2022 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Explorer
Honda & Ford Three-Row SUVs Go Head-To-Head
Florida motorists searching for a new SUV with three rows of spacious seating and a smooth ride may be drawn toward the 2022 Honda Pilot. It's no wonder: Honda's 8-passenger mid-size SUV is a favorite in its segment. Still, the new Pilot faces stiff competition, including from the 2022 Ford Explorer.
In some ways, the 2022 Honda Pilot and 2022 Ford Explorer target different buyers. While both make for fine family SUVs, you'll likely find the Pilot is the more practical option, thanks to its 8-passenger seating and refined interior. In contrast, Ford's Explorer comes standard with just 6-passenger seating and is the sportier option.
Now, let's review how these two popular three-row SUVs compare in greater detail. That way, you can determine the better option for you and your Florida family before shopping our Venice, FL, Honda dealership's SUV selection.
Seating Capacity And Passenger Space
The 2022 Honda Pilot and 2022 Ford Explorer both provide roomy cabins and impressive versatility, but you'll soon discover that the new Pilot holds several advantages over the Ford SUV. For one, the 2022 Pilot gets seating for up to eight passengers as standard, while Ford's new Explorer has seating for only six occupants in base form.
The Explorer offers a 7-passenger configuration available in certain trim levels, but there's no option for 8-passenger seating like Honda's Pilot. So, if you want the flexibility to transport as many as eight occupants in complete comfort, Honda has you covered with the 2022 Pilot lineup.
There's more to the Honda Pilot's interior than its impressive seating capacity. The Honda SUV features a wider cabin for accommodating all of your precious cargo, which translates to more shoulder room for all three rows than what you'll get with Ford's Explorer.
While total passenger volume is nearly identical between these two mid-size SUVs, the Pilot's wider rows mean that it can easily fit three occupants in a row compared to just two in the standard-equipped Ford Explorer.
Safety Features
For the 2022 model year, both Honda and Ford equip their respective three-row SUVs with advanced driver-assistive technologies. In the 2022 Pilot, you get the Honda Sensing® suite as standard that includes a pre-collision braking system and adaptive cruise control, complete with a low-speed follow feature that you'll appreciate when faced with stop-and-go-traffic.
Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite on the 2022 Explorer lacks the adaptive cruise control system that Honda's Pilot gets as standard equipment. While available, this advanced cruise control system with a stop-and-go function is only optional and will cost you extra when you upgrade to a pricier Explorer trim level.
Performance
In standard form, the 2022 Pilot and 2022 Explorer SUVs provide families with skillful performance. The Pilot sport-ute is motivated by Honda's 280-hp V6 in every trim level, while the Ford can be had with a range of 4- and 6-cylinder engines.
The 2022 Ford Explorer is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform and offers more powerful available engines than the Honda Pilot and its front-wheel-drive platform. However, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available across the model lineups of these two popular sport utility vehicles, enhancing traction and handling performance.
Ford's new Explorer is a worthy option when looking for a sporty, performance-oriented three-row SUV. But if you're seeking practicality and maximum interior space and comfort for your family, that's a job for the Honda Pilot!
Pricing & Value
When shopping for a new three-row SUV for your Florida family, you'll want to consider your budget. The 2022 Pilot Sport 2WD boasts a starting MSRP of $38,080*, while a 2022 Ford Explorer XLT RWD mode starts at $38,570.
Honda's 2022 Pilot Sport 2WD is fitted with stylish 20-inch alloy wheels, while the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT RWD wears smaller 18-inch wheels. The Pilot also comes with a larger fuel tank, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and other desirable features you won't find on Ford's Explorer.
When it comes to value for your money in this three-row crossover SUV comparison, the 2022 Honda Pilot impresses!
Get Into A New Pilot SUV At Your Venice, FL, Honda Dealer
Now that you've learned more about some of the similarities and differences between the 2022 Honda Pilot and its main rival from Ford, the 2022 Explorer, isn't it time for a test drive? If you live around the Osprey, Florida, area, head to our Venice Honda dealership for a closer look at Honda's highly refined three-row SUV.
As the Venice, FL, area's full-service Honda auto dealership, the Venice Honda team is here for every local motorist with competitive vehicle pricing, lease offers, finance specials and routine maintenance and auto repair services. Contact us today for assistance with your SUV search!
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, options and accessories. Dealers set own prices.