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Randall Reed Family Owned & Operated Since 1992
In today's automotive market, SUVs appeal to many car buyers, and two prominent names often spark interest among potential buyers: the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot. These models have continually proven themselves to be formidable contenders in the SUV domain, boasting features and capabilities that have made them popular choices over the years. The Ford Explorer, a pioneer in family SUVs since the 1990s, quickly replaced the Bronco II, becoming one of the most adored SUVs on the market. It consistently impresses with its aerodynamic design, push-button four-wheel-drive system, and rugged persona.
The Honda Pilot didn't debut until 2003, but it has managed to hold its own amidst a burgeoning sea of SUV options. While it may lack some of the revolutionary features of its competitors, Honda consistently adds upgrades, including a rear-view camera system and Honda Sensing safety features. In this comparative analysis, read as our Planet Ford Dallas team delves deeper into the unique attributes of each model while ultimately setting our sights on the superior choice. Buckle up as we navigate the dynamic landscapes of the 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Honda Pilot.
Exterior StylingWhen it comes to SUVs, the exterior appeal can make or break a first impression. The Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot have gone through numerous design transformations to stay in sync with changing consumer preferences and offer exciting contrasts in style.
The 2024 Ford Explorer exterior stands out with a robust grille, unique headlights, and a rugged physique. It exudes a sense of strength and dominance on the road while still maintaining a refined look. In contrast, the Pilot's appearance is more subdued, with rounded edges and a softer aesthetic. While its classic design may appeal to some, the Explorer's bold and striking styling gives it an edge over the Pilot.
Many have lauded the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot for their spacious interiors and ample cargo areas. They're perfect for families who enjoy road trips out of Dallas or anyone needing substantial storage space. But when it comes to convenience, one of these vehicles may leave you feeling a tad underwhelmed.
The 2024 Ford Explorer interior boasts an impressive feature: the exclusive PowerFold third-row seats. This technology allows you to adapt the seating arrangement with the simple touch of a button, transforming the third-row seats into a flat cargo area within seconds. While the Honda Pilot also offers the ability to create additional cargo space by folding down the second and third-row seats, it requires manual operation. Since the PowerFold technology is a unique offering from Ford, it leaves the Pilot somewhat lacking in the convenience department.
On the technological front, the Explorer and Pilot provide ample entertainment options with their infotainment systems. But the 2024 Ford Explorer features edge it ahead of the Pilot. Its standard 8-inch touchscreen includes popular features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While the Pilot also offers these features, except for the Wi-Fi hotspot, it falls short in screen size, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that you can upgrade to a 9-inch display on select models. The Explorer also offers an optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen for more visual real estate and convenience.
When it comes to heavy-duty tasks such as towing, the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot are formidable competitors, each offering a significant towing capacity with the right equipment. The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds but doesn't offer any specific features to assist with towing due to its slightly lower towing capacity, which could be a disadvantage if you regularly tow heavy loads.
Conversely, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds with the correct equipment and configurations. The available trailer sway control sets the Explorer apart in this category. This innovative feature uses AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control to maintain stability and control, even when towing large loads. This additional layer of security and control gives the Explorer a clear advantage over the Pilot.
Safety is always a top priority when considering any vehicle, and it's no exception for SUVs. The Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot both have achieved impressive safety ratings in recent years, with the 2024 models boasting even more advanced features. The Explorer shines in its standard Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies, which includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, a rear-view camera, a lane-keeping system, and more.
The Pilot offers similar safety features, but some are only available on higher trim levels and require additional upgrades. The Explorer offers unique features, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and evasive steering assist that the Pilot doesn't currently provide.
Fuel economy is another crucial factor differentiating the Ford Explorer from the Honda Pilot. A vehicle with better mileage helps you save money and contributes to environmental sustainability. The 2024 Ford Explorer's miles-per-gallon rating also takes the lead, providing 21 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway.
The Honda Pilot delivers slightly lower fuel economy, with 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This difference might seem minor at first glance. Still, over time, the better mileage of the Explorer can lead to significant savings, making it a more economical choice for getting around in Dallas.
While the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot undoubtedly offer compelling features and are strong contenders in the SUV market, the Explorer ultimately takes the crown. You might say we're biased, but there's no denying that the Explorer offers a lot, from its bold exterior styling to its advanced technology and safety features. So why settle for good when you can have extraordinary? Explore our new and pre-owned inventory of Ford Explorers and take advantage of our attractive financing deals. Contact us to schedule a test drive or stop by our dealership.
