Compare the 2018 Honda Pilot vs 2018 Ford Explorer
2018 Honda Pilot |
vs. |
2018 Ford Explorer |
| 19 city / 27 hwy* |
Fuel Economy |
17 city / 24 hwy |
| 3.5L V-6 |
Engine |
3.5L V-6 |
| 262 lb-ft. |
Torque |
255 lb-ft. |
Serving Fredericksburg, VA, Spotsylvania, VA, and Washington, D.C.
Buyers don't have to settle for a full-size SUV in order to move around a family of seven. Some of the mid-size models have three rows of seating and still seem quite spacious on the inside. The problem is that some of these SUVs are aging a bit in terms of utility capabilities, ergonomics, and ride quality. The Honda Pilot has become a popular choice as a mid-size, three-row crossover because it boasts a great combination of standard features and creature comforts.
The 2018 model competes directly with the Ford Explorer. The 2018 Explorer isn't really all that different from the models bearing this name over the past five years. It's a big SUV, almost a full-size, but the problem is that it handles like one, and the interior is becoming a bit bland when compared to some of the other crossovers in this class including the Honda Pilot.
Trim Choices
The 2018 Honda Pilot is available in a total of five trims, but to think that the base LX is a stripped down family hauler is to think wrongly. It's very well equipped to perform. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a split-folding third row bench seat, and a long list of high-tech goodies including a crisp screen display, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and a seven-speaker sound system. The uplevel trims add on such niceties as automatic headlights, fog lights, the Intelligent Traction management System, USB ports throughout the cabin, and smartphone integration. If the Elite trim is chosen, the second-row seats are replaced with captain's chairs. The 2018 Ford Explorer is available in five trims as well, but the base model suffers from a lack of standard features. In fact, one must go for the much more expensive Limited trim in order to get premium audio, power-folding rear seats, and a powered tilt steering wheel.
Interior Design
The 2018 Honda Pilot has a very nicely designed interior that looks bigger than it really is. The front seats have an enormous amount of elbow room and headroom, and the controls layout is functional, with all of the buttons and dials easily readable and quickly memorized. Driver's will enjoy the multi-view backup camera, and the high seat position for the driver is also a big plus. The dashboard combines high-gloss trim and soft secondary tone accents, giving the forward part of the cabin a truly impressive appearance. The nine-speed automatic transmission versions of the Pilot have an attractive push-button shifter. The 2018 Ford Explorer is a bit dated when it comes to cabin attractiveness. The new Sync 3 infotainment system gets a big thumbs up, but there are a few shortcomings including poor outward visibility, and if a sunroof is desired, the top-level Platinum trim must be chosen.
Passenger Comfort
All of the compartments and side-pockets on the 2018 Honda Pilot are right where they should be. The second-row is big, and there's plenty of legroom in the wide, comfortable third row. The ride is quiet thanks to improved sound-dampening engineering. There's also plenty of cargo space, and it's a snap to operate the third-row folding mechanism. The flat floor increases cargo volume considerably. The 2018 Ford Explorer is a bit tight when it comes to third-row passenger comfort, and the total cargo capacity is much smaller than average for this size vehicle.
Come see the 2018 Honda Pilot today at Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg. If you've never driven one, call us to schedule a test drive! You'll be impressed with the ride quality, handling, power, and long list of amenities. See how it favorably compares with the Ford Explorer and other mid-size crossovers.
*Based on 2018 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
Current Inventory
There are currently no 2018 Honda Pilot AWD Elite 4dr SUV for Sale in inventory
Disclaimer
We make every effort to provide accurate information but please verify options and price with management before purchasing. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. All financing is subject to approved credit. Dealer installed options are additional. Stock photo colors, options and trim levels may vary. Not responsible for typographical errors. Published prices subject to change without notice to correct errors and omissions or in the event of inventory fluctuations. Vehicle offers/prices expire at the end of each business day. Vehicles may be in transit to dealer. Vehicle photos may not match exact vehicle. Please call to confirm availability status. All prices exclude taxes, title, tags, and electronic titling fee. All prices include a dealer processing fee of $989.00 (not required by law). All leases include a $595 acquisition fee and dealer processing fee of $989.00 (not required by law). MSRP represents the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and is provided for informational purposes only. It may not reflect the dealer’s advertised price or actual selling price. MSRP includes destination and handling charges. Please contact us for price information on any vehicle listed as Call For Price.
Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program. For additional information on the 5-Star Safety Ratings program, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings. Model tested with standard side airbags (SAB).
EV Fuel-Economy Ratings: 2026 Honda Prologue 113 city / 94 highway / 104 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating for EX & Touring FWD trims. 108 city / 90 highway / 99 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating for EX & Touring AWD trims. 104 city / 87 highway / 95 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) for Elite AWD trim. Based on 2026 EPA ratings. 308 mile EPA Range Rating for EX (FWD) and Touring (FWD). 294 mile EPA Range Rating for EX (AWD) and Touring (AWD). 283 mile EPA Range Rating for Elite (AWD). Use for comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age & condition, loading, use and maintenance.
Military Appreciation Offer: For well-qualified clients who meet the Military Appreciation Offer criteria, subject to approval by HFS. Only one $500 Honda Military Appreciation offer per vehicle. $500 towards Cap Cost Reduction or Down Payment Assistance with the lease or purchase of a new and not previously reported sold Honda vehicle. Offer cannot be combined with Zero Due at Signing Lease Program. Offer applies to Active Duty U.S. Military and Ready Reserve and their spouses; eligible U.S. Military Veterans within two years of their separation from active service and their spouses; eligible U.S. Military Retirees; spouses of U.S. Military Retirees and Gold Star family members. Offer valid through 3/31/2027 and may be terminated at any time. NOTE: During the term of the retail installment finance contract or lease with Honda Financial Services, buyer may not take their vehicle outside the United States without prior written consent of Honda Financial Services. During the term of the retail installment finance contract or lease, buyer must notify Honda Financial Services immediately of any change in buyer address.
College Graduate Program: If you are a recent or soon-to-be college graduate, we know that you are embarking on a new phase of your life, and that phase may include a new vehicle! To reward your hard work, Honda would like to offer you $500 toward any new and untitled 2025 or newer Honda automobile when you finance or lease with Honda Financial Services® (HFS). See offer details for customer and vehicle eligibility toward cap cost/down payment assistance. For well-qualified clients who meet Honda Graduate Program criteria, subject to approval by HFS. Only one $500 Honda College Graduate Bonus per vehicle. $500 towards Cap Cost Reduction or Down Payment Assistance with the lease or purchase of a new and not previously reported sold Honda vehicle. Offer cannot be combined with Zero Due at Signing Lease Program. Offer applies to eligible college graduates who have graduated within the past two years or will graduate within the next six months with a master’s, bachelor’s or associate degree from a U.S.-accredited college or registered nursing school. Offer valid through 3/31/2027 and may be terminated at any time.
