Compare 2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Honda Pilot

Serving Maumee, OH

The 2021 Ford Explorer is consistently rated better by customers than the 2021 Honda Pilot, and yet you'll find the Pilot substantially more expensive depending on the trim you're looking at. That's not the only reason to ignore the Pilot this year, though, in favor of the 2021 Ford Explorer. A simple test drive of the Ford Explorer will showcase its stability and road-conquering powers. When pitted against just about any other model even remotely in this class, the Explorer is the model that wins people over. Brondes Ford Maumee is here to break down just why the new Explorer is rolling over the competition on its way to bigger things.

Performance

The Explorer's wide range of available powertrain options and dependable towing is just one reason you want to overlook the noticeably less confident Pilot. At only 3,500 pounds of max towing, the Pilot isn't capable of bringing along your largest possessions, such as campers and very large boats. In the meantime, your Ford Explorer at Brondes Ford Maumee is ready to get to work. Its 5,300 to 5,600 pounds of max towing will give you the assurance you need to tow the larger stuff. Since the Explorer almost doubles the Pilot's towing capacity, we strongly recommend that you opt for an Explorer if you need an SUV with some pulling power from Brondes Ford Maumee.

Horsepower is important to most people who buy an SUV. Why buy an SUV if it's basically equipped like a full-size sedan? The Explorer is the only real SUV among these two, as the Pilot bows out of the race at only 280 horsepower. For some folks, that would be enough, but we know that Ford customers are a bit spoiled when it comes to performance. Why stop there? Ford didn't. They give you between 300 and 400 horsepower on your new Explorer, expanding your possibilities and giving you greater choice. For example, the Explorer has many more engines to choose from. Its 3.0L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 is customized by trim to give you outputs of 365 horsepower (on its Platinum trim) and beyond that on trims like the ST. It gets twin-turbos and a major boost in power to reach 400 horsepower. The Pilot doesn't bother with these nuances and simply gives you 280 horsepower and a bit of disappointment.

Interior

Interior luxury on the Ford Explorer at Brondes Ford Maumee is a combination of ample head, shoulder, and legroom, as well as rows that give every seating position a toast of the town. The Platinum is outfitted with Tri-Diamond perforated leather seating and a skyline view that's going to give your family so many memories over the year. The interior is simply dazzling to look at when it's fully loaded. When you get a test drive of the Ford Explorer, you'll experience this luxury for yourself, feeling the perforated leather as it cradles you and your passengers in its luxury. A twin-panel moonroof gives you the perfect view of the nighttime sky and allows everyone to feel like they're traveling in a 5-star resort. The Pilot's drab interior is pinned to a couple of colors that you may or may not like, it never gets into tri-diamond territory, and to even get basic "luxury" you're going to have to opt for the highest trims (we feel the highest trims of Pilot are drastically overpriced). In the meantime, the Ford Explorer comes through once again with an interior that pushes the boundaries of style and luxury. Not only is it luxurious, it's also practical as well, with comforts like wireless device charging for the more tech savvy in your family to appreciate.

Visit our dealership today to test drive and compare these models for yourself. Just call to schedule or drop us a quick request online.

*All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.