2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda Pilot Comparison Review

2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Ford Explorer returns as a bold and capable SUV, entering its sixth generation with even more strength, versatility, and refinement. The Explorer comfortably seats up to seven passengers and offers generous in-cabin storage along with best-in-class cargo capacity, making it the ideal family vehicle for those with big plans and plenty of gear. Whether you’re commuting or heading out for an off-road escape, the available Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive system is ready for action, conquering snow, mud, gravel, or whatever the road ahead has in store. And when it’s time to tow your favorite toys, the 2025 Ford Explorer doesn’t hold back, offering up to 5,600 pounds of towing capability when properly equipped. Explorer fans all over Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova and Folsom love that Ford offers two impressive powertrains for 2025 including the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. Inside, the Explorer is more premium than ever with available features including luxurious leather seating surfaces, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. New for 2025 is a streamlined trim lineup, making it easier to choose from trims like the adventurous Active, sporty ST-Line, upscale Platinum, and the high-performance ST. Join us at Future Ford of Sacramento as we take a deep dive into the 2025 Ford Explorer’s performance specs, interior highlights, 0–60 mph times, and everything else you need to know about this family-friendly SUV that’s built to do more. We will also show you why the Explorer reigns supreme over a popular competitor, the 2025 Honda Pilot.

Engine Specs and Performance Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer, available now at Future Ford of Sacramento, stands out in the midsize SUV segment with powerful engine options and confident performance that outpaces competitors like the 2025 Honda Pilot. Under the hood of most 2025 Ford Explorer models, including the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum, you’ll find a robust 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving the Explorer noticeably more punch than the Pilot’s standard 285-horsepower V6. And while the Honda Pilot relies on a single engine option across its lineup, the Explorer goes a step further with its performance-focused ST trim. Choose the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, and you’ll unlock serious power: a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and boasting a 0-60 mph time of just 5.1 seconds. Fuel efficiency is also competitive, with the Explorer’s base engine with front-wheel drive returning an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, while the more powerful V6 still manages a respectable 18 MPG city / 25 MPG highway—great figures for an SUV with this level of performance. The Pilot, with its V6-only setup, delivers similar numbers but lacks the Explorer’s range of powertrain choices and high-output options.

Interior Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers an interior that feels more upscale, tech-forward, and user-friendly than ever, clearly outshining the 2025 Honda Pilot in several key areas. Right away, the Explorer’s cabin impresses with its soft-touch materials across all major contact points, along with refined contrast stitching along the dash, doors, and center console, giving it a more premium, tailored look than the Pilot’s more conservative layout. The centerpiece of the redesigned dash is a stunning 13.2-inch high-resolution horizontal touchscreen, seamlessly integrated into a minimalist, modern design. Physical buttons have been largely removed, offering a clean and uncluttered cockpit. In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot still relies heavily on traditional button layouts and a smaller available touchscreen, which can feel dated by comparison. Ford also adds smart storage solutions that make daily driving more convenient. A new under-dash tray, oversized cup holders, and a spacious center console cubby provide ample room for personal items. Seating is comfortable and supportive across all three rows, with fold-and-slide second-row seats that make it easier to reach the third row. Where the Explorer really sets itself apart is in technology with an all-new Google-based infotainment system featuring Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, making it simple to get directions, make calls, stream music, or adjust climate controls with just your voice. Plus, Ford goes a step further with unique features like the embedded Vivaldi browser, which allows you to stream shows, watch videos, or play games when parked. You won’t find this in the Honda Pilot.

Trim Offerings

The 2025 Ford Explorer is available in four distinct trim levels at Future Ford of Sacramento: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Each model comes standard with rear-wheel drive, with available four-wheel drive for added traction and confidence on any road. Here’s a closer look at what each trim has to offer. The Active trim is packed with impressive standard features and room for up to seven passengers. Inside, you’ll find tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a sleek 13.2-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and multiple USB ports for charging on the go. On the outside, the Active impresses with 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels, a stylish black mesh grille with chrome crossbars, LED headlights and taillights, and a convenient power liftgate that makes loading up easier than ever. For those who want a sportier look, the ST-Line stands out with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Ebony-painted pockets, blacked-out headlights and taillights, a black mesh grille, and a bold “EXPLORER” badge across the hood. Inside, the ST-Line exudes sport and sophistication with ActiveX seating featuring Miko suede inserts and red accent stitching. You’ll also enjoy a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with a subwoofer, a 360-degree camera system, and voice-activated touchscreen navigation. The Platinum trim brings upscale refinement with heated and ventilated multicontour front seats, premium leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, a twin-panel moonroof, and a wireless charging pad. Sound is delivered through a top-tier 980-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers, providing an immersive listening experience. Exterior touches include 20-inch Luster Nickel-painted aluminum wheels, satin aluminum trim, a unique Platinum grille, and adaptive LED headlights that respond to road conditions for added safety and visibility. The ST trim is built for thrill-seekers, offering the exclusive 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, features high-performance brakes with red calipers, 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, and quad chrome exhaust tips for a muscular, aggressive look. Drivers will enjoy the paddle shifters, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, and most of the luxury and tech features found in the Platinum trim, making the ST a perfect blend of power and premium.

Future Ford of Sacramento

With our stellar record for outstanding customer service and industry expertise, Future Ford of Sacramento is here to meet your needs! We know just what it takes to provide you with the ultimate car-shopping experience, whether it’s a knowledgeable and friendly staff, professional business practices, or an impeccable inventory. You will find it all here at Future Ford of Sacramento, and that is why customers come from the surrounding areas of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova and Folsom just to see us. The 2025 Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV that showcases adventurous styling, a spacious interior, two engine choices, and four trim levels to cater to everyone’s unique desires! We hope you enjoyed this comparison of the 2025 Ford Expedition and the 2025 Honda Pilot, and we hope that you agree with Future Ford of Sacramento that the Explorer is the superior choice!