feel. The Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating.