2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Honda Pilot In Mooresville, IN
When thinking about the ideal new SUV for you and your family, you are probably thinking about the 2019 Ford Explorer. With its Third-Row PowerFold® Seating, Driver-Assist Technologies, and available adaptive cruise control, this is an excellent thought to have. If you are reading this, you might be still early in your research or wondering how the Ford Explorer compares to other vehicles in the segment. Let's take a look at how the new Ford compares to its chief rival from Honda.
Continue reading to see how the Explorer beats the Pilot in safety, reliability, and performance. After you realize the 2019 Explorer is the car for you, follow these directions to our local Ford dealer.
Ford Safety vs. Honda
Ford cares about your automotive safety. That's why their new Explorer SUV comes with a suite of advanced safety systems and driver assist technologies. When you are deciding which new car will transport your family into the future, opt for the SUV that helps you see things you might otherwise miss.
While both the Explorer and the Pilot come standard with airbags, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, and plastic fuel tanks, there are a couple of critical distinctions. Notably, the Explorer offers optional middle row seatbelts that inflate when a collision is detected. By spreading the energy of a crash over a larger surface area, the Explorer helps reduce injuries to the neck, spine, and internal organs.
The Pilot doesn’t offer inflatable seatbelts. When thinking about which SUV is right for your family, think about who sits in the middle row.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Ford is safer than the Pilot in 35 MPH front crash tests.
| Explorer | Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| OVERALL STARS | 5 Stars | 4 Stars |
| Passenger | ||
| STARS | 5 Stars | 4 Stars |
Ford Reliability vs. Honda
When testing the Explorer and Pilot in initial quality, J.D. Power and Associates rated the Explorer in the top three midsize SUVs. If you're looking for the Pilot on that list, start scrolling down.
One of the notable features that distinguish the 2019 Explorer from other vehicles in this segment is the “limp home system.” If the Explorer loses most or all of its engine’s coolant, the engine will reduce the number of cylinders to help keep you from being stranded. The Pilot does not come standard with a limp home mode in the event of a catastrophic coolant loss. If the engine overheats in the new Pilot and you try to drive home, you could cause significant damage to your vehicle or be stranded by the side of the road.
Ford Performance vs. Honda
If you're on the hunt for a new midsize SUV, you want the versatility and convenience that your active lifestyle demands. According to, Car and Driver the Explorer Sport/Platinum 3.5 turbo V6 is faster than the Honda Pilot and produces more torque. The 2019 Explorer delivers 310 pound-foot of torque while the Pilot comes up short at 262 pound-foot.
| Explorer | Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Zero to 60 MPH | 6 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Zero to 100 MPH | 15.8 seconds | 17.1 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 14.6 seconds | 14.8 seconds |
| Speed in 1/4 Mile | 96 MPH | 94 MPH |
| Top Speed | 123 MPH | 114 MPH |
Shop Your 2019 Ford Explorer In Mooresville, IN
As we have shown, the 2019 Ford Explorer SUV bests the 2019 Pilot in top speed, safety systems, and reliability features. Thankfully, you don't have to take our word for it. We invite you to enjoy an informative test drive. Take the short drive from Indianapolis to Community Ford in Mooresville, IN.