2025 Pilot vs 2025 Explorer in Omaha, NE

A midsize SUV is a logical step up from a compact crossover or family car. This segment provides more interior and cargo space, three rows of seats, and more tech and safety features. One of its contenders is the 2025 Honda Pilot. For 2025, it has received a new Black Edition trim at the top of the range. This comes with special exterior and interior details. Also, the base LX trim has been discontinued. So, how does the 2025 Pilot range compare with the 2025 Ford Explorer? The Explorer also gets a few minor changes for 2025 and a reduction in available trims.

Let’s see which midsize SUV wins with a Honda vs Ford shakedown. We’ll be comparing the 2025 Pilot and the 2025 Explorer across three essential areas: interior, safety, and performance information. Then, we can tell you which midsize SUV to buy. If you’re interested in the 2025 Honda Pilot, contact us at O’Daniel Honda in Omaha, NE. We’ll help you take the next steps toward owning or leasing a 2025 Pilot.

Interior Comparison

The 2025 Honda Pilot has a total of 158 cubic feet of passenger cabin space for trims without a power-operated moonroof. Trims with this feature can provide 155 cubic feet of volume, the same as the 2025 Explorer offers. Both vehicles come with three rows of seats. However, the 2025 Pilot offers seating for up to eight occupants for most trims. The 2024 Explorer’s maximum capacity is seven. Also, every 2025 Pilot has active noise cancelation and active engine mount control, offering a peaceful and vibration-free ride.

The 2025 Pilot offers a seven-seat captain chair configuration for the TrailSport trim. The 2025 Explorer also offers a similar layout, but the seating capacity drops to six as a result. However, most trims of the 2025 Pilot include a multi-functional second row with a removable middle seat. You can’t do this in the 2025 Explorer.

Every 2025 Pilot has tri-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats with heating. Leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror come for higher trims. All trims have a hidden storage well, a lockable glove box, and a multi-functional center console storage area. The 2025 Explorer isn’t as well-equipped.

When the third row is deployed, the 2025 Pilot can carry 19 cubic feet of cargo. The 2025 Explorer can hold 16 cubic feet in the same configuration. Both midsize SUVs allow you to fold their second and third rows of seats. When both rows are folded, the total capacity rises to 87 cubic feet in the 2025 Pilot. The 2025 Explorer can accommodate 85 cubic feet. All 2025 Pilots have cargo area lighting and four cargo tie-downs. Higher trims also get on-demand in-trunk seat storage.

Both midsize SUVs have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, digital gauge clusters, and plenty of USB charging ports. Higher trims get wireless phone chargers, too. The 2025 Pilot offers a heads-up display and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. There’s also a CabinTalk® in-car PA system for easier communication between the driver and third-row occupants.

Performance Comparison

Every 2025 Pilot uses a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters is standard. Some trims are front-wheel drive, with optional i-VTM4 all-wheel drive. The TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition are exclusively all-wheel drive. The TrailSport also comes with some off-road enhancements.

All trims get an idle stop feature and Honda’s Eco Assist™ system for fuel economy enhancement. Hill descent control and hill start assist are also standard. A drive mode selector is also included, with up to seven modes depending on trim and drivetrain.

The 2025 Explorer has two turbocharged engine choices. Lower trims use a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder with 300 horsepower. Higher trims get a 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2025 Pilot gets the Honda Sensing® suite as standard. So, all trims are equipped with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver monitoring system. There’s also an adaptive cruise control system, a cross-traffic monitor, and a road departure mitigation system. Lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist are also standard. Higher trims get parking sensors, low-speed braking control, and a 360-degree camera system. The 2025 Explorer isn’t as well-endowed. Some features are optional or not offered.

Find the 2025 Honda Pilot in Omaha, NE

We strongly recommend selecting the 2025 Honda Pilot as your brand-new midsize SUV. Why not try it out for size? Come to O’Daniel Honda in Omaha, NE, and ask for a test drive. Then, we can help you select the right trim and options and evaluate auto financing avenues.