Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Honda Pilot
$542
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Ford Explorer
$732
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
3
1
2
Above Average
The Honda Pilot Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $542 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. While the frequency of repairs is higher than normal, the severity of those issues is average, so your Pilot may have a few more shop visits when compared to other models.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Ford Explorer Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $732 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Explorer.
“GREAT Vehicle and THE best car I have ever owned. Currently have over 190k miles on a 2003 Pilot. The only complaint is that the entertainment system has devloped an annoying buzzing sound and...”
“GREAT Vehicle and THE best car I have ever owned. Currently have over 190k miles on a 2003...”
The Ford Explorer ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
67% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“Parents bought the car when I graduated 6th grade and gave it to me end of college. Had 94,000 at that time (brand new when they got it), and now has 224,000. Still going strong all around almost...”
“Parents bought the car when I graduated 6th grade and gave it to me end of college. Had 94,000...”
The Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot are two midsize, three-row SUVs. Both of them come with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
The Explorer offers more power, as its standard engine has 290 horsepower, and it also offers an optional engine with 365 horsepower. The Pilot comes with a single engine that has 280 horsepower. So, the Explorer is better equipped for towing or hauling full loads, especially with its optional engine.
In terms of cargo space, the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot are not far apart. The Explorer gives you 80.7 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the two rear rows down. The Pilot has 83.8 cubic feet of room behind the front seats. The Pilot comes out slightly ahead here.
The Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot both offer a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. In the Explorer, these valuable safety features are unavailable on the base model, available on midlevel trims, and are standard on the top trim level. The Pilot offers these features on all lower trims, and as standard equipment on higher trims.
Both the Explorer and the Pilot are worthy choices when shopping for a midsize SUV. They have similar standard engines, cargo space and safety tech. If you need extra power, the Explorer has it. Drive them both and see which one makes more sense for your needs.