2024 Honda Pilot vs. 2024 Ford Explorer in Butler, PA

2024 Pilot vs. 2024 Explorer in Butler, PA

As your family gets larger, a three-row crossover becomes a necessity. These are great for carrying kids to the sports field or the mall. Conversely, they're also fantastic for family trips across the country. Hence, the segment has attractive choices, such as the 2024 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Ford Explorer.

The 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer are midsize crossovers, so you won’t find them too daunting to drive if you’re coming from a smaller vehicle. In our Pilot vs. Explorer comparison, we’ll check out their respective interior features, safety specs, and performance capabilities and find out which one is better. Then, we can help you pick a winner.

Of course, if you’re already eyeing a 2024 Honda Pilot, talk to us at Honda North. We’ll tell you all about the various trims and options available.

Interior Comparison

The 2024 Honda Pilot offers 158 cubic feet in passenger volume, while the 2024 Ford offers a tighter fit with 153 cubic feet. Both midsize crossovers come with three rows of seating, but the 2024 Pilot can seat up to eight occupants. The 2024 Explorer tops out at seven.

If sheer capacity isn't a necessity, you can choose a more comfortable captain chair configuration. Here, the 2024 Pilot's capacity drops to seven, and the 2024 Explorer can only seat six. However, the second-row bench gets replaced by a set of two individually adjustable seats with armrests. This configuration is perfect for family members who are tall or elderly, as they can find a more comfortable seating position. Furthermore, there’s a passage between the two seats to aid third-row access.

This is one of many trump cards for the 2024 Pilot. Honda has made it as family-friendly as possible. Some trims offer up to eight cup holders that can hold the largest 32-ounce cups you can find. Then, each row gets USB device charging ports. Up front, there are illuminated vanity mirrors within the sun visors. Higher trims add an overhead console with a sunglass holder. You can also choose an optional rear entertainment system to keep the kids quiet on longer trips.

The 2024 Pilot is also great with cargo. When all three rows of seats are up, it can carry 19 cubic feet of luggage. The 2024 Explorer trails by one cubic foot. Furthermore, you can split-fold the third and second rows in either midsize three-row crossover. This allows various combinations of passenger and cargo capacity. You’ll find this more convenient in the 2024 Pilot, as Honda has engineered its seats to fold quickly and easily.

In-cabin amenities for both vehicles include dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control, depending on trim. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are also standard across the range. Meanwhile, 2024 Pilot buyers also get a digital gauge cluster that is 7 inches on lower trims and 10.2 inches on higher trims. There's also a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system available.

Performance Comparison

Honda equips every 2024 Pilot with a smooth 3.5-liter V6 and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Some trims allow the driver to manually select gears via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. While the range is front-wheel drive for most trims, buyers can select Honda’s i-VTM4 intelligent all-wheel drive system. This system also brings a six-mode drive selector. The six modes are Econ, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Tow. The last mode enables a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Honda also offers a TrailSport trim, which comes with factory enhancements for light off-roading. This is great if you’re leasing a 2024 Pilot since leasing forbids any modifications to the vehicle. The TrailSport trim gets all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, a mild suspension lift, and underbody protection.

Ford offers two engines for 2024 Explorer buyers. Lower trims come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims receive a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is available. The 2024 Explorer’s maximum towing capacity is 5,300 pounds, depending on powertrain specifications.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2024 Pilot includes Honda’s Sensing® suite as standard. Hence, it’s got adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency brakes on all trims. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist are also standard. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer isn’t so well equipped. Some features are standard; others are optional.

Find the 2024 Honda Pilot in Butler, PA

The results are out, and the 2024 Honda Pilot wins this Pilot vs. Explorer match-up. It's got excellent safety features, a well-equipped cabin, and a smooth V6 engine. Why not swing by Honda North in Butler, PA, and check it out for yourself? As you slide behind the wheel and fire up the engine, you'll realize how great the 2024 Pilot is. Then, we'll help you take one home.