Compare the 2018 Honda Pilot vs 2018 Ford Explorer

Serving Capitol Heights, MD, Washington, D.C., and Arlington, VA

The 2018 Honda Pilot is a big SUV in a class full of big rigs. Among those rivals, the 2018 Ford Explorer offers many of the same assets. If you compare the two, which one comes out on top? Let's find out.

Performance

If you compare the basic editions, you’ll find that while the Explorer has a horsepower advantage, the Pilot has a torque advantage. This helps balance the scales. Furthermore, the Honda Pilot weighs almost 400 pounds less than its rival the Ford Explorer. A lighter automotive package inevitably does more with its horsepower. You could call it a draw, except for the fact that the Honda has better fuel economy. In fact, it has the same fuel economy as the Explorer’s Ecoboost engine which is offered for a higher price on a higher trim level. That engine produces the same 280-horsepower as the Pilot. By saving you money at purchase and over the life of the car, the Pilot’s engine is definitely the better value.

Safety

Nothing’s more important than safety to parents. Since you’ll be loading up your three-row SUV with kids, it may interest you to know that the Pilot also takes safety features very seriously. The Explorer’s crash avoidance systems falls short compared to the superior Honda’s collision mitigation system with warning and autobrake. A multi-angle rearview camera gives Honda the advantage during reverse maneuvers. Rather than the single view of the Explorer’s camera system, there are three views to help direct Honda Pilot drivers. Honda also provides a bigger screen on the base edition which means the driver can see more of the view. Of the two, only the Pilot can offer road departure mitigation. This system can slow the vehicle and help the driver steer it back onto the road.

Interior

For starters, the Pilot offers eight seats while the Explorer offers seven. Even if your family isn’t large, an extra seat can come in very handy. You can choose a seven-seat Pilot if that matches your needs best. On all three rows, there’s more shoulder room in the Pilot. Overall passenger volume favors the Pilot (152.9 cu.ft.) over the Explorer (151.7 cu.ft.). Likewise overall cargo volume gives the Pilot an edge.

You can check out the 2018 Honda Pilot and see how it fits your family. Stop by Pohanka Honda in Capitol Heights, MD, and take a test drive today!

*Based on 2018 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.