The San Antonio SUV Showdown: A Look at the Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer

For people living in San Antonio, a vehicle needs to be more than just transportation. It is a partner for school drop-offs, weekend trips to the Hill Country, and navigating busy city traffic. In the search for the perfect 3-row SUV, the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer are two vehicles at the top of the list, Both are incredibly popular choices among midsize SUVs, but have different strengths depending on your specific needs. This guide from Northside Auto Group in San Antonio will help you decide which SUV best fits your family’s lifestyle.

Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer Performance and Drivetrain

The engine and drivetrain are the heart of any vehicle and are the key component that affects how the car feels to drive. This is an area where the Pilot and Explorer take different approaches.

The Honda Pilot Drivetrain

The Honda Pilot focuses on providing a single, refined powertrain that is smooth and capable across all its trim levels.

• Engine: Standard 3.5-liter V6 engine.
• Horsepower: 285 horsepower.
• Standard Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (fwd) for confident handling and efficiency.
• Available Drivetrain: An advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system is available, and it comes standard on the rugged TrailSport and premium Black Edition models.

The Ford Explorer Drivetrain

The Ford Explorer offers more variety, giving buyers a choice between efficient power and high-performance muscle.

• Standard Engine: A turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that delivers an impressive 300 horsepower.
• Available Engine: A powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that generates up to 400 horsepower on select trims.
• Standard Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD), which is often favored for its balanced handling dynamics.
• Available Drivetrain: An intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) system for enhanced grip and performance.

Comparing Towing Capacity

For many Texas families, utility is just as important as performance. The towing capacity of these midsize SUVs is a critical factor. The Ford Explorer generally holds an advantage, capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped. The Honda Pilot is also very capable, with its towing capacity reaching up to 5,000 pounds on its AWD models.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity in the Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer

For any 3-row SUV, the cabin is where the vehicle shows how versatile it can be. How it accommodates passengers and all their gear is a critical part of the ownership experience. Both the Pilot and the Explorer are masters of interior space, but they achieve their comfort and functionality in distinct ways across their three rows of seating.

The Honda Pilot’s Versatile Cabin

Honda is known for fine-tuning their cabin design with the driver and passengers in mind, and the Pilot is a prime example. It is designed to feel open and airy, with a focus on passenger comfort in every seat.

• Flexible Seating: The Pilot can seat up to eight passengers, a key advantage for larger families and people who frequently drive with others in their car. A standout feature on models like the Pilot Touring is a removable 2nd row center seat that can be stored in the vehicle. This allows owners to switch between a bench for eight or captain’s chairs for seven on the fly.
• Passenger Room: The Pilot offers generous headroom and legroom for occupants in both the front seats and the second row. Its third row is widely considered one of the more accommodating in the class, offering usable space for adults on shorter trips, not just kids.
• Cargo Space: The Pilot’s cargo space makes it extremely practical. Behind the 3rd row, you will find about 18.6 cubic feet of room. Folding that row down expands the cargo space to over 48 cu ft. With both the second row and third row folded, the Pilot opens up to a massive 87 cubic feet of total cargo capacity, making it perfect for hauling large items.

The Ford Explorer’s Comfortable Command Center

The Ford Explorer’s cabin has a premium feel typical of a Ford vehicle. With the latest tech and an emphasis on comfort and versatility, the cabin of the Ford Explorer is a standout in its class. 

• Seating Configuration: The Explorer typically seats six or seven passengers depending on the chosen configuration. Many trim levels come standard with comfortable second-row captain’s chairs, which provide easy pass-through access to the 3rd row.
• Passenger Room: The Explorer provides ample headroom and legroom, particularly for those in the spacious front seats and 2nd row. The rear-wheel drive architecture can slightly impact floor height, making the third row a better fit for kids and teens than for adults on long journeys.
• Cargo Capacity: The Explorer’s numbers are highly competitive. It delivers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With the third row folded, that space grows to nearly 48 cu ft. At its maximum, with all rear seats down, the Explorer provides an impressive 87.8 cubic feet of total interior space, right on par with the Pilot.

Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer Technology and Safety 

When driving around San Antonio, you need a vehicle that is smart and safe, not just comfortable. The technology built into a family SUV makes a big difference in your daily drives. This includes everything from the infotainment system to the advanced safety features.

Honda’s Approach to Tech and Safety

Honda makes sure that every Pilot comes with great technology and safety equipment. These important items are included as standard features on all trim levels, so you are well-protected no matter which one you choose.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The standard infotainment system in the Pilot uses a 7-inch touchscreen that is simple and easy to operate. If you prefer a bigger screen, a 9-inch touchscreen comes on higher trims like the EX-L and Touring. A key benefit is that every Pilot has standard wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This lets you easily connect your phone to use your maps, music, and other apps right on the dash.

