For the most part the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Honda Pilot share a lot of the same features. However, do the benefits of the Explorer outweigh the Pilot? Our comparison guide will help you decide which one can justify the purchase of a new car.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Explorer is a little more expensive than the Pilot, but both are affordable for most budgets.
- You won’t be making more gas stops to the gas station in the Explorer vs the Pilot as their mileage is nearly identical.
- The Explorer is the stronger of the two vehicles with its powertrain options.
WHICH CAR HAS MORE INTERIOR SPACE?
The Pilot starts off this comparison strong by being the roomier of the two vehicles. For some, this may already be enough to convince one buyer over another because of the need for extra space. The Pilot is over 3 inches longer than the Explorer when comparing their base and width. With the increase in exterior space comes a direct correlation to interior space. The Pilot can seat up to eight passengers while the Explorer can only seat seven. The Pilot has a rear cargo capacity of 22 cubic feet and maximum of 113. Respectively, the Explorer gets 18 and 87 cubic feet of storage. If it's excess cargo space you’re looking for then the Pilot does have an advantage here, but the added power of the Explorer makes it a better fit for adventurous drivers.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE: 2023 FORD EXPLORER
The Pilot is an all-wheel drive that has one engine option, a 3.5 Liter V6 engine that outputs 285 horsepower. The Explorer gives buyers some options when it comes to choosing their powertrain and even the base engine is more powerful than the Pilot’s engine.
The three engine options of the Explorer include:
- 300-hp, 2.3-liter, I-4 engine
- 318-hp, 3.3-liter, V6 hybrid engine
- 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 cylinder engine
This is where the Explorer starts to define itself as a real powerhouse of an SUV. The advanced four-wheel drive system also makes the Explorer a highly capable SUV for off-roading. It passes the 0-60 mph sprint test in 5.2 seconds while the pilot does the same in 6.0 seconds. The base horsepower of each vehicle is just enough to notice a difference on the road. With just a couple upgrades the Explorer becomes one of the most powerful SUVs out there.
PRICE: 2023 FORD EXPLORER
The starting market price for the Explorer is around $36,700 while the Pilot is $36,300. For nearly less than $500, you’re getting the stronger powertrain. For a couple thousand more, there’s already a huge upgrade in horsepower and potential hauling capacity.
WHICH CAR IS BETTER FOR OFF ROADING AND HAULING?
Both SUVs have their versions of off-road models. The Explorer has the Timberland and the Pilot offers its TrailSport. You’ll find that the Timberland is able to handle just a bit better with its smooth turn radius when compared to the Trailsport. But for those who aren’t looking at anything past the base trims, this is where the Explorer shines once more. The Ford model was built for more capacity. A trailer on the Explorer can hold weight up to 2,000 pounds more, and haul weight at maximum 2,000 pounds more than the Pilot. The four-wheel drive also makes it more capable of handling diverse off-road terrain than the Pilot’s less advanced all-wheel drive. The Explorer also has a higher ground clearance than the Pilot by a few inches, which helps further its off-roading capabilities by avoiding any rocks debris on your path.
WHICH FULL SIZED SUV IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The Explorer and the Pilot are great SUVs that deliver a comfortable ride to every passenger. With their combined safety features that they share, any driver is going to have a smooth ride. Our pick for the better SUV goes to the Explorer. The tech upgrades the Explorer has mixed with its multiple powertrain options give this SUV more capabilities than the Pilot has on its base level. To achieve this, all the Explorer had to do was sacrifice one seat compared to the Pilot to be one of the best SUVs there is on the market.