2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Honda Pilot
Your family deserves the best three-row midsize SUV money can buy. But which one is it, the 2026 Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot? Our side-by-side comparison helps you decide!
Key Takeaways
- Inside, both SUVs deliver major comfort, with generous passenger space and your choice of luxury options.
- Whether you're shopping for speed or efficiency, the 2026 Explorer has the most juice!
- With its Google-based infotainment system and unique driving aids, the Explorer provides the savviest tech lineup.
- Choose the 2026 Explorer (starting at $35,676*) for big savings compared to the 2026 Pilot (from $42,395*).
Premium Comfort: It's a Tie!
In the comfort department, both the Explorer and Pilot have their high points. Of the pair, Ford's three-row SUV has the roomiest front seats, including 2 extra inches of legroom. The Explorer also delivers the most generously padded seats. Then again, both SUVs offer their fair share of luxury upgrades, from leather upholstery to ventilated front seats!
And what about the 2026 Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot for families? In the back rows, the Explorer offers more wiggle room, with wider seats (1.7 inches wider, to be exact) than the competition. Meanwhile, the Pilot is the one with the extra cargo space (18.6 cubic feet to the Explorer's 16.3) and an extra 1.8 inches of rear-seat legroom.
Sporty Driving: 2026 Ford Explorer
Is power paramount? Then you'll likely favor the Explorer! Not only does this sporty midsize SUV come standard with a 300-horsepower turbocharged engine, but it's also available with a 400-horsepower turbo V6! The Pilot's only engine option, a 285-horsepower V6, can't quite keep up.
And thanks to its ingenious use of turbochargers, the Explorer manages to be both more powerful and more efficient than the Pilot! The Explorer's highest EPA ratings reach 24 mpg combined, while the Pilot lags behind with 22 mpg combined.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | Turbo 2.3L I4 (300 hp, 311 lb-ft) | 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft) |
| Optional Engine | Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft) | |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD or optional AWD | FWD or optional AWD |
| Max Trailer | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Max EPA Rating | 24 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway) | 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) |
Cutting-Edge Tech: 2026 Ford Explorer
Thanks to its ultramodern infotainment technology and innovative safety aids, the Explorer pulls ahead once again. Every Explorer comes standard with two big screens -- a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system's Google-based software is intuitive and responsive, creating the best overall user experience. Plus, its long list of standard safety aids includes unique systems like intersection collision mitigation and evasive steering assistance!
Meanwhile, the 2026 Honda Pilot also gets pretty high marks for technology. This SUV comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and fast-acting software (if not the Google-based kind). But while the Pilot comes standard with some of the same safety aids as the Explorer (including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning), it lacks some of the more creative systems (like Ford's evasive steering assist).
Friendliest Price: 2026 Ford Explorer
You can save big by choosing the 2026 Explorer (starting at $35,676*) over the 2026 Pilot (from $42,395*)! While segment competitors often come at very similar prices, the Explorer's much lower MSRP has the potential to significantly lower your monthly payment. And the Explorer's affordable price is all the more mind-blowing when you consider it comes standard with more power and extra technology!
*Starting price as of 5/5/26. Subject to change.
The Ultimate Three-Row Family SUV
No one can deny that the 2026 Honda Pilot has its draws. However, the 2026 Ford Explorer is ultimately the optimal choice, providing three rows of roomy comfort, world-class technology, premium power, and even the lowest price! Ready to embark on a new adventure? Visit us at Banner Ford in Mandeville, LA, to experience the ultimate all-American family SUV.
