Utica, Fort Drum, and Oneida, NY shoppers turn to midsize SUVs for their versatility, practicality, and large size. It’s no surprise that the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot are popular among so many drivers in the area.
Which SUV suits your needs better? At Don's Ford, we want to help you figure that out with this Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot comparison. We stack these models up against each other in all the ways that matter most to you, including performance, interior space, and convenient amenities.
HORSEPOWER
TOWING CAPACITY
STANDARD TOUCHSCREEN SIZE
The Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot prove to be quite powerful SUVs. Whether you’re commuting to work in the city, going on family adventures, or carpooling with friends, you can count on either model to provide the power and the fuel economy of your dreams.
You’ll get a robust 285 standard horsepower from the V6 equipped to the Pilot, while the Explorer pulls ahead slightly with 300 horsepower from its standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4.
Unfortunately, you’ll be capped at this standard power output when it comes to the Pilot; the standard engine is the only one this model offers.
The Explorer, on the other hand, offers two more potent engines. One of them is the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, which pumps out an incredible 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. With this engine and other proper equipment, this model can tow up to 5,600 pounds of trailer weight. The Pilot maxes out at just 5,000 pounds of towing capability.
In addition to all the power under the hoods of these SUVs, you can also count on their stylish exteriors to make you look good on the highway. Both models are designed for the perfect combination of style and function.
Both SUVs feature innovative and efficient LED lighting. In the Explorer, you’ll find it in the optional adaptive headlamps with LED signature lighting. Meanwhile, the Pilot offers available LED low-beam headlights for visibility.
In either SUV, you’ll have impressive lighting that lasts longer and shines brighter than traditional halogen bulbs.
The Explorer goes above and beyond with its available rain-sensing wipers, which detect moisture and activate the wipers when needed. With five sensitivity settings, these advanced wipers adapt to the detected moisture by speeding up or slowing down.
The Pilot does have a similar feature, but it only comes standard on the Elite—the top trim of the lineup. Multiple trims in the Explorer all come standard with this feature.
The Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot find themselves in the family vehicle realm—and that means safety is more important than ever. Let’s look at the safety systems you can find with both models.
Both models are armed with a suite of advanced safety features designed to act as smart copilots and help prevent collisions. Available features include:
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control: Monitors the vehicles around you and automatically adjusts your speed to keep you at a safe distance from them.
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Utilizes exterior sensors to predict potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes if a potential collision is detected.
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System): Keeps an eye on your blind spots and alerts you, so you can switch lanes with added confidence on the highway.
Both models have features to help keep your family safe. However, there are a few extra features you’ll get with the Explorer, like the standard SOS Post-Crash Alert System™.
After an accident, this system turns on the horn and the emergency flashers. This feature makes sure other drivers see your vehicle in order to prevent a secondary collision.
You can’t walk away from our Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot comparison without realizing these two SUVs have their similarities. Even so, if you want a diverse engine lineup, ample cargo space, and impressive style and features, then the Ford Explorer is the clear winner.
Now that you’ve had a taste of what the Explorer has to offer, it’s time to get behind the wheel for the whole experience. Shoppers in the areas of Utica, Fort Drum, and Oneida, NY can get a closer look at the Ford Explorer at Don's Ford. Schedule your test drive today!
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