2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Honda Pilot
When you have a big family and a lot of friends, the key is balance—and you should expect the same from your vehicle. You need a three-row SUV that isn’t just spacious, but versatile and adaptable for life in Upstate New York. For many, the debate comes down to the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Honda Pilot, two of the most recognizable names in large crossover SUVs.
Each vehicle has received major updates in recent years as they strive to be the ideal all-around SUV. But for some drivers, that means more than just getting people to work, school, stores, and vacation spots. They’d also like a little excitement, the latest technology, and the ability to get away from it all.
Are you a buyer who wants a family SUV with a bold side? There’s only one three-row SUV that fits. While the Honda Pilot is a more-than-capable everyday vehicle, comparing the performance, trim levels, technology, and other features shows that the Ford Explorer offers the extra edge you’re looking for.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | VS | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| $38,465 [a] | MSRP | $42,395 |
| 385 | Horsepower | 285 |
| 13.2 in | Screen Size | 12.3 in |
| Yes | Hands-Free Driving | No |
Performance
The Explorer Is More Powerful and Efficient
When you’re hauling people and gear in your big SUV, you need a lot of power. In this pivotal category, the 2026 Ford Explorer outclasses the Honda Pilot by a mile. The Pilot is available with a single 3.5L V6 engine, producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the base Explorer engine is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. But that’s not all—you can juice things up even more with an available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
You’ll have more giddy-up under your right foot for any task, whether that’s bringing kids to soccer practice or heading for the mountains. Not only that, but the 2026 Explorer also offers better efficiency. The 300-hp base engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined, dusting the Pilot’s 22 MPG combined. This means fewer stops for gas and more money in your pocket.
Drive the Way You Want
The 2026 Explorer also beats the Pilot in driving dynamics. For starters, while the Pilot is front-wheel drive, the Explorer remains rear-wheel drive. This gives Ford’s SUV better all-around handling with more enthusiastic response when pulling away from traffic lights or hurtling around backroads. The balanced weight distribution also means a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for the base Explorer, whereas the Pilot is capped at 3,500 pounds unless you pay more for all-wheel drive.
Beyond this, the Explorer has a ground clearance of up to 8.7 inches—more than the Pilot’s 8.3 inches—to avoid branches, rocks, and ice chunks on the road. Its available sport-tuned suspension reduces body roll and increases steering response for a more engaging drive. Ford also includes a Terrain Management System, trailer sway control, and a Class III Trailer Tow Package on every Explorer, so it’s more all-around ready out of the box.
Capability and Style
Enjoy Better Off-Roading in the Explorer Tremor
There are a lot of off-roading trails and tricky backroads in the Capital Region—plus the ever-changing weather to contend with. An off-road trim level is a must for those who like getting off the pavement or need extra wintertime capability, and the new Explorer Tremor is miles ahead of the Pilot TrailSport.
The Tremor nameplate from the F-150 and Maverick truck lineups now hits the SUV world with a bang. The Ford Explorer Tremor has standard intelligent four-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential to increase grip, an off-road-tuned suspension with a 1.1-inch lift, all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates. The extra ground clearance provides a 24.1-degree approach angle, 23.7-degree departure angle, and an 18.7-degree breakover angle to get over obstacles.
The 2026 Pilot TrailSport trim level is fine for entry-level adventuring, but not much more. It does have some off-road equipment such as rugged-terrain tires, a re-tuned suspension, and skid plates. But the ground clearance is only 8.3 inches, and its 19.9-degree approach angle and 19-degree departure angle are far behind the Explorer Tremor. There’s also no differential upgrade, and the Pilot lacks the large front tow hooks Ford provides.
Go Athletic in the ST
While higher-level Pilot grades, such as the Touring and Elite, are aimed more at comfortable long-distance cruising, Ford puts its motorsports heritage to work with an adrenaline-fueled Explorer model. The Explorer ST takes the athletic style of the ST-Line and adds a punch to your family SUV in a way that no Pilot model can.
