VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
285hp @ 6100
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
262lb-ft @ 5000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
3.5 L/212ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Honda Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Pilot uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $50,965 for the Explorer and $54,995 for the Pilot. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford ExplorerPlatinum RWD 2026 - From $50,965
Honda PilotBlack Edition AWD 2026 - From $54,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
285hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
262lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
3.5 L/212ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
25 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
200.1in
Width (in)
78.9in
78.5in
Height (in)
69.6in
71in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4678lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Explorer
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($50,965)
Few notable weaknesses
Honda Pilot
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Pilot?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Pilot gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Pilot?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Pilot?
The Explorer starts from $50,965 and the Pilot from $54,995. The Explorer is cheaper by $4,030 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Pilot?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Pilot can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Pilot?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.