2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Explorer | Butler, PA

2025 Pilot vs 2025 Explorer in Butler, PA

Are you in the market for a brand-new midsize SUV? If so, the 2025 Honda Pilot should definitely be on your shortlist. For this year, Honda adds a new Black Edition trim level with some exciting interior and exterior details to set it apart. The 2025 Pilot continues to offer a refined driving experience and has excellent safety and tech features on board. So, let’s compare it with the 2025 Ford Explorer, which sees a reduction in available trims for 2025.

Our comparison between these Honda and Ford SUVs will focus on three essential areas: safety suites, interior amenities, and performance capabilities. Once we’ve evaluated the 2025 Pilot and the 2025 Explorer across all three, we can tell you which model to select. You can also test-drive the 2025 Pilot at Honda North. Visit our Butler, PA-based showroom and ask our team for a drive.

Interior Comparison

The 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Ford Explorer are three-row midsize SUVs. The 2025 Pilot has 158 cubic feet of interior space and up to eight seats. Meanwhile, the 2025 Explorer has less space and a maximum of seven seats, making the 2025 Pilot more suitable for larger families. You can even select captain chairs for either model. Plus, the 2025 Pilot gets active noise cancellation for all trims, which filters out engine and road sounds for a quieter cabin. Meanwhile, an active control engine mount system minimizes powertrain vibrations. You don’t get these features in the 2025 Ford Explorer.

The 2025 Explorer also offers captain chairs, reducing capacity to six. The 2025 Pilot’s TrailSport trim also comes with captain chairs. However, all 2025 Pilots have a multi-functional second row, including a removable center seat, which creates a more comfortable two-seat second row. You’ll still be able to carry up to eight people. The 2025 Explorer isn’t as versatile. Selecting captain chairs at purchase will limit you to a maximum of six occupants.

The 2025 Pilot and the 2025 Explorer come with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. They also have enough USB charging ports for all occupants and can be fitted with wireless phone charging facilities. Other standard features include Bluetooth® and digital gauge clusters. The 2025 Pilot can be equipped with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, plus a heads-up display. Then, Honda’s CabinTalk® system, which allows two-way communication between driver and third-row occupants, is available.

The 2025 Pilot provides powered front seats with heating, plus three-zone climate control for all trims. Buyers can receive ventilated front seats and leather seat upholstery for higher trims. Plus, up to fourteen cup holders, a locking glovebox, and a hidden storage well are provided. There’s even a multi-functional center console bin. Higher trims also add ambient LED lighting and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The 2025 Explorer offers some of these features.

The 2025 Pilot’s trunk can carry 19 cubic feet of cargo with the third row in place. With the same configuration, the 2025 Explorer can accommodate 16 cubic feet. Buyers can fold the second and third rows in either midsize SUV for more space. Every 2025 Pilot gets four cargo tie-downs and cargo area lighting.

Performance Comparison

The 2025 Honda Pilot has a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. The engine is rated for 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters for manual gear changes. Front-wheel drive is standard for some trims. Here, Honda’s i-VTM4 intelligent all-wheel drive system is optional. Other trims, like the TrailSport, Black Edition, and Elite, are exclusively all-wheel drive. The TrailSport also comes with some off-road enhancements, such as all-terrain tires. All trims get a drive mode selector. Depending on trim, up to seven modes are offered.

2025 Explorer buyers have two turbocharged engines. Lower trims have a 300-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder unit. Higher trims enjoy a 400-hp 3.0-liter V6. Regardless of engine, rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission are standard. Paddle shifters and all-wheel drive are available.

Safety Features Comparison

Honda equips the 2025 Pilot with the Sensing® suite. Hence, automatic emergency braking, a driver monitoring system, and a road departure mitigation system are standard. All trims have adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure warning. Moreover, a blind-spot information system and rear cross-traffic monitor are included. Higher trims come with a 360-degree camera system and low-speed braking control. Meanwhile, the 2025 Explorer doesn’t offer some of these features.

Find the 2025 Honda Pilot in Butler, PA

The 2025 Honda Pilot is the clear winner, outperforming the 2025 Ford Explorer across all our criteria. If you’re interested in taking home a brand-new 2025 Pilot, contact Honda North in Butler, PA. We’ll help you find the best trim and most attractive auto financing for your new midsize SUV.