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The midsize crossover segment is the perfect upgrade point for families who need more space, practicality, and features. Models such as the 2024 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Ford Explorer offer three rows of seating. Hence, they can easily help with carpooling duties and long holiday trips.
The 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer have excellent features, so picking the best for you might be challenging. We'll conduct a Pilot vs. Explorer comparison for your convenience. We'll examine each midsize crossover's interior, safety, and performance specifications.
The 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer are three-row midsize crossovers with approximately 150 cubic feet of space. However, the Pilot offers seating for up to eight occupants, while the Explorer can only provide a maximum of seven seats.
This means that even if you choose the optional Captain Chair configuration for either vehicle, you’ll still be able to carry more people in the 2024 Pilot. This attractive configuration reduces seating capacity by just one person. That’s because it replaces the second-row bench seat with two individual seats that can be separately adjusted. Between these seats is a passage to facilitate easier third-row access. Families with elderly parents or taller teenagers will find the Captain Chair option particularly useful.
The 2024 Pilot is also more capable of carrying cargo. It can carry 19 cubic feet of luggage with all three rows of seats up. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer can only manage 18 cubic feet. However, you can split-fold the third and second rows in either midsize crossover. This allows you to carry larger items. In addition, you'll find the 2024 Pilot's seats far easier to fold and stow.
Moreover, the 2024 Pilot is highly family-friendly. Depending on trim, you can get up to eight large-sized cup holders that accommodate 32-ounce cups. Then, you'll find tri-zone climate control, USB charging ports for each row, and even an optional rear entertainment system. This is great for entertaining restless kids during long journeys. Up front, higher trims provide an overhead console with a sunglasses holder. There's even a pair of illuminated vanity mirrors for the driver and front passenger.
The 2024 Pilot and the 2024 Explorer come with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, ensuring ample smartphone connectivity on all trims. However, the 2024 Pilot includes a digital gauge cluster of 7 or 10.2 inches, depending on the trim. Buyers can also avail themselves of a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. These attractive features aren’t offered in the 2024 Explorer range.
The 2024 Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that’s lauded for its smoothness. The engine provides 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque and comes with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Front-wheel drive is standard for most trims. However, the TrailSport trim only comes with Honda’s i-VTM4 intelligent all-wheel drive system. The system is also optional for all other trims. The i-VTM4 system adds a drive mode selector with six choices – Econ, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Tow.
The TrailSport trim is great if you’re an occasional off-roader, as it includes some factory enhancements. Highlights include all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and a 1-inch suspension lift. The drive mode selector also gains a seventh mode, called Trail.
The 2024 Ford Explorer offers two engine options. There’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit for lower trims. This engine provides 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, higher trims come with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. This engine can deliver up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Either engine comes with rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, all-wheel drive is optional.
The 2024 Honda Pilot leads on safety features. All trims have the Honda Sensing® suite as standard. Hence, this Honda crossover has blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Furthermore, it has lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The 2024 Ford Explorer only offers some of these features on all trims. Others are optional.
Unsurprisingly, the 2024 Honda Pilot is a great midsize crossover choice. It has a versatile and well-equipped cabin. Then, the silky smooth V6 and the car-like ride will make everyone happy to travel in it. Finally, it offers an excellent array of standard safety equipment.
Why not swing by Apple Honda in Riverhead, NY, and test drive the 2024 Honda Pilot? Our team will help you pick the best trim. Then, you can explore our latest offers and financing options.
