A Contest for SUV Domination in 2025: Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

The SUV craze as we know it today would never have occurred had it not been for the Ford Explorer, which proved during the 1990s how practical and economical this vehicle segment could be. The Explorer’s popularity and appeal to drivers is well-documented, and the fact that it’s the highest-selling SUV in the United States proves its place as the gold standard of its vehicle segment.

Of course, with the automotive world being as competitive as it is, it’s only natural that another brand would attempt to claim the position that the Explorer has made for itself. As the 2025 model year offerings become known, the Honda Pilot is interested in usurping the Explorer’s reputation as the ideal consumer-friendly SUV. If you’re in the market for an SUV and either a Honda Pilot or Ford Explorer for sale is on your radar, you’ll want to pay close attention to the information we are presenting here today. Does the Pilot have what it takes to outperform and outmaneuver the Ford Explorer in 2025? Let’s find out.

Performance and Powertrains

The performance that most people look for in an SUV certainly varies. Some drivers look for an economical powertrain that can help them save money at the pump, while others are far more interested in something that can facilitate adventures and fuel excitement. Having a variety to choose from when it comes to performance makes all of the difference in the world.

The Honda Pilot is equipped with a single powertrain, a V6 that produces 285 hp and generates 262 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, and FWD is standard on the Pilot, but AWD is available for drivers interested in traveling off the beaten path. The EPA fuel consumption estimates show that the FWD version of the 2025 Pilot achieves 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for a total of 22 MPG combined. AWD only slightly diminishes fuel economy, with 25 MPG on the highway and a total of 21 MPG combined––city MPG remains the same for both drivetrains.

A notable advantage that the Ford Explorer has over the Pilot is variety. Most versions of the 2025 Ford Explorer are powered by a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine that outperforms Honda’s V6, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Not only does the Explorer’s base engine overpower the Pilot, but it also has better fuel economy, getting an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Drivers who want a more performance-oriented SUV can opt for the ST trim of the Explorer, which comes with a turbocharged 3.0L V6 that belts out 400 hp and generates 415 lb-ft of torque.

The Ford Explorer’s two engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. RWD is standard, but intelligent 4WD with multiple driving modes and hill descent control is available for the discerning off-roader. Overall, it’s almost no contest. Honda’s sole powertrain can’t match the Explorer’s performance or efficiency. Ford, more in tune with what drivers are looking for in their SUVs, offers a powertrain that satisfies both of these needs. There’s no denying that the SUV segment is among the most competitive in the industry, and Ford has worked hard to make the Explorer stand out. In fact, the only area where both vehicles are on common ground with one another is towing capacity, as both have a maximum rating of 5,000 lbs.

Interior Technology

Performance and fuel economy are certainly factors to consider when purchasing an SUV. However, the modern driver looks for much more when making their final decision. In a world that’s becoming ever more reliant on technology in our daily lives, access to the latest innovations is a necessary part of any vehicle.

The infotainment system is used to access the technology found on most vehicles. The 2025 Honda Pilot has two different setups separated by trim. The base trim has a seven-inch screen, whereas the higher trims have a nine-inch screen. All trims have access to Bluetooth streaming audio, hands-free technology, and multiple USB ports for recharging your devices. Both infotainment systems are compatible with Android and Apple products, but the base trim lacks wireless connectivity.

In another example of Ford being ahead in the game when it comes to offering its customers better technology than the competition, Ford has unveiled an all-new infotainment setup for the 2025 Explorer. The Ford Digital Experience, the newest technology to be developed by the Blue Oval, is set to once again shift the paradigm of the industry. Accessible through a 13.2-inch screen that’s standard across all trims, the Ford Digital Experience offers wireless compatibility with Apple and Android devices as well as integration with Amazon and Google. This immersive package offers drivers a host of various platforms to enhance their time behind the wheel like never before.

Regarding the quality of the speakers that your favorite music and podcasts will be played on, the 2025 Honda Pilot offers a few different stereo systems, once again separated by trim. The base trim of the Pilot comes with a seven-speaker system, while the middle trims receive a nine-speaker system, and the top trims have a premium system from Bose that includes 12 speakers.

The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, has a more advanced infotainment setup and makes high-end audio much more accessible than the Honda Pilot. The base trim of the 2025 Ford Explorer comes with a standard six-speaker setup, but all other trims are given a high-end stereo system from Bang & Olufsen that contains either 12 or 14 speakers, including a subwoofer for pristine audio quality. The Bang & Olufsen system is even available on the base trim as an option.

Honda’s infotainment and technological offerings are indeed pleasing, but only if you purchase the upper trims. Meanwhile, the all-new Ford Digital Experience is far and away the most immersive system in its class. Ford’s willingness to make advanced features like this standard equipment speaks to its willingness to maintain its position as the very best.

The 2025 Ford Explorer Remains the Standard Bearer

There’s no denying that the SUV segment is among the most competitive in the industry. Naturally, this allows consumers to benefit from the different brands attempting to bring out the best in the vehicles they manufacture. As we’ve seen today, the Ford Explorer, which was responsible for the SUV becoming as prominent as it is, outclasses the Honda Pilot in virtually every category.

While the Pilot does offer an effective powertrain, the lack of variety greatly hampers its versatility. Compare this to the Ford Explorer, which allows drivers to choose between what matters to them the most: economy or performance. Better fuel economy and increased capability make the Explorer a far more viable option for any driver.

Because many of the people who purchase SUVs are family-oriented drivers, having access to technology that entertains, informs, and makes the overall driving experience much more enjoyable is essential. Ford’s new technologies are all-encompassing and offer more for the road ahead.

Many different SUVs have attempted to replace the Explorer as the standard of excellence in its class. However, based on the information that we’ve presented today, it appears that 2025 will be another year where the Ford Explorer will remain the standard bearer.