2024 Honda Pilot vs. 2024 Ford Explorer

2024 Honda Pilot vs. 2024 Ford Explorer

If you’re looking for a larger vehicle, you need not venture into the full-size segment. Midsize, three-row choices exist. The 2024 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Ford Explorer are two great examples. Both vehicles offer ample space and three rows of seating in a maneuverable package.

Choosing the right three-row crossover can be confusing, so we’ll compare the Pilot and the Explorer to help you. We'll look at the 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer in terms of performance capabilities, safety offerings, and interior characteristics. Then, you'll be better equipped to make a purchase decision.

Buying a new vehicle is an important decision. If you're unsure where to start, contact us at Garden State Honda. Our Clifton, NJ-based team will help you understand all trims of the 2024 Pilot and other Honda vehicles. Then, they'll help you choose the best one for your requirements and secure a great deal.

Interior Comparison

Buyers can expect 158 cubic feet and 154 cubic feet of interior volume with the 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer, respectively. Either vehicle offers three rows of seats and can be specified with optional second-row captain chairs. This attractive option replaces the second-row bench seat with two individual seats. Hence, occupants can adjust each seat to their preference. Captain chairs are excellent for families who need more comfortable cabin options.

Whether you pick regular seats or captain chairs, the 2024 Pilot wins in terms of seating capacity. Regular variants can seat eight occupants while choosing captain chairs drops capacity to seven. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer can only seat seven in regular form. Choosing captain chairs means that only six people can travel in it. Hence, you'll find the 2024 Pilot to be better for school carpooling runs or taking lots of kids to the sports field.

The 2024 Honda Pilot is also extremely family-friendly. Depending on trim, you can find up to eight large cup holders designed to hold supersized 32-ounce cups or large bottles. Each row also gets USB charging ports, while tri-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents keeps the cabin comfortable.

Both three-row crossovers have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard. They also include Bluetooth® hands-free and wireless audio capabilities. The 2024 Pilot even comes with a 7-inch or 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, something the 2024 Explorer doesn’t offer.

Finally, the 2024 Pilot has 19 cubic feet of cargo space when all three rows are in use. This is better than the 18 cubic feet offered by the 2024 Explorer in a similar configuration. Either midsize crossover offers split-folding third and second rows for more cargo capacity. The 2024 Pilot's seats have also been engineered to be easier to fold, which may be more convenient.

Performance Comparison

The 2024 Honda Pilot range has a V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Independent testers have praised the engine for being smooth and powerful. They've also noted that the transmission offers a great blend of fuel efficiency and responsiveness.

Most trims of the 2024 Pilot can be upgraded with Honda's i-VTM4 intelligent all-wheel drive system. Choosing the i-VTM4 system brings a six-mode drive selector, which includes modes like Econ, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Tow.

The TrailSport trim is an exception, as it's only available in all-wheel drive form. This trim is intended for buyers who enjoy mild off-roading and includes factory enhancements. These include all-terrain tires and underbody skid plates for protection. The drive mode selector gains a seventh mode, called Trail. Hence, the TrailSport is perfect if you're an amateur off-roader.

The 2024 Explorer comes with two engines. Lower trims have a turbocharged 4-cylinder unit with 300 horsepower. Higher trims get a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 400 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is an option as well.

The 2024 Explorer can tow up to 5,300 pounds. This is a little more than the 2024 Pilot, which offers a 5,000-pound towing limit. However, these figures are trim-specific for both vehicles.

Safety Features Comparison

Honda’s Sensing® suite is standard across the 2024 Pilot range. Hence, all trims have blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features. They've also got adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer only has some of these features.

Find the 2024 Honda Pilot in Clifton, NJ

The 2024 Honda Pilot is ideal if you need more space and capacity. It’s got a roomy and versatile cabin, a powerful yet refined powertrain, and excellent safety features. Our comparison has revealed that the 2024 Pilot beats the 2024 Ford Explorer across our three criteria.

Why not visit Garden State Honda in Clifton, NJ, and experience the 2024 Pilot for yourself?