Are you in the market for a three-row SUV? If so, consider the excellent 2024 Honda Pilot. This popular midsize SUV offers seating for up to eight occupants, a smooth V6 engine, and plenty of safety features. It also has plenty of space and cargo capacity. However, you might also be enticed by the 2024 Ford Explorer.
That's why we're conducting a Honda vs Ford match-up to find the winning three-row SUV. We'll compare each model's interior specifications, performance capabilities, and safety systems. Then, we can show you whether the 2024 Pilot or the 2024 Explorer is better.
You can also test-drive a 2024 Pilot at Honda of Meridian. Visit our Meridian, MS-based showroom and ask our staff for a drive. They'll also explain each trim level and help you choose the most suitable trim for your needs.
The 2024 Pilot is a bit roomier than the 2024 Explorer, with 158 versus 153 cubic feet of interior volume. This also means that it can carry up to eight occupants, against the 2024 Explorer’s maximum of seven. So, if you regularly need to perform carpool runs or have extended family to transport, the 2024 Pilot is better.
You can also choose a two-seat captain chair configuration for the second row of either model. Here, the 2024 Pilot's total capacity drops to seven and the 2024 Explorer's to six. Captain chairs offer more comfort and adjustability. You can also avail yourself of leather upholstery in either three-row SUV. You’ll also find tri-zone automatic climate control in the 2024 Pilot. Moreover, every row gets USB charging ports and large cup holders.
These two popular models come with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. They also have Bluetooth® for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. The 2024 Pilot also includes a 7.0-inch or 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, depending on trim. The 2024 Explorer doesn’t have a digital gauge cluster. Then, the 2024 Pilot can be outfitted with a 12-speaker Bose sound system upgrade. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer offers a B&O upgrade.
The 2024 Honda Pilot is also a winner in cargo capacity. When all three rows are deployed, it offers 19 cubic feet, while the 2024 Ford Explorer can carry 18 cubic feet. You can also split-fold the second and third rows in either model for more cargo space. Here, the 2024 Pilot offers easy-folding seats for more convenience. Both models also include glove boxes and center console storage bins.
Every 2024 Honda Pilot gets a 285-horsepower naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. The engine can generate up to 262 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is also used in several other Honda vehicles and has gained a reputation for its smooth power delivery. While most of the 2024 Pilot range is front-wheel drive, buyers can select Honda’s i-VTM4 intelligent all-wheel drive system for most trims. The system also adds a drive selector with six modes. The modes are Econ, Normal, Snow, Sport, Sand, and Tow.
Meanwhile, Honda offers a TrailSport trim for mild off-roading duties. Only available with all-wheel drive, the TrailSport gets all-terrain tires as standard. It also comes with extra underbody protection in the form of skid plates. The drive selector also gains a dedicated Trail mode, for a total of seven modes.
Ford offers two EcoBoost turbocharged engines for the 2024 Explorer range. Lower trims have a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder unit. Higher trims get a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available.
Every 2024 Pilot is outfitted with Honda’s comprehensive Sensing® suite of driver aids. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Buyers can also expect a driver attention warning system, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance for all trims. An adaptive cruise control system is standard as well. The 2024 Ford Explorer has some of these features as standard. Others are optional extras.
The 2024 Honda Pilot is an excellent three-row SUV for you and your family. It's got a roomier and better-equipped interior. Then, it punches well ahead in terms of safety features. The only place that the 2024 Explorer can best it is in outright power figures. But you'll appreciate the smooth and responsive naturally aspirated V6 under the hood of every 2024 Pilot.
Moreover, if you pick the TrailSport trim, you can get a taste of mild off-roading and perhaps find a new hobby in it. So why not choose the 2024 Pilot as your next new car? Talk to us at Honda of Meridian in Meridian, MS, to get started.
