Explorer vs. Honda Pilot
2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Honda Pilot: What’s the Difference?
Are you shopping for a new mid-size SUV but not sure whether the 2021 Ford Explorer or 2021 Honda Pilot is right for you? If so, the team at Imlay City Ford is here to help with the following 2021 Explorer versus 2021 Pilot model comparison. If you conclude that the Ford Explorer is right for your family, browse the new inventory at our Imlay City, MI, dealership. Consider our 2021 Ford Explorer lease deals to lock in a great monthly rate. Questions? Contact us using our convenient online form or by phone at (810) 724-5900
We compared the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum, starting at $54,480 MSRP, versus the 2021 Honda Pilot Elite, starting at $48,420 MSRP — both SUVs’ finest forms.
2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda PilotQuick Summary
- Interior - The Explorer gives you a better front passenger’s seat, enhanced stylish leather seats, and available Active Motion® seats.
- Exterior - The Pilot provides a standard moonroof and panoramic roof, while the Explorer makes a stylish impression with larger aluminum wheels and quad exhaust tips.
- Dimensions - For more legroom and cargo volume for normal usage, turn to the 2021 Ford Explorer.
- Performance - The 2021 Ford Explorer offers more drive modes and significantly better power and capability numbers than the 2021 Pilot.
- Technology - While the Pilot comes equipped with a standard rear entertainment system, the Explorer offers larger screens, and a more powerful sound system.
- Safety - Adaptive lighting, Active Park Assist 2.0, and a 360-degree camera are all 2021 Explorer safety exclusives.
2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda PilotInterior
Both the 2021 Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot are built for the active family with a balance of function and comfort. Each SUV offers three rows of seating, with room for six or seven passengers in the Explorer and seating for seven in the Pilot.
Unique 2021 Explorer interior features include:
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- PowerFold® third-row seat.
- Perforated leather seats with tri-diamond insert and accent stitching
- Optional multicontour front seats with Active Motion
2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda PilotExterior
Built for convenience and style, the impressive exteriors of the 2021 Pilot and Explorer provide LED tail lamps and fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, and a hands-free power liftgate for easy packing.
The 2021 Honda Pilot Elite comes standard with a power moonroof — available on the 2021 Ford Explorer— and glass panoramic roof. The Explorer is clad with quad chrome exhaust tips and upsized 21-inch aluminum wheels.
Still Have Questions?
2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda PilotDimensions
Whether you’re looking to maximize the cargo-hauling potential or passenger space in your new SUV, the 2021 Pilot and Explorer deliver. However, the Explorer is a slightly larger option in all respects.
2021 Explorer Platinum
| Length | 198.8 in. |
|---|---|
| Head Room (front/middle/rear) |
40.7 in./40.5 in./38.9 in. |
| Leg Room (front/middle/rear) |
43 in./39 in./32.2 in. |
| Cargo Volume (Behind first/second row/third row) |
87.8 cu.-ft./47.9 cu.-ft./18.2 cu.-ft. |
2021 Pilot Elite
| Length | 196.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Head Room (front/middle/rear) |
40.1 in./40.2 in./38.9 in. |
| Leg Room (front/middle/rear) |
40.9 in./38.4 in./31.9 in. |
| Cargo Volume (Behind first/second row/third row) |
82.1 cu.-ft./46 cu.-ft./16 cu.-ft.* |
*Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard.
2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda PilotPower & Handling
The 2021 Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot we looked at are both equipped for adventure with a V6 engine. If you’re looking for a go-anywhere SUV, the Terrain Management System™ in the 2021 Explorer includes seven drive modes plus Hill Descent Control™ and trailer sway control.
See key engine specs for both SUVs in the following table.
2021 Explorer Platinum
| Engine | 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Intelligent 4WD |
| Horsepower |
365 HP
|
| Torque |
380 lb.-ft.
|
| MPG (city/hwy) | 18/24 |
| Max. Towing |
5,600 lbs.
|
2021 Pilot Elite
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Intelligent Torque Management™ AWD |
| Horsepower |
280 HP
|
| Torque |
262 lb.-ft.
|
| MPG (city/hwy) | 19/26 |
| Max. Towing |
5,000 lbs.
|
2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda PilotTechnology
Engaging all your infotainment and vehicle information is easy and convenient in both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot. The 2021 Honda Pilot comes with a standard advanced rear entertainment system — an available feature in the Explorer — as well as CabinControl®, and CabinTalk®.
However, the 2021 Ford Explorer gives you access to the following technology features:
- Available 10.1-in. LCD capacitive portrait touchscreen
- 12.3-in. driver information digital cluster.
- B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with 12 speakers; available with 980 watts and 14 speakers
2021 Ford Explorer vs. Honda PilotSafety
Your safety and confidence is a top priority, whether you drive the 2021 Honda Pilot or 2021 Ford Explorer. The Pilot is equipped Honda Sensing® driver assist technology, while the Explorer comes with both Ford Co-Pilot360™ and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+.
2021 Ford Explorer exclusive features include:
- Adaptive front lighting
- Active Park Assist 2.0
- 360-degree camera
- 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)