Which will be the best transportation for your family, the 2024 Ford Explorer or the 2024 Honda Pilot? Our comparison guide offers an in-depth look at these popular three-row midsize crossover SUVs.
Key Takeaways
- Although these midsize crossovers are competitively priced, the Explorer comes at a slightly lower rate.
- With seating for up to eight, the Pilot can accommodate a slightly bigger clan than the seven-seat Explorer.
- In terms of upgrades, both crossovers accommodate a wide range of tastes, whether you want a sporty, stylish, or luxury model!
- With up to 400 horses and a sporty rear-wheel-drive platform, the Explorer is the absolute most fun to drive.
When it comes to starting price, these three-row crossovers are extremely competitive. But the 2024 Explorer has the potential to save you at least a little bit of money upfront. The Explorer starts at $36,860, and the 2024 Pilot follows just behind, with an MSRP of $37,090.
Max Seating Capacity: 2024 Honda Pilot
Compared to the Explorer, the Pilot seats an extra passenger, with cabin accommodations for up to eight passengers. Since the Explorer only has two third-row seats, it seats up to seven people. You can add second-row captain’s chairs to either crossover, reducing overall seating capacity by one seat. If your immediate family has exactly eight members, you’re definitely going to need the Pilot!
Sporty Performance: 2024 Ford Explorer
Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive performance and incredible power, the Explorer is by far the sportiest option. In addition to the excellent handling and improved towing capabilities (up to 5,600 pounds!) that come with a rear-wheel drive platform, this midsize crossover supplies up to 400 horsepower with its available turbo V6 engine. To improve off-road performance, you can add all-wheel drive to any Explorer!
Choose from these 2024 Explorer powertrain options:
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Like most three-row midsize crossovers, the Honda Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive and has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Even if it’s not as sporty as the Explorer, this Honda crossover still provides a pretty quick performance, with 285 horses. Just like the Explorer, the Pilot offers all-wheel drive as an option. However, because the all-wheel-drive system only kicks in when it senses low traction in the rear axle, the Pilot’s front-wheel-drive platform keeps it from being as rugged as the rear-wheel-drive-based Explorer.
Every 2024 Pilot has the same powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Available Upgrades: It’s a Tie!
Not only are these three-row crossovers big on modern comfort and tech features, but their trim models also appeal to a wide range of drivers. For instance, the Explorer Timberline and Pilot TrailSport trim models come standard with trail-friendly features, such as underbody skid plates and off-road-tuned suspension with increased ground clearance.
There are also models, like the Explorer ST-Line and Pilot Sport, that add stylish exterior upgrades. Then there are the luxury trims, including the Explorer Platinum and Pilot Elite, that maximize your comfort with fancy upgrades like heated and ventilated front seats, premium leather upholstery, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Your New Crossover SUV
At the end of the day, both midsize SUVs have a lot to offer. While shoppers who require eight seats should check out the 2024 Honda Pilot, our overall choice is the 2024 Ford Explorer, which delivers the sportiest ride at the best price!