A larger 385-hp twin-turbo V6 engine? A sport-tuned suspension to hug the pavement? A set of 21-inch wheels that increase stability? Available select-shift for the feeling of classic manual paddle shifting? All those boxes are checked. Other ST features you won’t find on the Pilot include quad exhaust tips and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Comfort and Amenities
Go Upscale in the Explorer
You’re probably buying a three-row SUV in part to have access to more creature comforts than a small car. The 2026 Explorer and Pilot both have cavernous cabins with lots of passenger and cargo room. They also offer premium amenities, such as standard tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, carpeted floor mats, and rear privacy glass.
However, head-to-head, the Explorer grants more of these lavish add-ons and offers more choices. You’ll find ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, second-row heated seats, acoustic window glass, and heated side mirrors on far more trims for the Explorer than the Pilot. Ford’s Multicontour power front seats with Active Motion massage offer as much control as you desire, and there’s also a separate climate control system for the third-row seats.
The Convenience You Deserve
When it comes to functionality, the 2026 Explorer is just as impressive. Again, there are many shared universal or near-universal features with the Honda Pilot, including all-LED lighting, active noise cancellation, a power liftgate, and all-row map lights. But certain practical conveniences are more limited or simply not offered on the Pilot, and that makes a difference.
To start with, the Explorer offers adaptive headlights on select models for an even clearer nighttime view. The rear household-style power outlet is available on more Explorer trims, as are rain-sensing front wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, and three 12V power outlets. With more head, leg, shoulder, and hip room, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the niceties. Also, the Explorer has standard door-sill scuff plates on all trims.
Technology
The Explorer Has More Immersive Infotainment
When you have three rows of passengers, it can seem difficult to entertain everyone. Not so with the 2026 Explorer, which has class-leading connectivity and infotainment technology. Central to this are the standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch gauge display. They are not only physically larger than the Pilot’s 12.3-inch and 10.2-inch screens, but a metaphor for the rest of the system.
Along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Explorer owners receive one year of the Ford Connectivity Package. This includes everything from the Pilot’s Google built-in suite and then some, with onboard navigation, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, streaming video apps, conference call support, Google Assistant, and more.
Beyond this, the Explorer comes with SiriusXM with 360L. There are two available Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems with up to 14 speakers, while the Honda Pilot maxes out at 12 speakers. Finally, you can get up to eight USB ports, while the Pilot is only available with six.
Driver Assistance That Includes Hands-Free Driving
Ford and Honda are well-known for making safe vehicles. The 2026 Explorer and 2026 Pilot both earned IIHS Top Safety Pick honors and are loaded with high-end driver-assistance technology. Standard features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are there to protect occupants.
But even in this category, the Explorer ekes out a few key wins. Models from the ST-Line up feature reverse braking assistance to help prevent parking lot collisions. The Explorer also has rear parking sensors on its base Active 100A trim and a standard post-crash alert system.
Biggest of all, while Honda still does not have a hands-free highway driving system, Ford BlueCruise is available on every Explorer trim except the Active 100A. See how it works with the 90-day trial or jump right in with a one-time purchase for years of service.
Explore Any Road With DePaula Ford
The 2026 Ford Explorer continues its reign as the all-American, all-purpose, midsize SUV that can do anything, whether that’s handle urban snarl, charge into the Catskills, or feel the hints of a Mustang on the Interstate. But you’ll only experience everything the Explorer has to offer if you partner with the right dealership.
DePaula Ford has served drivers in Albany and the Capital District for decades, and we’re here to get you into the right 2026 Explorer. Visit us to explore all the options, from the budget-friendly Active 100A and Active to the luxurious Platinum, sporty ST-Line and ST, and off-road-ready Tremor.
Our great prices and selection are exceeded only by our passion for serving customers. From hassle-free financing to our certified service center and body shop, DePaula Ford believes in going the extra mile, just like the 2026 Ford Explorer. We want you to be excited about your vehicle purchase and the way it elevates your lifestyle.
