- Performance Specs
- Exterior Features
- Interior Features
- Infotainment Features
- Safety Systems
- Average Prices
- FAQs
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are two well-known midsize SUVs, each offering a range of performance, comfort and safety features. The Pilot is the largest SUV by Honda, known for its reliability and off-roading capabilities. Meanwhile, the Explorer stands out with its powerful engine options and dynamic driving experience. Comparing the Honda Pilot vs the Ford Explorer side-by-side helps understand the distinctive features that set the two nameplates apart.
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Trim Levels
The latest Honda Pilot in the UAE is available in three grades: EXL, Touring and Sport. All trims draw power from a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine. However, the Pilot’s driving and safety features vary depending on the trim.
The 2025 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, comes in four grades. These include the Active 200A, Active 200A with Comfort Package and Platinum 600A, which feature a 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine. Moreover, there’s also an ST 400A trim that comes fitted with a 3.0-litre Ecoboost engine.
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Performance Specs
The Honda Pilot is powered by a powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 285 hp and 355 Nm of torque across all trims. Moreover, the engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
In contrast, the Explorer’s base 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine offers 300 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, its 3.0-litre turbo V6 ramps up to 400 hp and 563 Nm of torque. Both engine options come paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel efficiency and towing capabilities are fairly comparable. The Honda Pilot delivers approximately 11.5 to 12.2 km/l, while the Ford Explorer ranges between 11.3 and 12.7 km/l. In terms of towing, the Pilot can handle up to 1,588 kg, whereas the Explorer offers a capacity of 2,404 kg.
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Exterior Features
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer feature well-appointed exterior designs, each with a distinct personality. The Pilot has a rugged, truck-like stance, highlighted by a bold front grille, sculpted body lines and alloy wheels on higher trims such as the Sport.
The design of the Explorer leans toward a sleeker, athletic profile with slimmer redesigned headlights, a wide grille with a Ford logo and sleek taillights. Both SUVs come standard with LED headlights featuring auto on and off functionality.
In terms of car dimensions, the Pilot measures slightly longer in length, but the Explorer has a longer wheelbase. The dimension difference may influence the on-road presence and handling of the vehicles in different aspects.
| Features | Honda Pilot | Ford Explorer |
| Height (mm) | 5,080 | 5,050 |
| Length (mm) | 1,994 | 2,268 |
| Width (mm) | 1,801 | 1,778 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,891 | 3,025 |
COLOURS
Ford offers the Explorer in the following colour options:
- Oxford White
- Agate Black
- Carbonised Grey
- Iconic Silver
- Vapour Blue
- Star White Tri Coat
- Rapid Red Tinted Clear
For the Pilot SUV, Honda has the following colour options:
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Platinum White Pearl
- Lunar Silver Metallic
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Interior Features
The new Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer both offer practically designed interiors with three-row seating. The Pilot can accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench, providing generous legroom. It also offers over 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space when the seats are folded, making it ideal for larger families or long trips.
The Explorer seats up to seven and leans toward a premium feel, especially on higher trims. It features a 13.2-inch touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, soft-touch materials, available leather and tri-zone climate control.
The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer also offer multiple seating options, with the Pilot accommodating up to eight passengers and the Explorer seating seven. Both SUVs provide driver-powered seats, while seat materials vary slightly; the Pilot offers cloth, leather, or synthetic leather, whereas the Explorer comes with cloth and leather options.
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Infotainment Features
Both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer offer a range of infotainment features. The Explorer’s 13.2-inch display pairs with a full digital gauge cluster, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, while the Pilot offers a 9- to 12.3-inch screen with similar wireless integration and available navigation.
| Features | Honda Pilot | Ford Explorer |
| Multimedia Screen | 9 to 12.3-inch | 13.2-inch |
| Speakers | 7 – 12 | 6 – 14 |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C Ports | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Phone Charger | Yes | Yes |
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Safety Features
The Explorer comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, Ford’s advanced safety suite. It also includes the Evasive Steering Assist system, which can apply brakes automatically when obstacles are detected using radars and cameras. Key features include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- Rear View Camera
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Stability Control System
- Traction Control System
- Lane-Keeping System
The Honda Pilot is equipped with the Honda Sensing Suite, a collection of advanced safety technologies. Its features include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
- Advanced airbag systems
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control
- Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: Average Prices
The average price of a used Toyota Pilot for sale in the UAE is AED 63,500 for the 2021 model and AED 204,233 for the 2025 model.
On the other hand, the price of a new Explorer starts from AED 215,145, varying with the trim levels. Meanwhile, the average price of a used Ford Explorer for sale in the UAE ranges from AED 103,159 for the 2021 model to AED 220,856 for the 2025 model.
Disclaimer: The average prices mentioned are based on dubizzle data. They do not represent the actual car transactions in the UAE. The average prices (AED) are for used models manufactured from 2021 to 2025.
FAQs
Does the Ford Explorer have more towing capacity than the Honda Pilot?
The towing capacity of the Explorer is up to 2,404 kgs while that of the Pilot is 1,588 kg.
What safety features do both the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer offer?
Both SUVs come with multiple safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and multi-angle rearview cameras.
That concludes our detailed comparison between the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer. Each SUV offers unique features tailored to different driving preferences. In addition to the models mentioned above, the used and new cars for sale in the UAE offer a wide selection of renowned makes and models. When looking for a ride upgrade, drivers can consider these listings to have a pick at their next car.
For more car comparisons, tips, facts and much more, stay tuned to dubizzle’s car blog.
Related Posts
