Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot
| Features | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | 5 yr./ 60,000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60,000 mi. |
| Engine power | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Engine torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 2.3 l | 3.5 l |
| Engine configuration | inline 4 | v6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automaticc | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 18.5 gal.. |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot
Compare the New Ford Explorer to the Honda Pilot
Growing Wisconsin families call upon the spaciousness and capabilities of a three-row SUV to live up to their transportation needs. There are only a few true contenders in the mid-size three-row SUV class - the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot among them. New Ford Explorer SUVs are made for camping trips, school activities, lake days, and family vacations. But how does the lineup's best-selling SUV compare to rivals? Families can compare three-row SUVs before upgrading. Before you get seated in an Explorer at Timber Ford of Hayward, see how the Ford SUV compares to Honda's largest offering.
Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot
Performance
The Ford Explorer gives Wisconsinites the power of choice and a power boost. A Ford Explorer working with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost® turbocharged four-cylinder engine churns out 300 horsepower. That's 15 additional standard horsepower over the competition. The Honda Pilot only has one engine, and the V6 powerplant is rated for 285 horsepower. Our Ford dealership in Hayward, WI, showcases Explorer SUVs powered by the hearty 3.0-liter EcoBoost® twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which delivers 385 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Ford Explorer features standard rear-wheel drive, but available Intelligent 4WD is worth the upgrade. The Honda Pilot offers an i-VTM4® all-wheel drive system, but it is not standard. Both SUVs are capable of towing 5,000 pounds.
Ford Explorer
2026 Honda Pilot
Technology
Explorer SUVs now come with the Ford Digital Experience. Everything you love about your digital life comes with you on a road trip. Enjoy curated content where you need it on the standard 13.2-inch center display. The Honda Pilot counters with a smaller 12.3-inch color touchscreen and the same Google built-in features. Both SUVs have wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility.
Comparing driver-assist technology? Honda Sensing® mirrors Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ in many ways. Wisconsin families appreciate that the Explorer offers BlueCruise - exclusive hands-free highway driving technology. Take the stress out of long road trips driving a BlueCruise-equipped Ford Explorer. The Honda Pilot does not offer hands-free driving.
Interior & Exterior
Ford Explorer SUVs seat up to seven passengers, offer 86 cubic feet of cargo space, and provide 43 inches of front-row legroom. Honda Pilot models offer a comparable max cargo volume of 87 cubic feet but only have 41 inches of legroom in the front. A Honda Pilot can seat seven or eight, depending on whether the model features captain's chairs. Explorer models outfitted with captain's chairs seat six passengers; the Ford SUV offers more individualized comfort in each row. Exclusive PowerFold® third-row seats of the Explorer offer easy access.
Both SUVs offer heated and ventilated front seats. Standard tri-zone automatic temperature control gives your crew regulation of cabin climate settings. The Ford Explorer comes with six USB ports and a unique rotary gear shift dial. USB ports are not standard in the third row of the Honda Pilot. Expect quiet rides in the Ford Explorer, thanks to active noise cancellation.
The Ford Explorer has expressive grille designs and offers seven wheel designs between 18 and 21 inches. The largest wheels on the Honda Pilot are 20 inches. The rugged design of the Explorer Tremor matches the off-road presence of the Pilot TrailSport.
Key Features
Wisconsinites can enjoy a concert-like experience in their Ford Explorer, thanks to the Bang & Olufsen® Sound System with up to 14 speakers. The Honda Pilot offers a Bose® premium sound system with only a dozen speakers. Natural light enters the cabin of the Ford Explorer through a panoramic fixed-glass roof, which is paired with a power sunshade. The Honda Pilot counters with a panoramic moonroof. Wisconsin households have access to a power liftgate with either SUV.
While the TrailSport offers all-terrain tires to match the Tremor, the Explorer off-road specialist comes with exclusive off-road auxiliary lights. The Honda Pilot offers a Wi-Fi® Hotspot. Wi-Fi® in the Explorer is part of the Ford Connectivity Package, which also features Google Maps, Google Assistant, gaming, karaoke, and more. The Honda Pilot does offer CabinTalk®, unique in-car PA system. BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) includes Trailer Coverage, alerting you to vehicles in the blind spot of your Explorer while towing a trailer. The Blind Spot Information setup on the Honda Pilot does not include this trailering perk.
Trim Levels
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
- Explorer Active
- Explorer ST-Line
- Explorer Tremor
- Explorer Platinum
- Explorer ST
Honda Pilot Trim Levels
- Sport
- EX-L
- TrailSport
- Touring
- Touring Blackout
- Elite
- Black Edition
Upgrade Your Family SUV to a New Explorer from Timber Ford of Hayward
From tech and cabin comfort to performance and family-centric features, the Ford Explorer surges past the SUV competition. Contact Timber Ford of Hayward to schedule your test drive in a new Ford Explorer. We're a Wisconsin Ford SUV dealer offering a family-friendly experience. Get ready to elevate your family travels in a Ford Explorer.
How can we help?
* Indicates a required field
-
Timber Ford of Hayward
16826W Hwy 63 S
Hayward, WI 54843
- Sales: (715) 634-2829
Loading Map...