Which three-row midsize SUV is worthiest of your family adventures, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 Honda Pilot? Our comparison guide takes a look at how these crossovers stack up for Mandeville drivers!
Key Takeaways
- Whether you’re commuting to NOLA or swinging through the school drop-off, the Explorer offers maximum comfort.
- The Explorer’s cutting-edge tech lineup includes an all-new infotainment system that’s standard on every trim model.
- There are two sides to the Explorer’s performance: all-weather safety and fun-loving power!
- When it comes to MSRP, these three-row SUVs are competitive with one another as they get!
Best for Northshore Family Life: 2025 Ford Explorer
Thanks to its cushy, supportive seating and modern amenities, the 2025 Ford Explorer makes all of your family activities feel like a breeze — even navigating the school drop off-line! Equipping your model with upscale features, like leather seating and heated and ventilated seats, means a very luxurious cruise. Compared to the Pilot, the Explorer provides extra front-seat head and legroom. It’s also the wider option, which means more room to spread out in all three rows!
The 2025 Honda Pilot might not be as roomy as the competition, but its available comfort features are pretty competitive. Like the Explorer, the Pilot helps you fight off sticky summer weather with dual-zone automatic climate control and ventilated front seats. Then again, Honda has yet to roll out its hands-free driving technology in the states, so it won’t coast across the Causeway Bridge semi-autonomously like the Explorer can.
Modern Tech: 2025 Ford Explorer
Speaking of technology, the Explorer introduces an all-new infotainment system for 2025. Along with a longer list of safety aids, this new setup makes Ford’s midsize crossover our first choice for technology! Every trim model comes with the Ford Digital Experience, with its fast-acting, Google-based software, 13.2-inch central touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The new Explorer also adds adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and lane-centering technology to the standard lineup.
Unfortunately, the Honda Pilot’s standard infotainment system isn’t quite as impressive. Its touchscreen is smaller (7 inches) and its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration technology isn’t wireless (so don’t forget your USB cord). But the Pilot does deliver when it comes to safe aids, helping you stay out of trouble with standard lane-centering technology and adaptive cruise control.
Handles South Louisiana Weather: 2025 Ford Explorer
For the most athletic drive, the Explorer is the clear choice. Not only does this Ford SUV come standard with more power than its Honda counterpart, but it’s also available with a 400-horsepower V6! Better yet, the Explorer also has a safe side. Add all-wheel drive to help keep your family navigate rainy Mandeville roads. This performance gear also lends itself to the Explorer’s fun side, helping you take on muddy back roads and trails! Compared to the Pilot, the Explorer even gives you more ground clearance (7.9 inches to the Pilot’s 7.3 inches).
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Specs
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.0L turbo V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Every Honda Pilot uses the same engine, a 285-horsepower V6 that trails behind the Explorer’s options. But Honda’s three-row SUV is available all-wheel drive, enhancing driver control on a waterlogged road. And just like the Explorer, the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Unlike the Explorer, however, the Pilot doesn’t come standard with the equipment you need for max towing. Without it, the Pilot can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.
2025 Honda Pilot Powertrain Specs
- 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
MSRP: It’s (Practically) a Tie!
When it comes to MSRP, these midsize crossovers are tight competitors. The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at the absolute lowest price, $39,785*. But the entry-level 2025 Honda Pilot is only a little more expensive, starting at $40,200*.
*Prices as of 4/8/25.
Your New Midsize Crossover SUV
Take your family transportation to the next level in the 2025 Ford Explorer. Compared to the Honda Pilot, Ford’s midsize SUV delivers the sportiest ride, best tech lineup, and roomiest seating. If you’re shopping for family-friendly adventure in St. Tammany Parish, visit us at Banner Ford of Mandeville!