2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Honda Pilot

2023 Ford Explorer Overview

If you’d like to purchase or lease a new midsize SUV, then the team at Stivers Ford Montgomery recommends comparing the 2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Honda Pilot. These models are among the most critically acclaimed in the class and have also proven to be a big hit with everyday drivers. Ford offers the Explorer in eight distinct trim levels—Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch and Platinum—and Honda offers the Pilot in six: LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite.

Exterior - Ford Dealer Serving Montgomery

The 2023 Ford Explorer and 2023 Honda Pilot are both four-door midsize SUVs, and there are many similarities but also some notable differences. The difference in ground clearance, for instance, is notable with the Ford boasting 8.2 inches to the Honda’s 7.2 inches. The Explorer and Pilot are also quite similar in length—198.8 vs 199.9 inches or about 16.5 feet—but the Ford has a notably longer wheelbase at 119.1 inches compared to 113.8 inches. The shorter wheelbase does make a vehicle feel a bit more agile, but that comes at the cost of the greater stability many drivers prefer with a SUV. Aluminum wheels are standard. Both automakers offer 18- and 20-inch wheels. Ford also offers 21-inch wheels.

Interior - 2023 Ford Explorer in Montgomery

Ford offers seating for either six or seven with the 2023 Ford Explorer. Honda offers seating for either seven or eight with the 2023 Honda Pilot, and while some consumers prefer the extra seat, we prefer the added comfort that comes with the more conservative approach. Headroom is comparable in all three rows. Front legroom is bigger in the Explorer by a full 2 inches. Second-row legroom is bigger in the Honda by almost 2 inches—40.8 vs 39.0 inches—and the third row is comparable. Dedicated cargo space is also comparable at more than 18 cubic feet.

Ford Explorer Mechanical specs

The 2023 Ford Explorer is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The 2023 Honda Pilot is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Both models have a 10-speed automatic transmission in either case. Honda offers a single engine: a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds with FWD models and 5,000 pounds with AWD models. The Explorer has a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that is not only more powerful than the Pilot—300 hp and 310 lb.-ft.—but more fuel efficient. It can also tow at least 5,000 pounds in all cases, and a two rating as high as 5,600 pounds is available. Ford also offers an optional 400-hp turbo V6.