The Honda Pilot 2022 and Ford Explorer 2022 are the biggest nameplates among the three-row midsize SUV. Here is how they compare.
2022 Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot 2022 The price starts from: $37,580 | price for you or View listings near you
above average: Seats up to eight engine standard V6 strong resale value.
Below average: only one drivetrain; The design is getting old.
consensus: The 2022 Honda Pilot continues as a spacious and comfortable three-row SUV from a trusted brand, and has been a favorite in its class across three generations. For 2022, it’s adding a new entry-level model to replace the dropped EX and LX rims, and a new off-road-oriented TrailSport model.
2022 Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer 2022 The price starts from: $33,245 | price for you or View listings near you
above average: sporty, rugged and hybrid variants; Three rows of seats Standard rear-wheel drive All-wheel drive optional.
Below average: The third row is a bit narrow; Expensive for top trims; It looks normal.
consensus: A popular 3-row mid-size SUV, the 2022 Ford Explorer offers plenty of options, from a powerful engine to luxurious platinum rims and even a more aggressive off-road version. However, the third row is best for smaller passengers, and for some buyers it may look a bit sloppy.
Pilot vs Explorer: Ready for Family Picnics
Honda pilot
Honda Pilot seats seven or eight in its three rows, with second-row captain’s seats restricted to the top edges. Passenger accommodation is spacious, and cargo space ranges from 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row to 82.1 to 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.
A 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Smooth and powerful enough, the V6 tows up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive (AWD). Fuel economy is fairly good, with combined EPA ratings of 23 mpg (FWD) and 22 mpg (AWD).
The Pilot is capable and comfortable, while maneuvering is partly safe thanks to the optional AWD torque vectoring technology. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard.
This year Honda also added the TrailSport model, which is just a high-end for now, but could become a more off-road-oriented sub-brand for Honda. Part one of the base model, the 2022 Pilot EX-L comes well-equipped with features like leather seats, power sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, 8-inch audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and headlights LED.
While Honda dropped the 2022 EX and LX models, it added a new, lower-priced model, the Sport. The new base model comes with heated and power-adjustable front seats, three-zone climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, among other amenities. At the top of the range, the black version comes with either a black or white pearl paint finish that goes with black wheels and outer trim.
Ford Explorer
If there’s one thing the 2022 Ford Explorer has to offer, it’s diversity. Three powertrain options include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, and a hybrid V6. The trim options are equally comprehensive, with options for second-row captain’s chairs (reducing seat capacity to six), the Timberline off-road-ready version, and the luxurious and expensive Platinum trim.
One of the ways the Explorer sets itself apart is with three rows of seating for seven, although as is common in mid-size SUVs, the third row is really best for younger kids due to the relatively narrow legroom.
The XLT, which is one of the base models, offers second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the capacity to six. The cabin is comfortable and quiet, although neither the exterior nor the interior is very interesting. The top trims add things like red stitching, simulated suede, and of course the full leather in King Ranch and Platinum trims.
Even the base four-cylinder turbo is fine, with its 300 horsepower providing plenty to keep the Explorer moving, but the ST’s twin-turbo V6 is the only thing people will talk about. It’s fast and powerful, with sporty suspension, optional 21-inch wheels, and stronger brakes. The Timberline version features all-terrain tires, standard all-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential, raised suspension, and skid plates. Unlike competitors, the Explorer comes with rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is optional.
Standard features include keyless ignition, three-zone climate control, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, plus Co-Pilot360’s suite of driver assistance features. Infotainment via an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto integration, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB ports, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio system. Higher decorations add more opulent touches, but prices can go up to nearly $60,000.
Similarity
four-wheel drive available; fuel economy; 3 rows of seats.
Advantages of Honda Pilot 2022
Strong resell and reliability; Standard engine V6 lower starting price seats up to eight passengers.
Features of the Ford Explorer 2022
Hybrid availability, more power; ST model.
Which one is right for me?
The 2022 Honda Pilot offers seats for up to eight, plenty of power from its standard V6 engine, and smooth shifts from a 9-speed automatic. Honda also has a proven track record of quality and high resale value.
With three rows of seats, the 2022 Ford Explorer has good room for families with kids, and plenty of engine options, including a hybrid. They can be sporty or more tuned for off-road driving, and they offer everything from noisy driving to sip-fuel options.
Are you ready to buy a Honda Pilot or a Ford Explorer? Shop for one for sale now near you.
| 2022 Honda Pilot | 2022 Ford Explorer | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| engine | 3.5L V6.0 | 2.3L Turbo I4 |
| horse power | 280 HP @ 6000 RPM | 300 HP @ 5500 RPM |
| torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-spd auto | 10-spd auto |
| fuel economy | 23 mpg (20 city / 27 hours) | 24 mpg (21 city/28 hour) |
| Also available | four wheel drive | 3.0L Turbo V6; 3.3L V6 Hybrid; four wheel drive |
| Specifications | ||
| Guarantee | 3 years / 36000 miles | 3 years / 36000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Public Safety | 5 stars | unavailable |
| Maximum Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| wheelbase | 111.0 inches | 119.1 inches |
| total length | 196.5 inches | 198.8 inches |
| Show | 78.6 inches | 78.9 inches |
| Height | 70.6 inches | 69.9 inches |
| turning diameter | 39.4 ft | 39.2 ft |
| headspace, front | 40.1 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headspace, second row | 40.2 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headspace, third row | 38.9 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, front | 40.9 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, second row | 38.4 inches | 61.8 inches |
| Legroom, third row | 31.9 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder room, front | 62.0 inches | 152.7 cubic feet |
| Shoulder room, second row | 62.0 inches | 18.2 / 87.8 cubic feet |