Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

Inspired drives are ahead. Whether you’re going it alone or the entire family is along for the ride, it’s time to discover a midsize SUV you’ll love calling your own. Our 2020 Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot comparison takes a closer look at two of the top options on the market.

Continue reading this comparison to prepare for your trips around Ithaca, with a bit of help from the experienced Maguire Ford team serving Elmira and Cortland.

Explorer vs Pilot Performance

It’s worth noting that the 2020 Ford Explorer is all-new for this model year, having received a full redesign from Ford engineers.

The base engine on the Ford Explorer is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That eclipses the power offered by the Honda Pilot V6, which checks in at 280 horsepower. It’s clear that the Pilot is powerful, but the Explorer remains one step ahead.

If you like options, then there is some bad news: That’s the only engine available on the Pilot. The Explorer, on the other hand, comes with a couple of other gas options, plus a hybrid option, giving you four different engine choices overall. The most powerful Explorer engine produces 400 horsepower.

Both vehicles do offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems, though. Gain an advantage (and a better grip on the roads) with AWD capability. It’s upstate New York, after all. There’s a good chance you’ll need AWD eventually.

Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot Cabin Space

As you consider your next car, there are plenty of topics to keep track of. We’ve covered performance already, so it’s time to move on to another important category: cabin space.

With 40.7 inches of front headroom, the Ford Explorer bests the Honda Pilot, which only offers 40.1 inches of front headroom.

A major difference between these two SUVs comes in the legroom department. Out of all the vehicle measurements, front legroom may be the most important one. The 2020 Explorer measures in with 43 inches of legroom up front. The Pilot feels cramped compared to the Explorer, with just 40.9 inches of legroom up front.

Need room to store your things? The Explorer outpaces the Pilot in max cargo volume, too.

Tech Features

Ford and Honda do a good job of outfitting their SUVs with top-notch tech features. The Explorer redesign means drivers have access to an available 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen, putting connectivity right at your fingertips. This screen looks more like a tablet, allowing you to choose a new song or set a destination using your favorite map feature.

As for the Honda Pilot, it comes standard with a 5-inch display, smaller than the standard offering in the Explorer. Even the larger 8-inch screen can’t quite match up to the 2020 Explorer.

There’s also a feature that you won’t find in the Pilot at all. The Explorer has an available 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster (standard on the ST and Platinum trims). Configure various information like current speed, driving time, and MPG to stay up to date with everything.

Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot: The SUV Verdict

If you’re an Ithaca driver looking for that next SUV, then we hope this 2020 Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot comparison has been a help. Conquer the roads of Elmira, Cortland, and beyond in the 2020 Explorer, which offers more powerful engines, more space, and better tech than the 2020 Honda Pilot.

The choice is clear. Visit Maguire Ford to see the various Explorer trims and experience the features up close today!