Driver-Assist and Safety

For safety, every 2024 Pilot includes the Honda Sensing® collection of safety features. This complete package gives you automatic emergency braking to help prevent collisions, along with systems to keep you in your lane.

You also get adaptive cruise control. This feature is great for highway driving because it automatically keeps a safe following distance from the car in front of you. All of these systems work together with a full set of advanced airbags to keep you and your passengers safe.

Ford’s Approach to Tech and Safety

The Ford Explorer is also loaded with technology. It has impressive standard equipment and offers even more advanced options on its higher-end models.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Explorer includes the well-regarded SYNC 3 infotainment system. The standard touchscreen is a large 10.1-inch display. This big screen gives the cabin a modern look, even in the base model. The system has hands-free voice controls and comes standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For an even more high-tech feel, a huge 12-inch screen is available on select models.

Driver-Assist and Safety

On the safety side, the Explorer includes the Ford Co-Pilot360™ package of driver-assist tools. These standard features give you automatic emergency braking and a system that warns you about cars in your blind spot. The Explorer is also built with a complete system of airbags to protect everyone inside. You can get more advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control with lane centering by choosing certain option packages or higher trim levels.

Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs

The initial price is only one part of a vehicle’s total cost. Understanding the day-to-day expenses, like fuel, and the long-term value provided by the price and warranty is essential. Both the Pilot and Explorer offer good value, but their numbers differ in key areas.

Comparing Fuel Economy

Your vehicle’s fuel economy directly impacts your wallet, especially with gas prices always changing. Both SUVs deliver competitive mileage for their size, but their engine and drivetrain choices lead to different results.

• Honda Pilot MPG: The Pilot is equipped with one standard V6 engine, which simplifies the numbers. The EPA estimates that the front-wheel drive (fwd) models get around 22 combined mpg. When equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), the fuel economy is very similar, typically around 21 combined mpg. This consistency makes it easy for buyers to predict their fuel costs.
• Ford Explorer MPG: The Explorer offers more engine options, which means its mpg ratings vary more. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the most efficient, achieving an EPA estimate of about 24 combined mpg. Adding all-wheel drive (AWD) drops that figure slightly to around 23 combined mpg. Models with the more powerful V6 engine will naturally have a lower fuel economy.

MSRP and Warranty Coverage

The sticker price and manufacturer warranty are key parts of the ownership equation.

• Starting Price (MSRP): The starting MSRP for both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer is usually very competitive within the 3-row SUV market. The final price for each vehicle depends heavily on the chosen trim levels. As you add more features like a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, or advanced AWD systems, the price will increase accordingly.
• Warranty: Both Honda and Ford provide strong, nearly identical new vehicle warranties. Buyers can expect a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty that covers the entire vehicle and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty that covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. This similarity means you can feel confident in the long-term support from either brand.

Making the Right Choice for Your San Antonio Lifestyle

So, after comparing performance, space, and technology, which vehicle wins the Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer matchup? The SUV that will be best for you depends on your specific needs. Here are some considerations that will help you make your decision:

Who Should Choose the Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot is an excellent choice for families who prioritize maximum passenger flexibility and a comfortable, well-rounded experience.

• You might prefer the Pilot if you often need to carry up to eight people, as its clever 2nd row seating allows for more passengers than the Explorer.
• The Pilot’s spacious 3rd row and generous legroom make it a top pick for those who will regularly have older kids or adults in the back.
• With standard features like adaptive cruise control and a full suite of safety tech on every trim, it offers incredible value from the start.
• For those who enjoy weekend getaways, the TrailSport model is specially equipped for light off-road excursions, while models like the Pilot Touring and Black Edition offer near-luxury levels of comfort and features, including multi-zone climate control.

Who Should Choose the Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is ideal for the family that values power, towing, and a more commanding driving experience.

• You might prefer the Explorer if you need higher towing capacity for a boat or trailer, as its powerful EcoBoost engines and RWD-based platform give it an edge.
• If you love having engine options, from the efficient standard motor to the high-horsepower V6, the Explorer delivers more choice.
• Its robust platform and available intelligent all-wheel drive make it feel confident and secure on any road.

• The Explorer also offers high-tech convenience, with a large standard touchscreen and available features like a hands-free liftgate that make daily life easier.

Take a Test Drive With Northside Auto Group Today

Reading about specs like horsepower and cargo space is a great start, but nothing replaces the feeling you get behind the wheel. Here at Northside Auto Group, we make that easy. We are home to both a premier Ford dealership and a trusted Honda dealership, so you can compare these two incredible midsize SUVs. Visit Northside Auto Group in San Antonio to explore every feature and find the right SUV for your family. Schedule your test drive with us today