Is it time to upsize to the midsize SUV segment? If so, we’d like to present the 2024 Ford Explorer for your consideration. With a range of turbocharged engines, this three-row SUV can really shift. Then, you and your family can enjoy an array of tech and safety features. There are even some mild off-roading features that you can opt for. Let’s see how the 2024 Explorer compares with the 2024 Honda Pilot.
Our Ford vs Honda match-up will look at each model’s interior specifications and performance credentials. Finally, we’ll see which midsize SUV has better safety equipment. Keep reading to discover the winner. Alternatively, come to TERA Ford in Plano, IL, and test-drive the 2024 Explorer. We’ve also got some superb Ford specials that you really must hear about.
The 2024 Ford Explorer offers three rows and can seat up to seven occupants. The 2024 Honda Pilot has a similar configuration but squeezes eight seats. More seats aren’t always better; in this case, it can result in a cramped experience. Therefore, you’ll prefer the 2024 Explorer’s roomier configuration. You can even outfit it with captain chairs in the second row for more comfort. Then, up to six adults can travel in comfort. This option is particularly appealing for families with elderly, taller, or larger individuals. In contrast, the 2024 Pilot allows you to create a two-seat second row with two-row captain’s chairs.
The 2024 Explorer comes with features such as power-adjustable and heated front seats. You can also select leather seat upholstery for a more premium experience. Then, you’ll find plenty of cup holders and USB charging ports for everyone. There’s even an available wireless phone charger and a twin-panel moonroof. Some of these options are available for the 2024 Pilot, too.
You’ll also find plenty of cargo capacity in either midsize SUV. They both come with split-folding second and third-row seats for use when you’ve got something large and bulky to transport. The 2024 Explorer also offers a lockable, console-mounted safe deposit box. This is great for stashing your house keys, wallet, or mobile phone when you go to the beach. The 2024 Pilot doesn’t offer this great security feature.
The 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Pilot come with hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming. They also have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Music fans can delight in the available Bang & Olufsen sound system that the 2024 Explorer offers. You can also outfit this midsize SUV with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The 2024 Pilot offers a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster.
Two EcoBoost engines are available for the 2024 Explorer range. Both powertrains are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Some trims also include paddle shifters for the driver to manually choose gears. Lower trims have a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder unit with 310 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims enjoy a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The 2024 Explorer comes in rear-wheel drive for some trims, and a four-wheel drive may be fitted. Other trims are exclusively four-wheel drive. Some trims also get special off-road tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. Then, Ford’s Terrain Management System is standard across the 2024 Explorer range. Depending on trim, modes available include Eco, Normal, Slippery, Sport, Tow/Haul, Deep Snow/Sand, and Trail.
Crucially, the 2024 Explorer comes with Ford’s special Side-Wind Stabilization system. Since the 2024 Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds depending on the trim choice, this is a great feature to have. The system helps maintain control of the vehicle and trailer combination under crosswind conditions. Trailer Sway control is also included.
The 2024 Honda Pilot comes with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. The engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Buyers may pick front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 2024 Pilot’s towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive.
The 2024 Ford Explorer is equipped with the Ford CoPilot360™ suite, a robust package of advanced safety features to protect you and your family. Standard across all trims, this suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring, offering peace of mind on the road. Also, lane departure warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and forward collision alerts are standard to enhance your driving safety further. Higher trims of the Explorer also offer an active parking assistance feature, which helps with parallel and perpendicular parking, and a 360-degree camera system for better visibility around the vehicle, making tight maneuvers easier and safer.
On the other hand, the 2024 Honda Pilot, while well-equipped, doesn't include all of the same advanced safety systems as the Explorer. The Pilot comes with Honda Sensing®, a suite of standard safety features including collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. However, the Pilot does not offer some higher-end features found in the Explorer, like the 360-degree camera system and active parking assistance. While the Pilot does include a multi-angle rearview camera and available parking sensors, it lacks the same level of advanced parking aids that come with the Explorer. Additionally, features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available but are not standard on all trim levels.
While the Pilot is certainly competitive in terms of safety, the Explorer offers a broader range of available safety technologies, making it the more tech-forward choice when it comes to advanced safety features.
The 2024 Ford Explorer comprehensively wins our Ford vs Honda match-up. With its better-designed interior, powerful engines, and leading safety features, it’s the midsize SUV you must have. Talk to us at TERA Ford in Plano, IL, and let’s get started.
