These cars may seem similar, but when it comes to the 2023 Ford Explorer vs. the 2023 Honda Pilot, there are some signature differences that persuade buyers in one direction. For the most part they share a lot of the same perks. However, our comparison guide will help you decide if the differences between the two can justify the price.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The gas mileage is nearly identical, you won’t be making more gas stops in one car than another.
- Both share a very similar price point, with the Explorer only being slightly more expensive.
- While the Pilot gives more leg room and has more seating, the Explorer is the stronger of the two vehicles.
WHICH CAR HAS MORE INTERIOR SPACE?
These two SUVs are in high competition with each other, but one factor that sways some buyers toward the Pilot is the space. The Pilot is over 3 inches longer than the Explorer with a longer base and width. The increase in exterior space doesn’t always equate to more interior space, but in the case of the Pilot it does. It can seat up to eight passengers unlike Ford’s seven passenger seating. It also has more cargo space, with a rear cargo capacity of 22 cubic feet and maximum of 113 while the Explorer gets 18 and 87.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE: 2023 FORD EXPLORER
A defining strength of the Explorer is its capacity for power, it serves as a convincing argument for purchasing the Explorer over the Pilot. Compared to the Pilot, this is where the Explorer starts to define itself as a real horse of an SUV. The advanced four-wheel drive system makes the Explorer a highly capable SUV on road and off roading, and with the more powerful engine, the Explorer also has a list of more engine options, including a hybrid. The Pilot is an all-wheel drive that has one engine option, a 3.5 Liter V6 engine with a horsepower of 285.
The Explorer comes with three engine options:
- 300-hp, 2.3-liter, I-4 Engine
- 318-hp, 3.3-liter, V6 hybrid Engine
- 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine
With this upgraded power, it passes the 0-60 mph sprint test in 5.2 seconds, a faster acceleration than the Pilot’s 6.0 seconds. The base powertrain for the Explorer gives just enough of a boost in comparison to the Pilot that most drivers will notice a difference on a test drive. For others, a 15-horsepower difference isn’t strong enough to convince them even if they can feel it. Very quickly though, with just a couple upgrades the Explorer becomes one of the most powerful full-sized SUVs out there. The starting market price for the Explorer is around $36,700 while the Pilot is $35,900. For less than a thousand dollar difference, you’re getting the stronger powertrain. For a couple thousand more, there’s already a huge upgrade in horsepower.
WHICH CAR IS BETTER FOR OFF ROADING AND HAULING?
Once again, this is where the Explorer shines. The off roading and hauling potential of the Explorer is a very welcome feature that only makes sense for its powertrain. Both SUVs have their versions of off-road models, with the Explorer Timberland and the Pilot TrailSport. The handling on the Timberland is better on rugged terrain than the TrailSport. The base trims of the Explorer and the Pilot still have off roading potential, but the Ford has specific trims that were built specifically for it. It has a higher clearance above ground than the Pilot, can hold trailer weight up to 2,000 pounds more, and haul at its maximum 2,000 pounds more. The four-wheel drive also makes it more capable of handling more diverse off-road terrain than the Pilot’s less powerful all wheel drive.
WHICH FULL SIZED SUV IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The Explorer is our pick for these 2023 vehicles. While the Pilot does have great safety features, tech upgrades, and plenty of interior space, many of those tech and safety features are also shared with the Explorer. The Explorer only sacrifices one seat, to be a great powerhouse of a SUV that will look great in any driveway.