2026 Honda Pilot vs. Ford Explorer - Which 3-Row SUV is Best?
Both the 2026 Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer include impressive performance, design, and safety features. However, when you compare them head-to-head, our Honda is the clear winner. Come pick out your next three-row SUV at Clark Knapp Honda.
Performance
Under the hood of the 2026 Honda Pilot, you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, though you can upgrade to the available Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4™) all-wheel drive system. This model also features performance innovations you’ll only find on new Honda models, like the Eco Assist™ system and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®). Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer gives you a 2.3-liter engine and a ten-speed transmission.
Design and Technology
The cabin of the 2026 Honda Pilot is packed with modern comforts. First, choose the seven- or eight-seat configuration. Then, enjoy these standard features:
- 3-inch color touchscreen
- 2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Power lift tailgate
- Active Noise Cancellation™
- 9-speaker sound system
Our SUV also offers up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space depending on trim and lets you elevate your cabin with available features like a panoramic moonroof and a Bose® 12-speaker audio system. By contrast, the Ford Explorer has less than 86 cubic feet of cargo room, a six-speaker sound system, and seating for six or seven people.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
One of the many reasons the team at our Pharr, TX Honda dealership is so excited about the 2026 Honda Pilot is the long list of advanced safety features. In addition to the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure, you’ll also get the Honda Sensing® suite, which includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist System™, Traffic Sign Recognition System™, and more. You’ll find similar features on the Ford Explorer, but the suite is not as extensive as what you’ll find with the new Honda Pilot.
That’s just a brief introduction to the standard features. Higher-level trims of the 2026 Honda Pilot also include low-speed braking control, eight total parking sensors, and a head-up display. The 2026 Ford Explorer certainly includes its fair share of safety tech, but it just doesn’t hold up to our model.
Test-Drive the 2026 Honda Pilot in Pharr, TX
After you spend just a few minutes behind the wheel of the 2026 Honda Pilot, you’ll see that it leaves the competition in the dust. Stop in today for a test drive. Our Honda finance pros will be here to write up your lease or loan offer!