The 2024 Honda Pilot is a fantastic midsize SUV to upgrade to. Let’s learn all about it and see how it compares.

2024 Pilot vs 2024 Explorer in Newburgh, NY

Midsize SUVs such as the 2024 Honda Pilot are an excellent upgrade for families if they need more seating capacity or to carry more cargo on trips. That’s why models such as the 2024 Pilot are fantastic with their roomy interior and ample tech features. The 2024 Pilot is also nice to drive since it’s a Honda and features their signature enthusiast-oriented dynamics. However, the 2024 Ford Explorer is another worthy midsize SUV to seriously consider.

Let’s have a Honda versus Ford match-up. We’ll look at each midsize SUV in terms of performance, interior, and safety specifications. Then, we’ll show you which one ranks higher. That’ll be the one to buy or lease in Newburgh, NY. But if you’ve always wanted a Honda, contact us at Morehead Honda. We’ll tell you all about the 2024 Pilot range. You can even drop by our dealership and take one for a spin.

Interior Comparison

Honda equips the 2024 Pilot with three rows of seats, 158 cubic feet of space, and seating for up to eight occupants. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ford Explorer has three rows but 154 cubic feet and just seven seats. It’s always helpful to have more seats, so the 2024 Pilot wins. Plus, you can specify captain’s chairs for it. Captain’s chairs are a lovely luxury feature, as you get two individual second-row seats. However, this option reduces capacity by one, so once again, the 2024 Pilot is the smarter choice.

You can expect Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in the 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer. Furthermore, the 2024 Pilot gets a digital gauge cluster. Buyers can even upgrade to a pleasing 12-speaker Bose sound system. Tri-zone automatic climate control is also standard for the 2024 Pilot range. Higher trims include powered, heated, and ventilated front seats. The 2024 Explorer has some of these features as well.

Furthermore, every 2024 Pilot has active noise cancelation. The system filters out engine and road noise, resulting in a hushed cabin even when traveling at freeway speeds. The 2024 Explorer doesn’t have this feature. Nor does it have the active control engine mount system of the 2024 Pilot, which keeps powertrain vibrations from disturbing interior occupants.

The 2024 Pilot also wins on cargo capacity. It still has 19 cubic feet when the third row is deployed, which is more than your typical midsize sedan. Furthermore, you can split-fold its third and second rows for over 70 cubic feet of space. The third row offers an easy-fold feature, with four tie-down anchors and a cargo light in the trunk. Then, you’ve got 14 cup holders scattered around the cabin of the 2024 Pilot. All trims also get a lockable glove box and USB charging ports for all three rows. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer only has 18 cubic feet of space when its third row is in use. It doesn’t have some of these thoughtful interior conveniences, either.

Honda Pilot Interior

Honda Pilot Center ConsoleHonda Pilot Steering WheelHonda Pilot Cargo space

Ford Explorer Interior

Ford Explorer Center ConsoleFord Explorer Steering WheelFord Explorer Seating

Performance Comparison

Every 2024 Pilot has a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 under the hood. The engine is good for 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. All trims also get paddle shifters for manual gear shifting. Buyers can choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for most trims. The all-wheel-drive system is Honda’s i-VTM4 intelligent real-time one. It includes torque vectoring as well. All trims also get a drive mode selector. Modes include Econ, Sport, Normal, Sand, Snow, and Tow.

Meanwhile, those who engage in a spot of amateur off-roading should choose the TrailSport trim. Only available with all-wheel drive, this trim comes with all-terrain tires. It also includes underbody skid plates for added protection. Then, it gets a dedicated Trail mode in the drive selector.

For the 2024 Explorer range, two turbocharged engines are provided, depending on trim. Lower trims have a 300-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder unit. Higher trims come with a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 400 horsepower. Regardless of engine, rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic gearbox are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.

Safety Features Comparison

Every 2024 Pilot has Honda’s comprehensive Sensing® suite. This brings features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention warning system. Then, there’s adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure warning. Also included are a road departure mitigation system and traffic jam assistance. Higher trims include blind-spot information, low-speed braking, and rear cross-traffic alerting. The 2024 Explorer isn’t as well-equipped.

Find the 2024 Honda Pilot in Newburgh, NY

Reading through our Honda versus Ford evaluation, it’s clear that the 2024 Pilot is truly the best midsize SUV in Newburgh, NY. That’s why you should visit Morehead Honda if you’d like to buy or lease a 2024 Pilot. Our team will gladly assist.