Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot

The 2014 Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot are two very similar vehicles in both look and feel, but it is what's under the hood and inside that sets them apart from each other. Although both SUV's are big like trucks, they both took a step away from the influences of traditional trucks, and went a more practical route. 

Styles

The Honda Pilot allows you to choose from an impressive 12 different styles. The main difference is if  you prefer two wheel drive or four wheel drive, but both come in four doors. The other styles you can choose from are the EX, LX, EX-L, NAVI EX-L, RES EX-L, or the RES and NAVI EX-L Touring. All of those styles come in both the two wheel drive and the four wheel drive. The Ford Explorer has less options with only seven, but these are standard four wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All styles are four door, and you will be able to choose if you want the base, the sport, limited, or XLT. 

Pricing

Both of these vehicles are very similar in pricing. Each vehicle starts at a MSRP at around $29,000 before all of the optional add-ons. The higher level pricing is around $41,000 for both vehicles when you choose four wheel drive. The higher price for the Honda Pilot is the four wheel drive w/RES and  the NAVI EX-L Touring model, and the higher priced Ford Explorer is the four wheel drive four-door sport model. 

Safety

 The Honda Pilot comes with some standard safety features to make this SUV a very safe vehicle. With stability control as well as traction control, plus antilock brakes, side curtain airbags on the full length, and front seat side airbags, you can feel very safe in this car. Honda also made a rearview camera standard and if you choose the Touring model parking sensors will come standard with that as well. On the other hand the Ford Explorer rated very high on the NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings. Ten out of twelve categories received five star ratings and the two categories that did not receive five stars received four. Those categories are Front Drivers and the Overall Rollover Rating, which is typical for an SUV. 

Warranties

The similarities between these two vehicles continues with the warranties. Both offer a three year and/or 36,000 mile basic warranty, a five year and/or 60,000 mile Drivetrain warranty, and a five year and/or unlimited mile Rust warranty. Neither offers free maintenance, and the Honda Pilot does not offer a Roadside warranty, unlike the Ford Explorer which does offer a five year and/or 60,000 mile Roadside warranty. 

Bottom Line

Since these two vehicles are so similar it is recommended to take a trip to Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg, where you will be able to take a closer look at both vehicles. The professionals will be able to explain the similarities and differences in depth and you will be able to see for yourself which vehicle is better for you.