Starting at
Starting at
| 5,600 | Towing (lbs) | 5,000 |
| 300-400 | Horsepower (hp) | 280 |
| 10.1 | Screen Size (in) | 8 |
Whether you're searching for the ultimate family vehicle with enough room to accommodate your kids, or you're on the lookout for a capable and rugged SUV to take you out into nature with confidence, you have options...a lot of them. It seems as though every automaker claims that its SUVs are the best-equipped to handle your driving needs, but few make good on these promises. If you're looking for a three-row SUV that provides optimal space, high-end performance features, and cutting-edge safety tech, the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot are two incredible options that are frequently at the top of many drivers' lists. But when comparing the 2022 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Honda Pilot, are they really on a level playing field, or can you expect much more out of one vehicle than the other?
The Explorer has a clear advantage here, especially since it's regarded as one of the first family SUVs offered, with a debut way back in the early 1990s. Replacing the Bronco II, the Explorer with its aerodynamic design, push-button four-wheel drive system, and rugged attitude quickly took its place among the most beloved SUVs in existence, and it's showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. The Pilot, however, wasn't even a blip on the radar until 2003, when loads more SUVs were quickly coming to the surface. With nothing too exciting about it, the Pilot continued to blend in with the sea of options, receiving its fair share of upgrades throughout the years, including a rearview camera system, HondaSensing safety features, and more. In this comparison, we're looking to showcase all of the desirable features in each model while choosing our favorite in the process because when it comes to your ride, you deserve to know which SUV will deliver the better experience.
Transporting a family around town or hauling loads of gear to the campsite means that your vehicle's interior has to be versatile enough to handle it all. The 2022 Ford Explorer showcases a roomy interior cabin, offering three rows of seating to accommodate up to seven comfortably. It also features some helpful elements to ensure maximum comfort during your ride, including an available power-folding third row, with the ability to fold the seats up or down to handle more people or gear. Plus, with 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo space, loading up the Explorer without compromising on your passengers' comfort is a breeze. E-Z Entry in the second row makes entering and exiting the rear of the vehicle effortless, with the ability to pull a lever and fold the seats forward, which is undoubtedly helpful for those hauling around a lot of passengers.
Although the 2022 Honda Pilot is also a three-row SUV, we wish the third row could actually accommodate adult passengers. It's a bit tight, which makes this space typically reserved for youngsters. Aside from the way back, the rest of the Pilot's interior is roomy, and with a higher seating position, the driver's seat offers supreme visibility for safer travels. An adjustable cargo floor is able to create underfloor storage, which is always welcomed, especially if you're looking to haul around more gear. In addition, you'll find 60/40 split-folding rear seats, as well as 83.9 cu.ft. of cargo space.
As with any Ford model, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the Explorer that works best for your travels. From more basic trim levels, like the XLT, to more sophisticated options, like the Platinum, there's an Explorer for every driver. Opt for higher-level trims to enjoy Multicontour seats with massaging features, as well as a twin-panel moonroof, premium materials, and more high-end design elements. Perhaps the most attention-grabbing aspect inside the Explorer is its 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen, which takes center stage on its dash, adding modern innovation to your drive.
The Pilot also showcases a variety of trim levels, with upscale appointments typically reserved for top-level trims. You can expect to find large windows and a panoramic roof to enjoy unmatched views, as well as upgrades like second-row captain's chairs, heated and ventilated front seats, and more cozy appointments as you make your way up the trim levels. But although the Pilot offers reasonable cargo space and favorable appointments, it falls behind when it comes to technology. Every trim has a somewhat dated 8-inch infotainment screen, and the top 10-speaker audio system doesn't come close to the Explorer's 14-speaker B&O setup. This places it in the second position behind the versatile and exceptionally designed Explorer.
