2021 Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

If you had to make a decision between the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot, where would you go to get your information? We hope that you’ll rely upon this vehicle comparison from Tunkhannock Ford, which we’ve created for the drivers around Tunkhannock, Dallas, Harveys Lake, and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Power: Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

The Ford Explorer is a powerful SUV, especially when it’s equipped with its standard 2.3L EcoBoostÒ I-4 engine. This thing is capable of kicking out around 300 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM and 310 lb-ft of torque @3,500 RPM. But that’s not the end of the story—you can upgrade to a more powerful engine.

That more powerful engine is the 3.0L EcoBoostÒ V6. It injects 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque into the Ford Explorer ST trim level. Even if you go with the Platinum trim level, it’s still capable of producing 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. These specs are much more impressive than those of the Honda Pilot.

Their Pilot V6 engine can only manage 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is less than what even the Explorer base model is packing. It seems like the Explorer wins the day when it comes to power.

Towing: Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

Most conversations about engine power naturally lead to the question of towing. The Honda Pilot towing capacity is okay, with either 3,500 pounds for 2WD models or 5,000 pounds for AWD models. On the other hand, the Ford Explorer towing capacity is exceptional. Depending on which trim level, engine, and drivetrain you go with, you’ll be able to handle either 5,000 pounds, 5,300 pounds, or even 5,600 pounds.

With that much capacity, you could probably transport most towable RVs or camping trailers, some small ski boats, and perhaps even some small horse trailers. Your options for your weekend plans just expanded!

Dimensions: Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

To close things out, we’ll analyze the differences between the cabins of the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot.

The Explorer cabin is quite spacious, with 40.7 inches of front headroom, 40.5 inches of second-row headroom, and 38.9 inches of third-row headroom. The Pilot cabin is slightly less so, with only 40.1 inches of front headroom and 40.2 inches of middle headroom. However, it does match up well in its third-row headroom, at an equal 38.9 inches. So, folks all the way back will feel comfortable in either.

Unfortunately, certain versions of the Honda Pilot LX can only take on 83.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the 1^st row, whereas some of the Ford Explorer trim levels are able to transport as much as 87.8 cubic feet.

Drop us a line at Tunkhannock Ford to set up your exclusive test drive!

The Ford Explorer has emerged as the clear winner for us over the Honda Pilot. Experience this SUV for yourself today at our Ford dealership near Wilkes-Barre, Harveys Lake, Dallas, and Tunkhannock, PA. Simply call us, chat with us online, or stop by to set something up right now.