Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot
Overview | |
MSRP$38,465 | MSRP$42,395 |
Listings237 | Listings212 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Reviews SummaryWhile it has a more truck-like presence, the 2026 Honda Pilot remains fundamentally the same as before—and that's a good thing. It's the automaker's midsize three-row crossover SUV, competing against family-focused models such as the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Verdict: Clever features help the Pilot stand out from other three-row SUVs. Our only major complaint is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 285 hp V6 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower285 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway27 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 285 hp V6 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower285 hp @ 6100 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway27 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity8 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space18.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight4336 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height71.0 in |
Length198.7 in | Length200.1 in |
Width89.3 in | Width78.5 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload1340 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $38,465 | $42,395 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | While it has a more truck-like presence, the 2026 Honda Pilot remains fundamentally the same as before—and that's a good thing. It's the automaker's midsize three-row crossover SUV, competing against family-focused models such as the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Verdict: Clever features help the Pilot stand out from other three-row SUVs. Our only major complaint is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 3.5L 285 hp V6 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 27 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 3.5L 285 hp V6 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 27 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 18.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 4336 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 71.0 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 200.1 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 78.5 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | 1340 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
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