If you're familiar with Ford, you know that there's no shortage of engines offered in many of its models, and the 2022 Explorer is no exception. What places the Explorer ahead of much of the competition, including the Pilot, is its hybrid powertrain, making the Explorer the only hybrid in its class. Capable of venturing off-road with precision, as well as being able to tow up to 5,000 lbs, the Explorer hybrid still delivers outstanding fuel efficiency, able to get up to 27 MPG combined. In addition to the hybrid powertrain, drivers also have a choice between a number of other exciting engines, including a turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which is able to tow up to 5,600 lbs with ease.
Opt for the rugged Timberline model for increased assurance during your next adventure, designed with a TORSEN limited-slip rear differential for enhanced control on any terrain. The Explorer also features an available Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System, offering seven selectable drive modes to make the most out of any drive, whether it's a jaunt onto the trails to kick up some dust or a trek along snow-covered mountain roads. Choose between Normal, Deep Snow/Sand, Slippery, Sport, and more and enjoy expert precision as your Explorer caters the drive to your surroundings. With all of the power, off-road capabilities, and not to mention hybrid efficiency in the mix, it's hard to compete with the Explorer when it comes to performance.
The biggest disadvantage for the Pilot is that it isn't offered with a hybrid powertrain. In fact, you only have one engine option in the 2022 Honda Pilot, and it's not the most powerful or efficient. Its 3.5L V6 allows the Pilot to tow up to 5,000 lbs and gets 23 MPG combined, but both of these numbers are less than you'll find with the options in the Explorer lineup. The Pilot is large, and it feels large when driving it, which isn't always a good thing, especially when you're attempting to navigate around tight turns or inclement weather. The cumbersome feel of the Pilot can often be pegged as uneasy, especially on rough terrain, so it's not advised to take this SUV exploring.
The Pilot TrailSport Edition, which is new for 2022, offers a bit more excitement and stability when you're seeking out adventure, with higher ground clearance and a more rugged build to handle itself better on rough terrain. Its larger tires also help it navigate dangerous road conditions better, which makes it a viable option for those who are looking to get off the beaten path. All in all, we just wish there was more of an engine selection to choose from, and why isn't there a hybrid powertrain after all these years? These are just some of the reasons why the Pilot takes a backseat to the Explorer once again.
Keeping your family safe on the road is of the utmost importance, which is why the 2022 Ford Explorer takes safety very seriously, offering an abundance of features to keep all onboard secure. From its Rear View Camera, which provides crystal clear visibility behind you, to a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert to keep an extra eye on what's happening in hard-to-see areas, the Explorer's safety and assistance tech make it easy to stay confident during your journey. In addition to must-have safety tech, like lane keeping systems and intelligent adaptive cruise control, the Explorer also ensures that any task is completed with assurance, especially parking. Opt for Active Park Assist 2.0 and enjoy maximum confidence, even when parallel parking on a busy street.
Like the Explorer, the 2022 Honda Pilot prioritizes safety with a standard suite of features through HondaSensing. Features include a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which provides assistance to help prevent a crash, and Adaptive Cruise Control, which continuously adapts to changes in traffic, braking and slowing down if necessary. Its Multi-Angle Rearview Camera provides three different views to ensure that there are no obstacles behind you when backing up. Many of these features come standard across all trims, with options like parking sensors only available in certain models. All in all, both the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Honda Pilot include everything you need and more to keep you and those traveling with you as safe and secure as possible, no matter where your destination lies.
If you're looking to get behind the wheel of the exciting 2022 Ford Explorer or any other of the fine new, used, and Certified Pre-Owned models on our lot, Newton Ford South is the place to shop for your next vehicle. Whether you'd like to visit our impressive showroom or shop comfortably from home using the Newton Fastpass system, you have options on how to make the most of your car buying experience. Our professionals not only work to find you the right car for your journey, but the best rates too, with finance plans that work with your budget. Plus, our service crew is ready to help you take care of your vehicle for miles to come, whether it's frequently driving on the highway or embarking on adventures on the trails. Stop by Newton Ford South for a test drive of the ruggedly capable Explorer and see why it's ready to deliver the experience you deserve in your everyday travels.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
