Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Honda Pilot EX-L 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

Honda MR-V

2017 Ford Explorer: Review
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2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test
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2017 Honda Pilot Touring - Interior and Exterior Lighting in 4K
2017 Honda Pilot Touring - Detailed Look in 4K
2017 Honda Pilot EX-L | Road Test & Review
Honda Pilot 2017 Review
2021 Honda Pilot Special Edition - Ultimate In-Depth Look in 4K
2018 Honda Pilot EX - Ultimate In-Depth Look in 4K
2021 Honda Passport Review | This or 2021 Honda Pilot?
2019 Honda Pilot Review - Now With Added Volume Knob
Make: 
Average Price: 
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
38,255
Updated: 
10 Feb 2017
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2017
Total Seating: 
7
8
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
19.50gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424
Color: 
Steel Sapphire
#171F34
Obsidian Blue
#080932
Dark Cherry
#3C0E11
Black Forest
#304830
Crystal Black
#000000
Modern steel
#595959
Lunar Silver
#C4C4C4
White Diamond
#FCFCFB

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility has been added to Pilots with the 8-inch touchscreen (EX and above). Otherwise, the Pilot carries over unchanged.

Pros
A versatile, roomy interior with spacious rear seats
Ride is smooth and compliant in most conditions
Better fuel economy than rivals
Multiple clever storage compartments

Cons
Nine-speed automatic transmission lacks refinement
Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive
Third-row access is narrow
Touchscreen interface isn't very intuitive

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Honda Pilot ranks 3 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. Though it’s a little more expensive than other midsize SUVs, its standard V6, roomy cabin, and available active safety features make the 2017 Honda Pilot a smart choice.

Pros
Plush, roomy seats
Adult-friendly third row
Cavernous cargo bay
Great safety scores

Cons
Complicated audio and climate controls

By: 
usnews.com

The 2017 Honda Pilot is a capable, refined crossover SUV with all the goodness of a minivan, save for the sliding doors.
The Honda Pilot was one of the first big crossovers to completely shun the old SUV idiom. No blocky, bluff styling, no truck-like frame, no rugged low-ratio transfer case or knobby off-road tires. The first Pilot had slim roof pillars, a cushy Civic-like cabin, and lots of seats.

Pros
The boxy look's been banished
Lavish new interior light-years ahead of the old
Better seats, better cargo space
Android interface, lots of ports for plugs
Gas-mileage gains

Cons
Maybe not as distinctive in styling
9-speed automatic can get confused
Blind-spot monitors only on most expensive model
One-touch seats only on EX-L and pricier models

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
16.00mpg
18.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
26.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.50L
Torque: 
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
262ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
Horsepower: 
365hp
at 5 500rpm
280hp
at 6 000rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Turning Circle: 
40.00Feet
39.40Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Keyless Ignition
Push Button Start
Power Door and Tailgate Locks
Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors (4 Total)
Cargo Area Bag Hooks
Map Lights (All Rows)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
194.50in
Width: 
78.90in
78.60in
Height: 
71.00in
69.80in
Ground Clearance: 
7.80in
7.30in
Front Track: 
66.30in
Rear Track: 
66.30in
Wheel Base: 
112.80in
111.00in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
39.50
Rear Head Room: 
40.60
39.90
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
40.90in
Rear leg room: 
39.50in
38.40in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
59.10in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
62.00in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.80in
57.30in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in
62.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
81.70cu.ft
83.90cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
16.50cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
15.60degrees
18.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
20.90degrees
19.70degrees
Curb Weight: 
4901.00lbs
4284.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
no
More Power Features: 
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Hands-Free Entry

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Leather
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback
Manual Folding Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Reclining Rear Seats
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Leather-Trimmed Interior

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Sliding Sunvisors
Rear Window Defroster with Timer
Rear-Seat Heater Ducts
Cargo Area Light
Hidden Storage Well
Capless Fuel Filler
Conversation Mirror with Sunglasses Holder
Integrated Sunshades (2nd-Row)
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
yes
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system
1 Subwoofer(S
225 Watts Stereo Output
Speed Sensitive Volume Control
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack
225-Watt Audio System with 7 Speakers
8-Inch Display Audio with High-Resolution WVGA (800x480) Electrostatic Touch-Screen and Customizable Feature Settings
SMS Text Message Function
Song by Voice

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Rear Privacy Glass
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Intermittent Rear Window Wiper / Washer
Windshield
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 in
18
Wheels more: 
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
All Season Tires
Temporary Spare Tire
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Diameter: 
R18

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
Solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789
Color: 
Beige Leather
#958875
Black Leather
#221F22