Starting at
Starting at
| 3 | Available Engines | 1 |
| 280-365 HP | Horsepower | 280 HP |
| 255-350 lb-ft | Torque | 262 lb-ft |
Considering purchasing a midsize SUV? Two vehicles that are commonly compared in this class are the 2019 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Honda Pilot. Both vehicles are excellent choices in the midsize class; however, they have very different strengths. While the Explorer is the power and capable vehicle, the Pilot excels in standard safety technology. So, which vehicle is the right choice for you?
The 2019 Ford Explorer is one of the most powerful vehicles in the midsize class. With three powerful engine options, drivers looking for a high level of performance can’t go wrong. When properly equipped the 2019 Ford Explorer is able to produce up to 365 hp and 350 lb-ft torque, which helps the vehicle tow up to 5,000 LBS with ease. However, the Explorer still offers good fuel economy ratings at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. On the inside, this vehicle is sleek, modern, and advanced, offering a long list of available entertainment features at an affordable cost.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Honda Pilot offers only one engine which produces 280 hp at most. The Pilot does offer a high maximum towing capacity of 5,000 LBS; however, cannot handle this weight as effectively as the Explorer, especially when full of passengers. On the inside, the 2019 Honda Pilot is comfortable and relaxed, offering only a few standard entertainment features but a nice selection of available technology. With the HondaSensing suite, the 2019 Honda Pilot offers a long list of standard safety features, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.
When comparing the 2019 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Honda Pilot, it’s clear that both vehicles are excellent choices in the midsize class that simply appeal to different audiences. In order to help you determine which vehicle best suits your needs, let’s take a closer look at the Explorer vs Pilot in the categories of performance, entertainment, and safety.
If you’re looking for a midsize SUV, you’re probably looking for a blend of power, capability, and efficiency. When it comes to the 2019 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Honda Pilot, the Explorer offers a much higher level of power and capability without sacrificing efficiency.
The 2019 Ford Explorer is one of the major powerhouses in the midsize SUV class. With powerful engines, the Explorer is capable of producing up to 365 hp and 350 lb-ft torque. Meanwhile, the new Explorer also offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 LBS, which is more than enough to pull a boat and trailer or other recreational equipment. No matter which engine option you choose it is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which has received positive feedback for its smooth shifting. Even with its impressive power, the 2019 Ford Explorer is still fairly fuel efficient with fuel economy ratings of up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Drivers can also choose between two drivetrains for the Explorer, including front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Despite its large size, the 2019 Ford Explorer handles exceptionally well and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Drivers interested in using their exploring across tougher terrains can also enjoy a few available features to finely tune their vehicle to suit these needs. Overall, the 2019 Ford Explorer offers class-leading performance in the midsize SUV class, making for a truly versatile vehicle.
Unlike the Explorer, there is only one engine option available for the 2019 Honda Pilot. The standard V6 engine produces up to 280 hp, which simply can’t compete with the power of the 2019 Ford Explorer. However, the engine does offer nearly identical fuel economy ratings at the Explorer at up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. In terms of capability, the Pilot is capable of towing up to 5,000 LBS; however, it can’t do it with as much ease as the Explorer. The available drivetrains for the Pilot include front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, so drivers looking for four-wheel drive will want to opt for the Explorer. In terms of handling, the 2019 Honda Pilot is comfortable and quiet. Overall, the 2019 Ford Explorer is designed for drivers looking for versatility, power, and space, while the 2019 Honda Pilot is more suitable for drivers looking for a vehicle to tackle errands and daily commutes. If you intend on using your new vehicle for the occasional adventure, be sure to opt for the 2019 Ford Explorer.
When it comes to entertainment, both the 2019 Ford Explorer and 2019 Honda Pilot are focused on providing essential features across lower trims and advanced features across higher trims to ensure that the vehicle remains affordable for a wider variety of drivers. Drivers looking to upgrade to more advanced entertainment features can do so at an affordable price and will have plenty of options to choose from with either vehicle.
On the base model of the 2019 Ford Explorer, drivers will find standard features like Bluetooth a USB port, and a 4.2-inch display screen. However, the Explorer’s available features are much more advanced and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, additional USB ports, a touchscreen display, navigation, a WiFi hotspot, a Sony stereo system, and a rear entertainment system. Due to the low starting MSRP of the 2019 Ford Explorer, drivers looking to upgrade to more advanced entertainment technology can easily do so while staying true to their budget. Drivers with tech-savvy passengers will appreciate the available upgrades on this vehicle and can feel confident that everyone onboard will be able to stay connected and entertained.
The 2019 Honda Pilot comes standard with Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 5-inch display screen, which is nearly identical to the standard entertainment suite of the Explorer. Meanwhile, the Pilot also offers a nice selection of available entertainment features including a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation. However, the Pilot’s available list of features is not nearly as diverse as Explorer’s. Drivers looking for an advanced entertainment suite would be better suited with the numerous options available on the new Explorer, especially if they’re looking to have young passengers onboard regularly.
Both the 2019 Ford Explorer and 2019 Honda Pilot offer a variety of standard and available safety features and performed well during safety testing with both the NHTSA and IIHS. However, the Explorer earned a higher reliability rating from J.D. Power than the Honda Pilot. In this category, it’s another close call but the Explorer has the edge.
The 2019 Ford Explorer comes standard with a rearview camera, as well as Ford MyKey, which is a must-have for parents with young drivers as it allows you to set strict volume and speed restrictions during their use of the vehicle. This program allows you to closely monitor your teen’s driving habits when you’re not around, ensuring that they remain safe and protected at all times. The Explorer is also packed with available driver assist features including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. These advanced driver assist features are available either through upgrading to higher trim levels or purchasing various packages available within your desired trim level.
The 2019 Honda Pilot offers a long list of standard safety features including a rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and more. Many of the standard driver assist features are a part of the HondaSensing package, which is standard on all models. Meanwhile, available safety features include blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Overall, both the 2019 Ford Explorer and 2019 Honda Pilot are incredibly safe vehicles in the midsize SUV class, making them suitable choices for large families. However, if you’re looking for the most reliable vehicle, you’ll want to choose the 2019 Ford Explorer.
At Kings Ford in Cincinnati, OH, we are passionate about each and every vehicle that enters our lot. We are careful to keep them maintained to the highest of standards so that they remain high-quality vehicles till the day they leave the lot. We are also passionate about the service we offer to our valued customers. For this reason, we offer low and competitive pricing on all of our new, used, and CPO vehicles, as well as numerous specials and incentives for an even lower price. At Kings Ford, we also offer a fully certified on-site service center that is at the ready to handle any and all of your automotive needs. From routine maintenance and complex repairs to ordering parts and accessories, our technicians have you covered. So, when you’re ready to start shopping for your next vehicle, head right over to Kings Ford!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
