Introduction
Finding the perfect family SUV means considering all the major contenders, from the Ford Explorer to the Honda Pilot. Both are mid-size crossover SUVs with three rows of seating, modern designs, technology, and impressive safety features. Yet, each offers a unique signature driving experience.
The 2025 Ford Explorer, a sixth generation model, has consistently impressed both consumers and critics alike. From the new Ford Digital Experience system to the redesigned exterior and enhanced interior, the latest 2025 Ford Explorer is a top choice for a family SUV.
The 2025 Honda Pilot, a fourth generation model, is a mid-size crossover SUV like the Explorer. It comes with incredible safety features, a comfortable interior, and the reliability you need to get to your destination every day.
With two excellent choices on the line, shopping for a three-row SUV can be challenging. Everything is easy at Jarrett Ford. Here, we break down the 2025 Ford Explorer versus the 2024 Honda Pilot in features, performance, and value to help you pick the perfect family ride.
Key Takeaways
- The newly redesigned 2025 Ford Explorer is available in four trims: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
- The new 2025 Ford Explorer features soft surfaces with premium materials, third-row seating and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display.
- With high ratings for safety, comfort, and fuel economy, the new 2025 Ford Explorer offers spaciousness and is an ideal fit for families.
What’s the difference: 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda Pilot?
If you're looking for a new mid-size crossover SUV with all-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive system, the 2025 Ford Explorer is ideal for you. It’s a little larger than the 2025 Honda Pilot, with a longer wheelbase, which offers stability. However, the new Ford Explorer might be easier to park in tight spaces, making it perfect for our Florida parking lots, as it’s slightly more compact.
The Ford Explorer's interior design offers more legroom and headroom for passengers, which can make a significant difference for families and overall comfort. However, both the Explorer and the Pilot offer three rows of seating, which is excellent when you need that extra row of space.
The Ford Explorer trims feature larger displays, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display front and center for all your media, streaming, and navigation needs, including built-in Google.
When it comes to power and performance, the Ford Explorer offers trims with either the 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost inline-four (I-4) engine or the 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. The Honda Pilot features a V-6 engine that produces less horsepower but has the same 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, the two-wheel drive trim of the Pilot has a reduced towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This also means better fuel economy with a Ford Explorer, which has an EPA-estimated total drive range of 430 miles on a full tank of gas.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer redesigned? Yes!
The new 2025 Ford Explorer has been redesigned, emphasizing modern design elements such as a new grille and LED headlights at both the front and rear. The overall body style is more streamlined, and the interior has been updated with premium soft materials, offering more customization options and new color choices.
Ford also includes the latest BlueCruise hands-free driving technology in the ST-Line, ST and Platinum trims. Finally, the 2025 Ford Explorer model lineup now features only four trims, starting with the base Active trim.
Which mid-size crossover SUV is ideal for me and my family? The 2025 Ford Explorer.
Buy the new 2025 Ford Explorer, ranked among the top three in J.D. Power's Best Upper Midsize SUVs for 2025, for its power, reliability, and newly redesigned exterior and interior, which offer a modern take on a classic mid-size crossover SUV.
Choose one of four models from the new 2025 lineup: the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. These models are available in Vapor Blue Metallic, Star White Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic, and other exterior paint options.
The 2025 Ford Explorer, an IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick+, is the mid-size crossover for you and your family with the wireless charging, USB ports, 12V powerpoints, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Remote Start system, ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, FordPass Connect with a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, the Ford Digital Experience, the B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, SiriusXM with 360L, power adjustable seats, cargo space and safety features including the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite of technology and alerts for a driver focused enhanced experience.
The Ford Family SUV
The Ford Explorer is the family SUV with three rows of seating, wireless connectivity and charging, plus safety features that give you the peace of mind you need when driving with your most precious cargo: your family.
Head to Jarrett Ford Dade City, where we proudly serve the community with great deals on new Ford and pre-owned inventory of cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. We offer competitive financing, expert staff, and a friendly service shop for the care of your new vehicle. We can’t wait to help you find the right car for you.