Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

In the world of midsize SUVs, the 2020 Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot rank high in terms of comfort, reliability, and innovation. They're both spacious enough for your family adventures, and their top-of-the-line infotainment systems and capable performance make them great options for drivers with an active lifestyle.

Our team at Fuller Ford is here to help drivers in Cincinnati, OH, and around Newport and Covington, KY, decide which SUV is the right choice. We'll compare areas like performance and power, interior design, available tech features, and safety, to help you make an informed decision.

Explorer vs Pilot: Performance and Power

The 2020 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. There's also an available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine.  The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, offers only one engine. Its standard 3.5L V6 engine generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

All that power and the standard 10-speed automatic SelectShift® transmission lets you tow up to 5,600 pounds with the Ford Explorer. The Pilot is only equipped with a 6-Speed automatic transmission, and its towing capacity tops out at just 5,000 pounds.

Both SUVs can maximize your capability in all-weather conditions. The Explorer offers Intelligent 4WD and the Pilot can be equipped with an all-wheel drive system.

2020 Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot: Interior Design and Available Tech

Both models come with three rows of seats, so there's plenty of room for the whole family. If you need more room to stretch out, the Ford Explorer boasts 43 inches of legroom up front and another 39 inches in the second row. The Honda Pilot only has 40.9 inches of legroom up front and 38.4 inches for the second row.

You'll get the customizable comfort of tri-zone electronic temperature control in both SUVs. Plus, you'll get to sink into the available leather-trimmed seats and stay warm when your adventure leads into the cold with heated seats in the front and rear.

Your entire family will be able to stay connected in these SUVs, too. They both offer an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and several USB ports to keep everyone powered up. They also offer Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, so you can keep up with your favorite apps and music.

Available Safety Features

To give you more peace of mind behind the wheel, the Honda Pilot comes with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control. The 2020 Explorer comes with AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™), a similar system. They monitor for understeer and oversteer, and once it's detected, they can brake individual wheels and adjust engine torque to keep you on the steered path.

Both SUVs also offer advanced features like a Lane Keeping System. They'll give you a warning if you begin to stray from your intended lane and may provide gentle steering assistance to guide you back.

You'll only find the SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ on board the Explorer. It automatically sounds the car's horn and activates emergency flashers if a serious collision occurs. That will make you easily visible to emergency first responders.

2020 Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot: Which Will You Choose?

As our handy comparison has shown, both midsize SUVs are well-built and equipped with lots of amazing features to help keep your family comfortable, entertained, and safe on the road. However, drivers near Cincinnati, Ohio, and Newport and Covington, Kentucky, who need more power, space, and advanced safety should choose the 2020 Ford Explorer.

Schedule a test drive and see this SUV for yourself. Contact Fuller Ford today!