The 2026 Ford Explorer produces 300 hp and adds BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, which the Pilot does not offer at any trim. The Explorer’s turbocharged 4-cylinder also returns 29 mpg highway, beating the Pilot’s 27 mpg highway. This page breaks down every key difference, and Canton Ford’s Explorer inventory.
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the stronger choice for drivers who want hands-free highway capability, more power, and a larger infotainment screen in a tech-forward package. The 2026 Honda Pilot suits buyers who prioritize an 8-passenger bench configuration, slightly more third-row cargo space, and a naturally aspirated engine with a proven ownership record. Both tow 5,000 lbs and carry identical basic and powertrain warranties.
| Spec | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo I-4 (base) | 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard / AWD optional | FWD standard / AWD optional |
| EPA MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) | 20 / 29 / 24 | 19 / 27 / 22 (FWD) |
| Seating | 7 | 8 (most trims) |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 16.3 cu ft | 18.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 85.8 cu ft | 87.0 cu ft |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 in | 7.3 in (AWD non-TrailSport) |
| Length | 198.8 in | 200.1 in |
| Touchscreen | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3 in digital | 10.2 in digital |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36k mi | 3 yr / 36k mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60k mi | 5 yr / 60k mi |
The Explorer’s 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That torque figure is a meaningful 48 lb-ft advantage over the Pilot’s 3.5L V6, which makes 262 lb-ft. The Explorer’s turbocharged design builds peak torque lower in the RPM range, giving it a more responsive feel in everyday driving and on highway on-ramps.
The Pilot’s naturally aspirated V6 is smooth and predictable. Drivers who prefer the simplicity of a non-turbocharged engine and the character of a V6 will find the Pilot compelling. The Explorer counters with six drive modes, including Trail and Off-Road modes on the Tremor trim, while the Pilot offers Trail and Sand modes on TrailSport and above.
Both pair with a 10-speed automatic. The Explorer’s base drivetrain is RWD, with AWD available across the lineup and standard on the Tremor. The Pilot’s base Sport trim is FWD, with AWD available on Sport, EX-L, and Touring, and standard on TrailSport, Touring Blackout, Elite, and Black Edition.
The Explorer also carries 8.1 inches of ground clearance versus the Pilot’s 7.3 inches on standard AWD trims (the TrailSport reaches 8.3 inches).
The Pilot holds an edge in seating and behind-the-seats cargo space. Most Pilot trims seat 8 passengers using a multi-function second-row bench with a removable middle seat. The Explorer seats 7. Behind the third row, the Pilot offers 18.6 cu ft versus the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft. Maximum cargo comes to 87.0 cu ft in the Pilot and 85.8 cu ft in the Explorer, close, but the Pilot leads.
The Explorer’s interior is organized around its 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, giving the dashboard a modern, horizontal layout. The Pilot uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch instrument cluster.
Both SUVs offer tri-zone climate control and wireless phone charging. The Pilot includes CabinTalk, an in-car PA system for communicating with rear passengers, which the Explorer does not list as a standard feature. The Explorer’s B&O 10-speaker audio is standard on ST-Line, with a 980-watt 14-speaker B&O system available above that.
The Explorer’s cargo behind the second row reaches 46 cu ft. The Pilot measures 48.5 cu ft in the same position, another slight Pilot advantage for families who regularly fold the third row.
The Explorer’s standout feature in this category is BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system with automatic lane change, available on ST-Line and above. The Honda Pilot has no comparable hands-free highway assist technology at any trim level.
Both vehicles run Google built-in for navigation and voice commands, and both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Explorer’s system runs on a 13.2-inch screen with a 5G modem replacing the older FordPass Connect hotspot. The Pilot’s system runs on a 12.3-inch screen with Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
The Explorer includes native Google Maps and Google Assistant. The Pilot also uses Google built-in and includes a 3-year unlimited data plan for in-vehicle apps.
On the safety side, both SUVs offer forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-centering steering, driver attention monitoring, and automatic high beams. Both include road-sign recognition. The Pilot adds a multiview and TrailWatch camera system on TrailSport and above. The Explorer includes rear parking sensors standard.
The Explorer offers Emergency Steering Assist, which is not listed among the Pilot’s standard features.
Both the Explorer and the Pilot carry identical warranty coverage: 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. Neither edges the other on paper warranty terms.
The Explorer returns better fuel economy: 24 mpg combined versus the Pilot’s 22 mpg combined on FWD. That gap widens when comparing AWD configurations, where the Pilot drops to 21 or 20 mpg combined depending on trim, while the Explorer holds at 24 combined in the standard 2.3L configuration.
Ford Explorer EPA economy ratings
The Explorer lineup spans 11 configurations from the Active through the performance-tuned ST, giving buyers a range of capability and content. The Pilot spans 7 trims from Sport through Black Edition. Both offer adventure-focused trim options: the Explorer Tremor and the Pilot TrailSport each add off-road hardware and dedicated drive modes.
Ford’s BlueCruise represents meaningful long-term value for highway commuters, adding a capability the Pilot cannot match regardless of trim selection.
For drivers across Canton, TX and the surrounding area, Canton Ford has Explorer inventory in stock. The Explorer’s tech lead, fuel economy advantage, and BlueCruise capability make it the stronger choice for most buyers cross-shopping these two SUVs.
Canton Ford stocks 2026 Explorer inventory across the trim lineup, from the value-focused Active to the performance ST. Both RWD and AWD configurations are available. If you are cross-shopping the Pilot and want to experience BlueCruise, the 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience screen, or the Tremor’s off-road setup firsthand, the team at Canton Ford can put you in the driver’s seat. Browse current inventory, value your trade, or schedule a test drive using the links below.
Yes. The Explorer produces 300 hp compared to the Pilot’s 285 hp. The Explorer also holds a 48 lb-ft torque advantage, with 310 lb-ft versus 262 lb-ft in the Pilot.
The Explorer gets better mileage. EPA ratings show 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined for the Explorer versus 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined for the Pilot on FWD. The Explorer’s advantage grows on AWD-equipped trims.
Yes, in most configurations. The Pilot seats 8 on most trims using a multi-function second-row bench. The Explorer seats 7.
The Pilot has more third-row cargo space at 18.6 cu ft. The Explorer offers 16.3 cu ft behind the third row. Maximum cargo capacity is close: 87.0 cu ft for the Pilot and 85.8 cu ft for the Explorer.
Yes. The Explorer offers BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system with automatic lane change, available on ST-Line and above trims. The 2026 Honda Pilot does not offer a comparable hands-free highway driving feature.
Yes. Both carry a 3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Explorer. It uses a 13.2-inch center touchscreen running the Android-based Ford Digital Experience. The Pilot uses a 12.3-inch color touchscreen.
Yes. Canton Ford in Canton, TX carries 2026 Explorer inventory. Use the inventory link on this page to view available trims or schedule a test drive directly with the dealership.
