Though a significantly revised 2025 Ford Explorer is waiting in the wings, the 2024 version must battle the 2024 Honda Pilot.
Redesigned last year, the Pilot is brimming with new features and includes an off-road-oriented TrailSport version with added capability. The Explorer matches the Pilot with a Timberline trim designed for off-roading and counters with a more expansive and powerful turbocharged engine lineup and a rear-drive-oriented platform offering towing advantages.
The Ford Explorer’s combination of style and value has made it a popular favorite for decades. The current version went on sale for the 2020 model year, and Ford is giving it a significant refresh in 2025. The Honda Pilot has always hung its hat on providing significant interior room and the car-like driving characteristics common with a crossover SUV, and that remains true today.
Despite their platform and powertrain differences, there are many similarities between the 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Pilot. Both set their sights squarely on the family vehicle buyer, offering three-row seating and plenty of cargo space. Families also demand safety, and both models provide numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). And for road trips, both vehicles offer helpful infotainment and connectivity solutions.
While the Explorer and Pilot are similar in many ways, some differences can affect your buying decision. This detailed comparison of the two popular SUVs should help you decide.
2024 Ford Explorer King Ranch
The 2024 Ford Explorer lineup includes Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are available on every model except the Explorer Timberline, which has a standard 4WD system.
New Explorer prices range from a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,860 for the Base RWD model to $56,770 for the top-of-the-line Platinum with 4WD. Ford adds a destination charge of $1,595 on each Explorer.
Ford does not provide free scheduled maintenance for the Explorer but does include a generous roadside assistance plan should you need help during your travels. The SUV also has FordPass Connect, a connected services plan which is complimentary for the life of the vehicle, except for the Wi-Fi access, which you must pay for after using the free three-month/three-gigabyte trial subscription.
Honda offers the 2024 Pilot in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite. The LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims offer the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The off-road-tuned TrailSport and the upscale Elite include AWD as standard equipment. Prices for the 2024 Pilot range from $37,090 for the LX to $52,480 for the Elite. Add to those prices a destination charge of $1,395.
In addition, Honda includes two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, but the Pilot’s roadside assistance plan is not as lengthy as the Explorer’s. Honda also offers a basic HondaLink connected services plan for the vehicle’s lifetime, but it isn’t as appealing as FordPass Connect. Expanded HondaLink services are available only with the Pilot’s top trim levels.
Advantage: Neither
Why? Each SUV has specific benefits that may appeal to certain buyers without establishing a clear advantage.
2024 Honda Pilot Elite
The Ford Explorer does not rank among the top three models in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Explorer also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The 2024 Ford Explorerhas the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Honda Pilot does not rank in the top three in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the 2024 VDS, and it does not rank in the top three in its segment in the 2023 IQS.
The 2024 Honda Pilot has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Neither
Why? The Explorer offers longer roadside assistance coverage, while the Pilot provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Neither SUV is a top performer in JD Power studies concerning quality and dependability.
2024 Ford Explorer Timberline
Buyers of the 2024 Explorer choose a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Ford rates the turbo four at 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbo V6, which offers a stout 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, is reserved for the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. Both engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford builds the Explorer on a RWD platform and uses a unibody rather than body-on-frame architecture. You can opt for a 4WD system, which is standard on the Timberline model. A Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes is also standard, adding a Deep Snow/Sand setting with 4WD. With the proper equipment, some versions of the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
As of this writing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not released fuel economy estimates for the 2024 Explorer models. Last year, the two turbocharged engines ranged from 20 to 24 mpg in combined driving.
Honda offers 2024 Pilot customers a single powertrain. A normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 delivers 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel-drive is the standard configuration for all but the TrailSport and Elite trims. Those models include Honda’s torque vectoring AWD system, which is available on the other trims. In addition, the 2024 Pilot offers five selectable drive modes, and AWD models add Sand and Trail settings. When properly equipped, the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The 2024 Pilot is EPA-rated at 22 mpg in combined driving with FWD. The AWD versions get 21 mpg combined, except for the TrailSport, rated at 20 mpg.
Advantage: Ford Explorer
Why? The Ford offers more power and towing capacity than the Honda while returning equal or better fuel economy.
2024 Honda Pilot Trailsport
The 2024 Explorer includes standard Ford Co-Pilot360 and available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ collections of ADAS.
