The midsize SUV market is full of competitive options all vying for the year end “best of” lists, and two of the frontrunners for that top spot are the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. Both bring new updates into 2025 that are set to see both of them massively improve into the new year, but which of the two is the best? In today’s showdown between the 2025 Explorer vs Pilot: features, specs, and comfort compared.
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer lineup has been newly revised for the 2025 year.
- The Honda Pilot axes the LX trim this year.
- The Explorer starts a bit cheaper, but is it better than the Pilot overall?
When can I get a 2025 Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is here! For 2025, Car and Driver reports that the 2025 Ford Explorer gets a substantial update with the new year, bringing refreshed styling and much-needed interior and tech upgrades to the table.
Updated designs on the exterior include new grille options, all-LED headlights, and new options for wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches. A new paint scheme, called Vapor Blue Metallic, is now available on ST, ST-Line, and Active trims.
The lineup has been restructured, too, with the XLT and ST-Line trims now being rolled into the new Active trim. Performance-wise, the Explorer now sports tuning for its automatic transmission and now includes a standard Class III trailer hitch capable of towing up to a respectable 5,000 pounds.
On the interior front, the cabin sees a notable refresh with vastly improved materials when compared to its predecessor. The retooled dashboard now includes a handy shelf below the new 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available wireless charger. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster rounds out the tech-centric cockpit.
The biggest leap forward is the all-new Ford Digital Experience system, replacing the aging Sync interface. It brings built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, along with the ability to stream media or play games while parked. Ford’s BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free highway driving system is also available.
What should I pay for a 2025 Honda Pilot?
As of this writing, the price of a new Honda Pilot is slated to start at $41,650 for a Sport model, with the Black Edition topping the list with an MSRP of $56,030. The full list of the 6 available trims this year reads as:
- Sport - $41,650
- EX-L - $44,950
- Touring - $48,950
- TrailSport - $50,850
- Elite - $54,530
- Black Edition - $56,030
For 2025, Kelley Blue Book gave an in-depth report on everything buyers could expect from the new Honda Pilot. The biggest change they report is the axing of the base LX trim and replacing it with the well equipped Sport, now the most affordable new Pilot model.
At the other end of the range, a new Black Edition version comes in, based on the Elite trim and enhanced with various cosmetic treatments. The Pilot sports a slightly higher base price than many competitors, including the Explorer.
Summary
Between the two, it's our opinion that the Ford Explorer is the best pick. The Explorer boasts better features, performance, and practicality, all things we value pretty heavily. When considering you’ll need to carry all of the little ones around, you want the best and most practical and that is the Explorer.
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