2024 Pilot vs. 2024 Explorer

2024 Pilot vs. 2024 Explorer in Omaha, NE

Three-row SUVs are the next step as families grow and their requirements become more diverse. Moreover, models such as the 2024 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Ford Explorer bring three-row capabilities into the midsize segment. Hence, you don’t need a full-size SUV that’s difficult to drive and park in town. This is particularly appealing if you come from a subcompact or compact crossover.

Let's see which one is better in a Pilot vs. Explorer matchup. We'll compare each three-row SUV's interior, safety, and performance attributes. Then, we can recommend the best one for you to purchase. Meanwhile, you can also learn more about the 2024 Pilot at O'Daniel Honda. Talk to our Omaha, NE-based team, and they'll even help you pick the right trim.

Interior Comparison

The 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer have around 150 cubic feet of interior volume, with the Pilot offering a larger total passenger volume of 158 cubic feet. They come with three rows of seating, comprising second- and third-row benches. However, the 2024 Pilot can carry up to eight occupants. The 2024 Explorer can only transport seven.

Both three-row SUVs offer a second-row captain chair option. This is very appealing if you've got your elderly parents living with you or have tall teens to drive around. This option replaces the second-row bench with two separate seats. Each seat can be individually adjusted and includes armrests. Between the seats is a passage that further aids third-row access.

Continuing its winning streak, the 2024 Pilot is a supremely family-friendly vehicle. It can be had with up to eight cup holders that accept 32-ounce cups. Then, each row gets USB charging ports and air vents. You can even pick an optional rear entertainment system to keep the kids occupied during long drives. Meanwhile, the driver and front passenger get illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visors. Higher trims also come with an overhead sunglasses storage case.

The 2024 Pilot's win extends into its trunk. With all three seats up, 19 cubic feet of cargo can be carried. The 2024 Explorer can only accept 18 cubic feet in this configuration. However, you can split-fold the second and third rows of seats in either three-row SUV. This allows you to achieve varying combinations of passenger and cargo capacity. Here, Honda also wins, as the 2024 Pilot's seats are easier to fold.

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard for all trims of both vehicles. They also come with dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control, depending on the trim. Higher trims add powered and heated front seats, wireless phone chargers, and larger touchscreens. Moreover, the 2024 Pilot comes with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system on top trims.

Performance Comparison

Every 2024 Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine renowned for its smooth power delivery. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels on most trims. Some trims get steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, too. This allows the driver to manually shift gears.

Honda’s i-VTM4 intelligent all-wheel drive system is available and standard on the TrailSport trim. The system adds a drive mode selector with six modes. The six modes are ECON, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Tow. The last mode provides towing capabilities for up to 5,000 pounds.

If you're looking for some off-road capabilities, the TrailSport trim comes with several factory optimizations. This is helpful if you're leasing a 2024 Pilot, as leasing disallows vehicle modification. Optimizations on the TrailSport include all-terrain tries, a mild suspension lift, and underbody protection.

The 2024 Explorer gets two engine choices. Lower trims have a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims upgrade to a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic gearbox is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. Some trims include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All-wheel drive is optional.

Safety Features Comparison

Every 2024 Honda Pilot includes the automaker’s Sensing® suite. This brings adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It's also got rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer doesn't offer all these features as standard; some are optional.

Find the 2024 Honda Pilot in Omaha, NE

The 2024 Honda Pilot is an excellent three-row SUV. With its versatile cabin, an impressive array of tech and safety features, plus a smooth V6, it's our pick. If you'd like to experience the 2024 Pilot range for yourself, call by at O’Daniel Honda in Omaha, NE. Then, you can take a spin in a 2024 Pilot and see what it offers.