Specs at a glance
| Honda Pilot EX-L | Ford Explorer XLT | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (base) | 3.5L V6, 285 hp | 2.3L turbo-4, 300 hp |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Seating | 8 standard (7 on Elite) | 6 or 7 |
| EPA combined MPG | About 21 mpg | About 23 mpg |
| Third-row legroom | 32.5 in | 32.2 in |
| Cargo behind row 3 | 22.4 cu ft | 18.2 cu ft |
| Max tow (V6 / turbo) | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb (3.0L EcoBoost) |
| Typical OC transaction | Mid-$40s to mid-$50s | Low-$40s to high-$50s |
How they actually drive in OC
The Pilot drives like a refined family SUV - quiet on the freeway, composed over rough concrete, easy to place in tight school-pickup lanes. The Explorer's rear-drive platform gives it a sportier feel and the ST trim is genuinely quick, but the cabin is louder at freeway speed and ride quality on Orange County's rougher freeway sections is firmer than the Pilot.
Family practicality
The Pilot's third row is more livable for adults on a 1-2 hour drive, and the cargo area behind row three is meaningfully larger. The Explorer counters with a slightly lower step-in height and the available 6-seat captain's chairs layout in the King Ranch and Platinum trims.
Reliability and resale in OC
Pilots typically post better long-term reliability and stronger resale value in the South OC market. The Explorer has improved meaningfully in recent generations but still trails the Pilot in resale and in long-term repair history.
Pros and cons
Honda Pilot
Pros
- ✓ Quieter, more refined on the freeway
- ✓ More cargo behind the third row
- ✓ Stronger long-term resale in OC
- ✓ Best-in-segment driver visibility
Cons
- - No high-performance trim like Explorer ST
- - Slightly lower combined MPG than Explorer's base turbo-4
Ford Explorer
Pros
- ✓ Sportier driving feel from RWD platform
- ✓ Explorer ST offers around 400 hp
- ✓ Slightly better base MPG
Cons
- - Louder cabin at freeway speed
- - Less cargo behind row three
- - Weaker historical resale and reliability scores
Bottom line for OC families
For most Orange County families, the Pilot is the more comfortable, more practical and stronger long-term buy. Pick the Explorer if you want a sportier feel or you specifically want the Explorer ST as a performance family SUV.
RSM Honda · Rancho Santa Margarita
See current Honda Pilot inventory at RSM Honda
Browse live Pilot inventory and current offers directly on the official RSM Honda site.