2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Honda Pilot

The SUV segment remains one of the most popular, experiencing a surge in sales whenever gas prices drop. With so many options to choose from, given that practically every automaker has its own SUV offering, the choice is a tough one.

Two prime candidates, the 2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Honda Pilot consistently vie for class domination. Depending on preference and priorities, either option is compelling, backed by award-winning brands.

The following is a breakdown of each model’s merits, and missed marks.

Standard Features

Starting with the Honda Pilot, drivers should expect standard operation from the V6 engine - the only engine available. Push-button start, USB port, 7-speaker sound system, multi-angle rearview camera, and Bluetooth are included. Ranging from the starting MSRP of $30,595 to the top of the line Elite model, which starts at $47,070, the Pilot has trims for just about any budget.

Not quite as well-appointed with respect to standard fare, the Explorer starts at $31,660 and includes a six-speaker stereo system, rearview camera, and enhanced version of Ford’s own SYNC 3 infotainment suite, and MyKey technology. This also includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance

For those who value choice, the Explorer is your target. The Honda Pilot has only one engine option: the aforementioned standard V6 (280 horsepower; standard 6-speed automatic transmission or available 9-speed automatic transmission).

The 2019 Explorer features three choices. The first is a standard 3.5-liter V6, which generates 290 horsepower. The second is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, able to produce 280 horsepower. Finally, the available turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 offers the most power at 365 horsepower: one of the most powerful engine options for a non-luxury SUV.

Thanks to its engine options and powerful turbocharged V6, the Explorer definitely wins in overall performance.

Fuel Economy

While the SUV segment is generally not celebrated for its fuel-sipping tendencies, the Explorer’s choice of engines gives consumers something to consider; however, for the best fuel efficiency, the Pilot takes the lead. The standard V6, front-wheel drive, returns 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The Explorer’s specs fall short, although the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine comes the closest at 19 city mpg and matching highway of 27 mpg. All-wheel drive drops these numbers to 18/25. The standard V6 gets 17/27, with all-wheel drive dipping to 16/23. The turbocharged V6 can only get 16/22 from its all-wheel drive operation.

So while the Explorer is an all-around better performing vehicle, you’ll have to sacrifice a small amount of fuel economy compared to the Pilot.

Safety

The Honda Pilot bests the Explorer when it comes to safety scores. Earning a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Pilot also earned the top-rated distinction of “Good” from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), which also named it a Top Safety Pick+.

Although the Explorer shone just as brightly in the eyes of the NHTSA, it faltered in certain IIHS assessments and so does not share the Pilot’s Top Safety Pick+ distinction.

Technology

Here, the script gets flipped with the Explorer taking the lead in terms of technology. The enhanced version of Ford’s exclusive SYNC 3 system, along with its very responsive and clearly organized touchscreen are to thank. Not to mention the hard button, which make accessing menus much faster, particularly when a driver is unable to look at the touchscreen.

The Pilot meets the needs of most drivers, with respect to expected tech, but has a few odd quirks that aren’t user-friendly. For instance, unlike the Explorer, there are no hard buttons to back up the touchscreen’s functionality. In fact, there isn’t even a volume knob.  

Interior

Across the board, regardless of trim level, the Pilot offers a better interior than the Explorer. Higher quality materials and user-friendly design are evident on all Pilots, while interior refinement is available only on upper Explorer trim levels.

Cargo

Depending on seat configuration, it’s fair to say that the Pilot and Explorer share cargo capacity. With the third row seats still upright, the Honda Pilot offers 16.5 cubic feet of space, while the Ford Explorer presents 21.

However, behind the second row, the Pilot features 46.8 cubic feet of space, while the Explorer only offers 43.9. Folding the seats down, the Pilot’s cargo space reaches to 83.9 cubic feet, with the Explorer stopping at 81.7.

But if you’re looking for more available space while carrying a full load of passengers, the Explorer has you covered.

Reliability

In its Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power & Associates determined the Honda Pilot had the slight edge over the Ford Explorer. The study listed the Explorer as only 2.5/5, with the Pilot being awarded a score of 3.

However, it’s worth noting that the Ford Explorer has been then #1 selling SUV for the past 27 years. No doubt, in part, because of this legacy, Reader’s Digest cites the Explorer as its “Most Trusted SUV Automotive Brand.”

Industry authority, Edmunds, awarded the Honda Pilot four out of five stars overall, stating, “The Honda Pilot is an efficient three-row crossover with lots of amenities and plenty of room.” When it came to the Ford Explorer, Edmunds bumped the score up to 4.5 stars out of five, concluding that “Ford’s popular three-row Explorer crossover is refined, versatile, and suitable for many needs.”

Which is Right for You?

In terms of overall appeal, the Pilot may provide enough reliability and base features for families. But the Explorer, with its performance engine option and more sporty appearance, can be a great vehicle for those that want to have fun without sacrificing the utility of a larger SUV.