2021 Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

Explorer vs Pilot: Performance

The 2021 Ford Explorer offers up three performance-ready engines in its powertrain lineup including a standard 300 horsepower 2.3L Turbocharged Direct Injection Ti-VCT EcoBoost® I-4 engine. Swap this engine out for the Explorer model's available 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine, which offers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, offers just one engine in its powertrain lineup. This engine will max out at 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

With this kind of power, you'll only be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds of trailer weight when properly equipped. Meanwhile, the Explorer can tow as much as 5,600 pounds of trailer weight when properly equipped.

Explorer vs Pilot: Fuel Efficiency

Even as a powerful machine, the 2021 Ford Explorer achieves great mileage. The base Explorer can reach an EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG with its 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine and Intelligent 4WD.   

None of the Pilot trims can compare to this fuel efficiency. All of the 2021 Honda Pilot trims with 2WD achieve an EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG. The Honda available AWD powertrain options only achieve an EPA-estimated 19 city/26 highway MPG.

Explorer vs Pilot: Dimensions

Both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Honda Pilot offer three rows of seats and more than 80 total cubic feet of cargo space. However, you'll find that the Explorer does a better job of catering to passengers of all sizes with the following dimensions:

On top of all the space you'll have for your passengers, the Explorer also provides you with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats. In the Pilot, you'll get just 16.5 cubic feet standard.

Explorer vs Pilot: Interior

As 2021 models, both the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot sport some of the most highly sought-after features on the market. Both models offer standard multi-zone climate control systems, available heated front seats, and available hands-free power liftgates.

The latter feature allows you to access the rear compartment of the vehicle without having to get your keys out or even use your hands at all. Simply swipe your foot under the rear bumper of either the Explorer or the Pilot and the liftgate will rise on its own.

The Explorer takes convenience one step further, though, by offering an available 12-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen and 10.1-inch LCD portrait touchscreen.

2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Honda Pilot: Which One?

As you can see, the 2021 Ford Explorer comes out on top in every way. Now that you have a better idea of what the Explorer has to offer, it's time to get behind the wheel and experience it for yourself. Shoppers near Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, and Carlisle, Pennsylvania, can schedule a test drive by giving us a call at Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg!