Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot
Comparing 2019 Explorer to the 2019 Honda Pilot
Honda states that the Pilot is the modern family SUV. To support this statement, Pilot advertises its:
- Powertrain
- Towing capability
- Driver-assist and safety features
Powertrain
Simply Stated - Tell Your Customers
- When equipped with either the 2.3L EcoBoost or 3.5L EcoBoost engine, Explorer delivers as much - if not more -horsepower and torque than Pilot with its 3.5L V6
Competitive Chatter - What They're Saying
According to Honda, Pilot pairs its 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The combination offers:
- 280 horsepower
- 262 lb.-ft. of torque
The 9-speed transmission is only on Touring and Elite models.
Ford Facts
The two EcoBoost engines on Explorer outperform the Pilot 3.5LÂ V6:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4:
- 280 horsepower(1)
- More torque - 48 additional lb.-ft. of torque:(1) 310
3.5L EcoBoost V6:
- More horsepower - 85 additional horsepower:(1) 365
- More torque - 88 additional lb.-ft. of torque:(1) 350
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Towing Capability
Simply Stated - Tell Your Customers
- Explorer delivers the same towing capability on both 4WD and FWD models within the same class weight rating
- Pilot requires the more expensive AWD model to achieve the same towing capacity standard on Explorer
- Explorer FWD has more towing capability than Pilot FWD Â
Competitive Chatter - What They're Saying
According to Honda, Pilot equipped with the 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine has towing capability rated at:
- 5000 lbs. (AWD)
- 3500 lbs. (FWD)
Ford Facts
With either V6 engine, Explorer offers Class III towing capability(2)Â rated at:
- 5000 lbs. (3.5L Ti-VCT)
- 5000 lbs. (3.5L EcoBoost V6)
AND, Explorer delivers that 5000-lb. towing capability on both 4WD and FWD models. Pilot requires the more expensive AWD to achieve 5000 lbs.
Driver-Assist and Safety
Simply Stated - Tell Your Customers
Explorer offers two important safety features that Pilot doesn't:
- A front-passenger knee airbag(3)
- Inflatable rear safety belts* for second row outboard seating positions
Competitive Chatter - What They're Saying
Pilot advertises its dedication to offering advanced driver-assist features, including these technologies:
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Collision Warning
- Lane-Departure Warning
- Lane-Keeping System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Information System
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
Ford Facts
The technologies listed for Pilot have been available on Explorer for some time.
AND, Explorer offers two safety features that Pilot doesn't offer at all:
- Front-passenger knee airbag(3)
- Industry-first inflatable rear safety belts* for second row outboard seating positions