2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Honda Pilot

Choosing the right SUV for your family is a crucial decision, and two of the top contenders for 2025 are the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot. Both models offer spacious interiors, advanced technology, and a suite of safety features. However, when comparing the two, the Explorer stands out with its superior safety technology, luxurious interior, powerful performance, and cutting-edge infotainment system. Below, we break down the key differences to help you determine which is the better fit for your family.

Safety Features

Safety is a significant concern for families, and both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda Pilot come equipped with impressive safety suites. The Explorer features Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes a lane-keeping system, evasive steering assist, a rear-view camera, hill descent control, a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps. One of the standout features of the Explorer is the available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist, which offers an extra layer of convenience and confidence on long trips.

The Honda Pilot features a comparable suite of safety technologies under Honda Sensing, which includes a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. While both vehicles offer substantial safety enhancements, the Explorer provides a more advanced and comprehensive suite, offering families extra security.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space

The Ford Explorer’s interior is designed with luxury and comfort in mind. It offers available multicontour heated and ventilated front seats, an optional PowerFold third-row seat, and available leather upholstery. To enhance the ambiance, available ambient lighting provides a refined feel for nighttime driving. Cargo space is also generous, with up to 85.8 cubic feet of room when the seats are folded down.

The Honda Pilot also delivers a comfortable experience, featuring available leather-trimmed seats and power front seats. Heated front seats are standard, but ventilated seats are only optional and do not offer a multi-contour seating enhancement. Instead of a PowerFold third-row seat, it provides an optional stowable second-row center seat. In terms of cargo capacity, the Pilot offers slightly more at 87 cubic feet, but the difference is minimal.

Performance and Capability

Under the hood, the Ford Explorer offers two powerful engine options. The standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque, while the available 3.0-liter V6 delivers an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 pounds-feet of torque. These engine choices give drivers flexibility in choosing the level of performance they need, whether for daily commutes or weekend adventures.

In contrast, the Honda Pilot comes with only one engine option—a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 285 horsepower and 262 pounds-feet of torque. While it provides decent performance, it falls short of the power and capability offered by the Explorer, making the Ford SUV the better choice for those who prioritize performance.

Infotainment and Technology

Technology plays a significant role in modern vehicles, and the 2025 Ford Explorer takes the lead with its advanced infotainment system. It comes standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen featuring the Ford Digital Experience, providing access to Google Maps and 5G connectivity. Additional highlights include smartphone compatibility and voice assistance through Alexa built-in, making for a highly connected and convenient driving experience.

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, comes standard with a 7-inch color touchscreen featuring wired smartphone integration and Bluetooth audio streaming. Although a larger 9-inch touchscreen is available, it still falls short of matching the Explorer's more advanced and sophisticated infotainment system.

The Ford Explorer is the Top Pick

The Explorer emerges as the clear winner when comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda Pilot. It boasts superior safety features, a more luxurious and comfortable interior, more powerful engine options, and a more advanced infotainment system. While the Pilot is a solid choice, the Explorer offers more value, capability, and innovation for families seeking the ultimate SUV experience.

Visit Fury Ford Waconia today to test drive the 2025 Ford Explorer and experience its exceptional features firsthand!