2024 Pilot vs. 2024 Explorer in Yonkers, NY

Comparing the 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer

When families grow, a big SUV becomes necessary. You’ll find midsize models, such as the 2024 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Ford Explorer, offering three rows of seats. These SUVs are easy to drive and park but don’t compromise on utility.

How can you choose the best three-row SUV from the midsize category? Let us help with a Pilot vs. Explorer contest. We’ll compare each vehicle’s interior, safety, and performance attributes. Then, you’ll have all the information necessary for a great decision.

If you want to discover the 2024 Honda Pilot range, talk to us at Yonkers Honda. We’ve got plenty of information and an enthusiastic team of Honda fans waiting to assist. You can also explore the range at our Yonkers, NY-based dealership.

Interior Comparison

The 2024 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Explorer are equally matched, with around 150 cubic feet of passenger volume. They’ve also got three rows of seats as standard. Buyers can pick between second-row bench seats or a captain chair option for either three-row SUV. The latter replaces the bench seat with two individually adjustable seats. These seats can be reclined and come with their armrests. Hence, they are great for those seeking more comfort or needing to transport older adults.

However, the 2024 Pilot trumps the 2024 Explorer regarding sheer seating capacity. It can accommodate up to eight occupants or seven if you choose the captain chairs. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer can only seat seven. This drops to six when it is equipped with captain chairs.

Furthermore, Honda has worked on making the 2024 Pilot as family-friendly as possible. Depending on trim, you’ll find up to eight mega-sized cup holders that can hold 32-ounce cups. Then, you’ll get USB charging ports for each row, tri-zone climate control with rear air vents, and plenty of storage spaces. Up front, you’ll find illuminated vanity mirrors for the driver and front passenger. Higher trims also add an overhead console with a sunglasses compartment. Buyers can also opt for a rear entertainment system to keep restless kids occupied during those long interstate drives.

Then, the 2024 Pilot wins with cargo capacity as well. It offers 19 cubic feet of space when all three rows of seats are in use. The 2024 Explorer can only provide 18 cubic feet in the same configuration. Moreover, while both three-row SUVs offer folding third and second-row seats, the 2024 Pilot’s seats are easier to fold and stow.

Finally, you’ll find the all-important Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration on all trims of both three-row SUVs. They’ve also got Bluetooth® hands-free and audio streaming. Moreover, depending on trim, the 2024 Pilot comes with a 7-inch or 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. This isn’t offered for the 2024 Explorer.

Performance Comparison

Honda provides every 2024 Pilot with a powerful and smooth 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The engine delivers 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission tuned for responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

Front-wheel drive is standard for most trims except the TrailSport. This trim comes with Honda’s i-VTM4 intelligent all-wheel drive system. The system can dynamically monitor traction levels and redirect torque to wheels with the best traction. The i-VTM4 system is optional for all other trims and comes with a six-mode drive selector. The modes are Econ, Normal, Sprot, Snow, Sand, and Tow. The TrailSport gets a special seventh mode called Trail.

Moreover, TrailSport is an excellent choice if you’re an amateur off-roader but have leased a 2024 Pilot. Since you can’t modify a leased vehicle, the TrailSport’s factory enhancements are very useful. These include steel skid plates for underbody protection and a 1-inch suspension lift. You’ve also got all-terrain tires.

Meanwhile, Ford offers two engines for 2024 Explorer buyers. At the lower end is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims get a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard. Buyers can pick all-wheel drive.

The 2024 Pilot offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive. This is marginally lower than the 5,600-pound maximum that some 2024 Explorers can pull. However, most buyers aren’t likely to need such a high towing capacity, and the 2024 Pilot’s refined drivetrain and comfortable ride are nicer to have.

Safety Features Comparison

All 2024 Pilots get the Honda Sensing® suite as standard. Hence, they feature automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Furthermore, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitor are standard. The 2024 Explorer only offers some of these features as standard. Others are optional or only provided on higher trims.

Find the 2024 Honda Pilot in Yonkers, NY

If you want to buy your first three-row SUV or upgrade from an older model, we highly recommend the 2024 Honda Pilot. With its versatile cabin, impressive safety specifications, and potent powertrain, it’s tough to beat. The TrailSport trim is another great aspect for those who enjoy venturing off the beaten path every now and then.

Why not experience the 2024 Pilot for yourself? Visit Yonkers Honda in Yonkers, NY, for a chat and a test drive. Then, we’ll get you sorted with financing, and you can take a brand-new Pilot home.