2022 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Honda Pilot

Ford and Honda have been leading the way for years when it comes to the mid-size SUV market. It all started in 1991 when Ford changed the SUV game forever by introducing the family-friendly Ford Explorer SUV. With it, they ushered in a new driving experience that combined versatility and utility with comfort and luxury for everyday driving. Then in 2003, Honda changed things up again when they introduced the minivan shaped like an SUV with the first Honda Pilot. But with all that history, which of these two top-rated three-row mid-sized SUVs is better? That’s exactly what the team here at Essential Ford of Stuart wants to look at today with this head-to-head battle for all the glory. Are you ready? 

2022 Ford Explorer vs. 2022 Honda Pilot

These mid-sized SUVs come packed with features, technology, and affordable creature comforts and capabilities. Still, when you take a closer look at their specs and features, you’ll discover an entirely different story. That’s why we’re going to take you through a head-to-head battle to help you decide which SUV is best for you and your family. And in the end, when you see exactly why the 2022 Ford Explorer is the hands-down winner, be sure to visit our showroom at Essential Ford of Stuart to take one for a test drive!

Ready. Set. Fight!


Engine & Performance

The 2022 Ford Explorer has some exceptional character under the hood with the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 300-horsepower. This hearty engine allows anywhere between 5,000 to 5,600 pounds of towing capacity, especially if you choose to go with one of the higher trim engine options. In addition, the upper-level trims come with a wildly fun and exciting 400-horsepower V6 gas-electric hybrid engine. And with the ST performance package, you can have racing-inspired handling on your family-friendly SUV.

However, with the Honda Pilot, you don’t get anywhere near the capabilities and handling for your everyday driving. And the standard 280-horsepower naturally aspirated V6 engine doesn’t quite stack up to the Explorer on either performance or towing capacity. There’s one clear winner in this category, and it isn’t the 2022 Honda Pilot.

Cargo & Utility Features

The Explorer not only can tow more than the Honda Pilot, but it also has far more storage capacity and legroom for all three rows. With 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row compared to the 16.5 that comes in the Pilot, there’s room for your entire family and your luggage for those weekend getaways. When you fold down the third row, you have up to 47.9 cubic feet of cargo room in the Explorer with a total capacity of 87.8 cubic feet.

Comparatively, the Pilot only comes with a total of 83.8 cubic feet of cargo space with all of the seats folded down and all kinds of scrunched legroom, especially for the third-row passengers.


Interior Design & Features

Ford doesn’t overcomplicate the interior design and layout by keeping things rounded and simple on the dashboard. With a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trim levels, all the entertainment you need is only a touch away.

However, the Pilot only comes with an available 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that packs the icons together so tightly you can often touch the wrong one while focusing on the road.


Safety Features

Ford doesn’t pull any punches in this competition with its state-of-the-art driver assistance and safety features, including pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking, and surround-view parking cameras. In addition, if you upgrade to the ProPilot Assist package, you’ll get even more driver assistance features.

The 2022 Honda Pilot comes with none of those standard safety and driver assistance features that you can find in the 2022 Ford Explorer. Nothing more needs to be said here.

Bottom Line?

While at first glance, the 2022 Ford Explore and the 2022 Honda Pilot may seem like comparable rivals, the fact is they’re not even close. The Explorer delivers the knock-out blow every time, especially when it comes to safety features and cargo room.

Here’s a quick rundown of the ways that the Explorer won this head-to-head competition over the Pilot:

• Better standard engine, performance, and horsepower.
• More towing capacity.
• Standard driver safety and assistance features.
• More interior cargo and legroom even with a third-row.

 
Test Drive A 2022 Ford Explorer Today!

If you want to see all the capabilities and versatility that the Explorer provides, we’ve got one waiting to take for a test drive just for you!
 
Swing by Essential Ford of Stuart, or give us a call to schedule your test drive today at (772)-781-6540!Essential Ford of Stuart