Which three-row SUV delivers the most family fun, the 2025 Ford Explorer or 2025 Honda Pilot? Our comparison guide takes a closer look at these popular midsize crossovers!
Key Takeaways
- Thanks to its wider wheelbase, the family-friendly Explorer delivers extra interior space!
- With its all-new infotainment setup, the Explorer has the edge when it comes to tech features.
- Both three-row crossovers feel at home cruising both Louisiana’s highways and rural backroads!
- The Explorer’s tow-friendly rear-wheel drive and extra ground clearance mean more outdoor family fun.
Family-Friendly Space: 2025 Ford Explorer
Inside the Explorer, this SUV’s longer wheelbase translates into a wider cabin, which means roomier seating for you and your loved ones! Fold down the rear rows of seating, and the Explorer even offers more max cargo space than the Pilot, offering 87.8 cubic feet for your Home Depot runs.
While the Explorer’s wheelbase has about 5 inches on the Pilot’s, Honda’s three-row crossover is 1 inch longer. Most of that extra length seems to be found in the Pilot’s cargo hold. While the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats, the Pilot has 18.6 cubes for your everyday items. But do you really want to trade the Explorer’s roomier seats for a smidgen of extra cargo space?
Modern Technology: 2025 Ford Explorer
With to its brand new infotainment setup and digital instrument cluster, the Explorer’s tech features are way ahead of the competition. Every trim model keeps you connected to the world at large with a 12.3-inch driver information display and 13.2-inch central touchscreen. The new Ford Digital Experience (also standard) runs on user-friendly, Google-based software and includes built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant voice controls. Plus, the Explorer comes standard with a few driver safety aids you can’t get from the Pilot — including evasive steering assist and intersection collision mitigation.
The Pilot’s standard infotainment setup is less impressive, with a 7-inch central touchscreen and the wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (the Explorer’s versions of this tech connect wirelessly). However, Honda’s standard list of driving aids is much more modern. Although the Pilot doesn’t offer highly maneuverable systems like evasive steering assist, it does include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
On-Road Cruising: It’s a Tie!
These crossover SUVs offer an excellent balance of power and agility, making it easy to get where you’re going. Whether you’re traveling over Monroe’s rural backroads or making your way down I-20 to Ouachita River, these midsize crossovers get you around in style. Both the Explorer and the Pilot deliver a smooth performance, too, courtesy of their comfort-tuned suspensions. And you can always equip your model with all-wheel drive to increase sporty agility and all-weather safety (not to mention trail-friendly traction)!
Outdoor Adventure: 2025 Ford Explorer
If your family can’t get enough of our state’s best fish and kayaking spots, you’re going to love the Explorer’s sporty utility features! Along with a roomy cabin, features like fold-flat seats and a roof rack make it easy to organize your camping gear. On muddy trails, Ford’s midsize crossover SUV even gives you a little extra ground clearance, with 7.9 inches to the Pilot’s 7.3 inches. Better still, every Explorer comes standard with a tow package that helps you tote a boat trailer weighing up to 5,000 pounds.
Inside the Honda Pilot, which is nearly as spacious as the Explorer, you’ll also find innovative storage options that help you create road-trip-friendly cargo space. And although it’s a little shorter than the competition, the Pilot’s available all-wheel drive will take you down some pretty mucky trails. Honda’s midsize SUV can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, but only if your model features all-wheel drive. Max tow ratings for front-wheel-drive Pilots stop at 3,500 pounds!
When we’re talking about the 2025 Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot for camping and road trips in Monroe, Louisiana, the winner is clear. Ford’s midsize SUV has more to offer in terms of passenger space, modern technology, and even performance! Even if you’re just headed to our local Kiroli Park, the Explorer treats you and your loved ones to incredible comfort. Visit us at Banner Ford of Monroe in Ouachita Parish to experience everything these fun-loving crossovers have to offer.