The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular and well-equipped three-row SUVs on the market. A comparison between the 2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Honda Pilot reveals how competitive this particular industry segment has become. For the current model year, the 2025 Explorer offers better performance, more advanced technology and better fuel economy than its Honda Pilot rival. Follow along with CSL Ford while we take a closer look at these two SUVs.
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
| Engine | Turbo., 2.3-L, 4-Cyl. | 3.5-L, V-6 |
| Horsepower/Torque (lb.-ft.) | 300 / 310 | 285 / 262 |
| Fr./Md./Rr. Legroom (mm) | 1,093 / 1,039 / 817 | 1,041 / 1,036 / 826 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 11.9 (city) / 8.7 (hwy.) | 12.4 (city) / 9.3 (hwy.) |
Design
Passenger Space
Both the 2025 Explorer and Pilot have three rows of seats that can hold up to at least seven passengers. Additionally, both SUVs have pretty similar legroom measurements across all three rows, with the Explorer offering a slight advantage.
Cabin Features
Ford designers have refreshed the current Explorer model’s interior features to include more premium materials across several trims. The third row can be folded away with the press of a single button on some trims; Honda doesn’t offer a similar feature in the current Pilot.
Performance
Engine Options
CSL Ford customers interested in the 2025 Explorer will have two turbocharged engine options to consider, making 300 horsepower (2.3-L EcoBoost I-4) or 400 horsepower (3.0-L EcoBoost V-6). Both engines make more than the 285-horsepower V-6 employed by the 2025 Pilot.
Fuel Economy
Even with this disparity in performance favouring the Explorer, the Ford SUV is able to offer noticeable better fuel economy scores than its Honda rival when equipped with the base four-cylinder engine.
Technology
Advanced Technology
Ford vehicles have ranked among the most technologically advanced platforms available. While both SUVs make wired and wireless access to popular smartphone apps standard. The 2025 Explorer goes further than its Honda rival by offering a full suite of Google products as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Mobile Wi-Fi
People need to remain connected to the world outside their cars, trucks and SUVs while they commute every day. While each SUV does offer a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Ford wireless internet connection can connect to more devices and be used up to 15 metres away. The Honda system is only available on the two top Pilot trims and can’t connect to as many devices.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a great continuation of the model’s legacy. Visit the CSL Ford showroom today to learn more about this year’s Explorer model, start the pre-ordering process or go for a personalized test drive. When you decide to take your new Ford Explorer home, don’t forget to stop by our service department to schedule your new SUV’s first round of recommended maintenance.