Which is the better family-style SUV, the 2024 Ford Explorer or the 2024 Honda Pilot? Since these three-row, midsize crossover SUVs have so much in common, our comparison guide is here to help you distinguish the best option for you and your loved ones!
Key Takeaways
- Both three-row crossovers deliver impressive comfort and luxury options!
- With more power and stronger towing capabilities, the Explorer is big on family-friendly adventure.
- Depending on equipment, the Explorer delivers the best fuel economy!
- These crossover SUVs are very similarly priced, with the Explorer starting at $36,860 and the Pilot at $37,090.
With their supportive seating and roomy cabins, both the Explorer and the Pilot provide everyday comfort. However, the Explorer has a few extra perks. While both SUVs come standard with tri-zone automatic climate control, only the Explorer includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat. And although both models offer upgrades like leather upholstery and heated front seats, only the Explorer offers front-seat massage settings.
Inside, these crossovers offer very similar seating dimensions. However, the Explorer offers a slight advantage, with extra wiggle room throughout the cabin. In the front seats, you’ll enjoy about 2 extra inches of legroom. And both the front and rear seats are wider than in the Pilot!
Sporty Capabilities: 2024 Ford Explorer
While other vehicles in this segment feature front-wheel drive, the rear-wheel-drive Explorer offers a uniquely sporty experience. In addition to optimal handling and extra-rugged capabilities, this setup helps the Explorer tow more than other midsize crossovers, including the Pilot, with a max rating of 5,600 pounds. Better still, the Explorer offers two powerful engine options to help you keep up with (or speed past) traffic!
The 2024 Ford Explorer’s powertrain options include:
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Every 2024 Pilot features the same V6 engine. While powerful, it’s not quite as peppy as the Explorer’s base engine, and it’s nowhere near as fast as the Explorer’s optional V6! Although its front-wheel-drive setup isn’t the most rugged option, the Pilot can still help you tow a trailer weighing up to 5,000 pounds. And although both crossovers offer optional all-wheel drive to enhance performance in rugged terrain, the Explorer is much more effective in the dirt.
The 2024 Honda Pilot’s powertrain options include:
- 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional rear-wheel drive
Best Fuel Economy: 2024 Ford Explorer
In addition to supplying more power, the Explorer can also deliver better EPA ratings. With its entry-level engine, Ford’s three-row midsize crossover earns up to 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). With its optional 400-horsepower V6 engine, the Explorer is EPA-rated for up to 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway).
Although it doesn’t offer as much power as either Explorer engine, the new Pilot’s EPA ratings are somewhere in the middle. Depending on equipment and trim model, the Pilot earns up to 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway). If you’re shopping for the best balance of power and fuel economy, the Explorer delivers better numbers!
Price: It’s (Almost) a Tie!
When it comes to price, the 2024 Ford Explorer (starting at $36,860) and the 2024 Honda Pilot (starting at $37,090) are extremely competitive! Alone, these prices may not sway you either way, but remember that the Explorer comes standard with more power, better fuel economy, and extra comfort features!
Your New Ride
If it were us, we’d choose the 2024 Ford Explorer every time. Not only does Ford’s midsize, three-row crossover SUV deliver more interior space and extra luxury features, but it’s also the stronger, more efficient option!