2016 Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer Comparison

2016 Honda Pilot
2016 Ford Explorer

2016 Honda Pilot

Base Engine:

checkmark 3.5 L V6

Torque:

checkmark 262 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm

Fuel Economy:

checkmark 19/27 mpg*

Seating capacity:

checkmark 8

Maximum cargo capacity:

checkmark 109.2 cu.ft.

2016 Ford Explorer

Base Engine:

3.5 L V6

Torque

255 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Economy:

17/24 mpg*

Seating capacity:

7

Maximum cargo capacity:

81.7 cu.ft.

2016 Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer

Serving Clearwater, Tampa, Largo, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, FL

For those looking for a stylish and affordable SUV-crossover with modern features and gas mileage that rivals even the smallest vehicles, two cars that may be considered are the 2016 Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer.

The Ford Explorer is a well-known name in stylish SUV's, a go-to for those in need of three-row crossovers; however the new 2016 Honda Pilot is without a doubt in the running for one of the top SUV's of the year. The new 2016 Ford Explorer hits the road with a multitude of changes from last year's model, but the Pilot seems to beat the household name in most categories, from reliability, to gas mileage, to the most important category of all: safety.

Reliability

Because both the 2016 Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are so new to the roads, data regarding reliability is fairly limited, however looking at last year's data for the two models indicates that the Pilot has an edge over the Explorer. According to J.D. Power, last year's Pilot model showed better than average dependability, whereas the Ford Explorer received only an average rating. With a standard 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 inside, the 2016 Honda Pilot is also expected to excel in reliability, coming with one of the most dependable engines available. However Ford seems to have continuing problems regarding the dependability of their vehicles, and it can be a safe assumption that the Ford Explorer will differ little from past models. Both models come with 3 years or 36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain protection.

Efficiency

When searching for a vehicle, one of the first things buyers looks for is fuel economy, especially with larger SUVs. The Pilot excels in this category delivering an EPA estimated 19 miles to the gallon in the city*, and 27 miles to the gallon on the highway*, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars in its class. Looking at the Explorer, it falls short of the Pilot in fuel economy. The Ford Explorer has several powertrain options, including both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines, however it still suffers a nearly 20 percent difference in mpg from the Pilot. The majority of Ford Explorer are fitted with a 3.5-liter V6, which gives the vehicle 17 miles to the gallon in the city, and up to 24 on the highway*. For buyer's looking for better fuel economy, the Pilot outdoes the Explorer in this category.

Safety

Both the Pilot and the Explorer offers good dependability, excellent features, and great fuel economy, but perhaps the most important aspect of each of these models is their respective safety ratings. Both models received 5-star safety ratings overall, and both are equipped with standard side and front airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection. However, the Pilot again has the slight edge over the Explorer due to its innovative forward-collision warning system, which includes automatic braking when the system detects that the vehicle is getting too close to another vehicle, decreasing the possibility of front-end collisions.


The 2016 Honda Pilot is an excellent option for drivers looking for a budget-friendly SUV Crossover with superb reliability and safety ratings. Both models excel in their class, however the Honda Pilot provides better fuel economy and better safety features. When you are ready to test drive and compare the models first-hand, visit our Honda dealership in Pinellas Park, FL today, part of the Crown Automotive Family!

* 19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD 6AT models. 18 city/26 highway/21 combined mpg rating for AWD 6AT models. 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg rating for 2WD 9AT models. 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg rating for AWD 9AT models. Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.