2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot

Take on the roads around Peoria with the whole family in a new three-row SUV, but which one has all you need for your daily drives? Take a look at top models like the 2021 Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot. When comparing the Ford vs. Honda, you’ll notice these reliable SUVs provide spacious interiors, impressive performance, and a suite of features that are sure to provide you with comfort and convenience on the roads around town. Follow along with Mike Murphy Ford to compare the Honda and Ford Explorer seating capacity and other features to discover which one is the right match for your family. 

Explorer vs. Pilot: Performance Specs

When you’re hitting the road in these grand SUVs, you need strong performance that can not only keep up with your busy lifestyle around East Peoria, but also provide impressive fuel efficiency. Comparing the Ford SUV vs. Pilot SUV, both have a standard 2WD drivetrain with available AWD or 4WD systems for improved traction on roads around town, however, the differences come when you take a look at the performance and fuel economy you’ll get on the road. The standard engine on the Explorer provides an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 city/29 hwy mpg compared to the 20 city/27 hwy mpg fuel economy of the Pilot. Let’s see how the Ford vs. Honda engine specs compare:

2021 Ford Explorer Engine Options

2.3L EcoBoost® Engine

• 300 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: RWD, available Intelligent 4WD
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic with selectShift®

3.0L EcoBoost® V6

• 400 hp, 415 lb-ft of torque on ST trim
• 365 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque on Platinum 
• Drivetrain: Intelligent 4WD
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic with selectShift®

3.3L Hybrid

• 318 hp, 322 lb-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: RWD, available Intelligent 4WD
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic with selectShift®

2021 Honda Pilot Engine

3.5-liter V6

• 280 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: FWD, available i-VTM4 AWD System
• Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

If your trips call for towing the camper or other equipment, the Ford Explorer is better equipped to handle your supplies with the 5,600-pound towing capacity compared to the 3,500-pound towing capacity of the Pilot. 

Explorer vs. Pilot: Interior Dimensions

Whether you’re packing the family in for a trip out of the Pekin-area or running to the store for a quick errand, comfort is key in these SUVs. While the Honda and Ford seating capacity has spacious room for its passengers, the Honda has a seating for up to eight passengers to the Ford seating capacity that can accommodate seven passengers. However, looking at the legroom and cargo volume, the Explorer provides you with a little more room to stretch out in the versatile space. Let’s compare the interior dimensions of the Ford SUV vs. Pilot SUV:

2021 Ford Explorer

• Headroom (Front/2nd/3rd): 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 inches

• Legroom (Front/2nd/3rd): 43.0 / 39.0 / 32.2 inches

• Shoulder Room (Front/2nd/3rd): 61.8 / 61.9 / 54.6 inches

• Passenger Volume: 152.7 cubic feet

• Cargo Volume: 87.8 cubic feet

2021 Honda Pilot

• Headroom (Front/2nd/3rd): 40.1 / 40.2 / 38.9 inches

• Legroom (Front/2nd/3rd): 40.9 / 38.4 / 31.9 inches

• Shoulder Room (Front/2nd/3rd): 62.0 / 62.0 / 57.6 inches

• Passenger Volume: 152.9 cubic feet

• Cargo Volume: 83.9 cubic feet

Explorer vs. Pilot: Convenient Amenities

Thankfully, when deciding between the Ford SUV vs. Pilot SUV, both SUVs understand the importance of staying connected and safe on the roads around Morton. Each model comes with standard safety features like forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, while features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto integration, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are standard on the base trim of the Ford, these features are found on the EX trim and above on the Honda. Let’s take a look at some of the other standard and available features in the 2021 Ford Explorer:

• FordPass Connect™
• Overhead console with dome/map lights and sunglasses holder
• Dual second-row smart-charging USB ports
• Tri-zone electronic temperature control
• FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
• Rear View Camera with Washer
• Power liftgate 
• Available wireless charging
• Available 360-degree-view camera
• Available 12-speaker or 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system

Discover Ford SUVs with Mike Murphy Ford!

Now that you’ve compared the Ford vs. Honda, continue exploring the 2021 Ford Explorer performance and amenities by contacting the team at Mike Murphy Ford to schedule a test drive today! When you’re ready to take an exciting Ford model home, the knowledgeable team in our finance center is ready to help you with all your car buying questions, so you can get back to your adventures around town.