Ford Co-Pilot360 equips the Explorer with the safety features most people want most of the time:
Notably, the Explorer includes a post-collision braking system that can reduce occupant injuries following an initial crash with airbag deployment. That is a feature the Honda can’t match. In addition, if you upgrade to Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, the Explorer adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and a speed sign recognition system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2024 Ford Explorer a five-star overall safety rating, its highest honor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2024 Explorer a Top Safety Pick+, its top distinction.
The 2024 Honda Pilot features the Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance system suite. It includes most of the contents of both Ford Co-Pilot360 and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and adds a traffic jam assistance system. However, with base LX trim, the Pilot lacks a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. No version of the Pilot comes with evasive steering assistance.
Additional upgrades for EX-L trim and higher include front and rear parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking, also available on the Ford.
As of this writing, the NHTSA has not yet rated the 2024 Honda Pilot. The IIHS named the 2024 Pilot a 2023 Top Safety Pick, putting it a notch lower than the Ford.
Advantage: Ford Explorer
Why? The Explorer offers essential standard safety features the Pilot lacks, including a post-collision braking system, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. It also provides evasive steering assistance (unavailable on the Honda) and earns a higher IIHS safety rating.
2024 Ford Explorer ST
The 2024 Ford Explorer’s standard Sync 3 infotainment system is beginning to feel dated. Ford equips the Explorer with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, while some trims offer a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen as an option. With either screen, the controls are easy to decipher and use, and each includes volume and tuning knobs.
The Explorer’s infotainment systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and buyers get a free three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. A six-speaker audio system is standard across much of the lineup, with premium B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen optional on some trim levels. A navigation system is also available.
FordPass Connect is standard and free for the lifetime of the vehicle. It offers remote engine starting, remote door lock/unlock, a parked vehicle locator, and more. With a paid data plan after the three-month/three-gigabyte trial, you can access a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Explorer features a MyKey system, providing safe teen driver settings.
The Pilot LX and Sport trims offer a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while all other versions of the Pilot get a 9-inch touchscreen display. Like the Ford, they each have a volume knob. The 7-inch display also has a tuning knob, while the bigger screen comes with tuning buttons.
With LX and Sport trim, the Pilot has wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other versions feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and have a faster processor for quicker response to input. The more affordable versions of the Pilot have seven or nine stereo speakers, while a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system is standard in the Touring and Elite. A navigation system is available.
Every Pilot offers access to HondaLink connected services, but only the Touring and Elite offer the Remote plan with a three-month complimentary subscription. Highlights include remote engine start, remote door lock/unlock, a find my car feature, and safe teen driving settings. You can also access a Wi-Fi hotspot with a free three-month service trial.
In addition, the Pilot features Cabin Talk, an in-vehicle public address system that allows the driver to communicate with the passengers through the stereo speakers. The TrailSport and Elite also have a TrailWatch system that uses exterior cameras to help drivers navigate obstacles.
Advantage: Honda Pilot
Why? The Pilot has a newer infotainment system platform and offers more tech features than the Explorer.
2024 Honda Pilot Elite
Get a 2024 Ford Explorer with a second-row bench seat, and the SUV supplies seven-passenger seating. With the available second-row captain’s chairs, six is the maximum number. Seating materials vary across the lineup according to the trim level. Lower-line trims get cloth-covered seats, mid-line trims get synthetic upholstery, and top trims get genuine leather.
A triple-zone automatic climate control system is standard for all Explorers. In addition, you can get heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of luggage area behind the third-row seat. With the third-row seatback folded, you’ll expand the cargo area to 47.9 cubic feet. Fold both rows of seats, and cargo capacity increases to 87.8 cubic feet.
In contrast to the Explorer, the 2024 Honda Pilot can seat up to eight in nearly every trim level. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on the TrailSport and optional on the EX-L. The Touring and Elite offer a removable middle seat in the second row that you can store underneath the rear cargo floor. The Pilot’s range of configurations offers superior versatility.
Cloth seats are standard in the least expensive trims. The EX-L, Touring, and Elite have leather-covered seats, while the TrailSport offers synthetic leather. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard across the lineup, and the Pilot provides heated front seats on most trims. A heated steering wheel is available, but you must choose the Elite trim level to get ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.
The 2024 Pilot offers 18.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row. The maximum interior space behind the first row is 87 cubic feet.
Advantage: Honda Pilot
Why? The Pilot seats more people and offers more interior and cargo space than the Explorer.
If you’d like to learn more about these vehicles, read our expert reviews of the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Honda Pilot. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on February 27, 2024, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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