When in the market for a dependable and versatile SUV, the 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Honda Pilot are likely to be on your radar. Both vehicles have earned a solid reputation for performance, safety, and innovation. This comprehensive comparison will guide discerning car buyers through the crucial features of each vehicle, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your driving needs and lifestyle.
Purchasing a car is a significant investment, so it’s crucial to make comparisons. Doing so not only helps you secure the best deal but also ensures that the vehicle you choose meets all your requirements, including performance, price, and additional features. With the 2024 Ford Explorer and 2024 Honda Pilot, you’re looking at two heavyweights in the SUV category, and understanding their differences can provide a wealth of information to support your decision-making process.
Capability and Performance Comparison
Available Engine Options
The Ford Explorer offers a trio of impressive engine configurations. The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop Technology, producing a robust 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Next up is the 3.3-liter hybrid, offering even greater efficiency without sacrificing power. For those craving a V6, there’s the 3.0-liter EcoBoost delivering a stirring 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque.
On the Honda Pilot side, it exclusively packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which, while not offering the electric option, is lauded for its steady reliability, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque across its entire lineup.
Towing Capability
The ability to tow can be a deciding factor for many SUV buyers. The Explorer boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, making it a great choice for those planning to haul a boat, trailer, or other sizable loads. In comparison, the Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds, ensuring that you won’t feel underpowered on your towing adventures.
Drivetrain Options
The 2024 Ford Explorer has standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) with optional Intelligent 4WD, as well as a four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System, suitable for various driving conditions. The Honda Pilot offers front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel drive system known as the Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4®), providing outstanding ground clearance for off-road escapades.
Exterior and Design Comparison
Both the Explorer and Pilot exhibit strong, contemporary design elements befitting their robust profiles. From the iconic Ford grille to Honda’s aerodynamically sculpted body, each vehicle demonstrates its brand’s stylistic signature. The Explorer emphasizes a bold, athletic stance, while the Pilot opts for a more streamlined, yet equally formidable look. When it comes to the exterior design, the choice may come down to personal taste, or perhaps the tiebreaker will be in the small details, such as the vehicle’s ground clearance and approach angles for the more adventurous buyers.
Interior and Comfort Comparison
The interpretation of ‘comfort’ varies, but rest assured, both the Explorer and Pilot cater to passengers with spacious interiors and luxurious trim. The Explorer offers roomy seating for seven, with an available twin-panel moonroof that provides an airy, open feel. Honda’s Pilot also comfortably seats up to eight with its standard third-row configuration, allowing for ample passenger space and a generous cargo capacity.
Creature comforts in the Ford Explorer include heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and an available heated steering wheel. While the Pilot also offers similar features, the choice might depend on the overall feel and layout of the interior, as well as the quality of materials used.
Technology and Entertainment Options Comparison
Infotainment System Size and Capability
The 2024 Ford Explorer boasts a substantial 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen for its SYNC® 4A system. It’s responsive, intuitive, and features wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. In contrast, the 2024 Honda Pilot comes with an 8-inch display audio touchscreen system, offering smartphone integration and a built-in navigation system, among other features.
Audio System Specifications
Personalized sound experiences elevate the driving experience. The Explorer can be equipped with a 980-watt, 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, promising premium audio quality. Meanwhile, the Pilot offers a 590-watt, 10-speaker audio system designed for peak performance, further enhancing the on-road acoustics.
Other Entertainment and Technology Options
Both vehicles are available with a wide range of tech add-ons. The Ford Explorer offers a 12.3-inch digital cluster with productivity screens and an available wireless charging pad. Honda’s Pilot counters with a host of standard features like CabinTalk® in-car PA system and an advanced rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch high-resolution screen.
Safety and Security Comparison
Standard Safety Features
The 2024 Ford Explorer comes with the Co-Pilot360™ suite as standard, including important features like BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), rear-view camera, and Lane-Keeping System. The Explorer also includes AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®) and a rear-view sensing system. Honda’s Pilot is similarly equipped, with the Honda Sensing® suite offering Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a Collision Mitigation Braking System™, and other safety technologies.
Crash Test Ratings
Both models have undergone rigorous safety testing. The Ford Explorer has earned high marks in various categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Honda Pilot similarly does well, with top ratings in crash and safety testing, reinforcing its reputation as a family-friendly vehicle.
Price and Warranty Comparison
Starting MSRP by Trim Level
The starting MSRP for the Ford Explorer ranges from mid to high $30,000s, with an array of trims to fit different budgets. The Honda Pilot follows suit with a slightly lower starting point, often beginning in the low $30,000s. Pricing could sway the decision for cost-conscious buyers or those looking for a particular feature-to-cost ratio.
Warranty Offering
Ford includes a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. On the other hand, Honda offers a similar 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, but tops that with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty coverage, giving it a slight edge in this category.
Conclusion
The decision between the 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Honda Pilot ultimately boils down to personal preferences and priorities. Both vehicles offer considerable value with their blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. If you value a wider array of engine and drivetrain options, coupled with a punchy performance, the Explorer might be your best bet. On the flip side, the enduring reliability and well-equipped safety package of the Pilot could make it the preferred choice for those with a focus on pragmatic family needs. By comparing the vehicles in these core areas, you can approach your final decision with confidence, knowing you’ve explored the details that matter most to you. Remember, a test drive is always a critical step that no comparison can replace, so be sure to take both models out for a spin to get a firsthand experience before signing on the dotted line.
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