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2019 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Honda Pilot

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Ford Explorer and 2019 Honda Pilot contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Honda Pilot.

When we compare the 2019 Ford Explorer's and the 2019 Honda Pilot's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2019 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Ford Explorer's and the 2019 Honda Pilot's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2019 Honda Pilot.

Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Explorer ranges from $17,697 to $30,996 while a used 2019 Honda Pilot is priced between $20,885 to $32,924.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2019 Honda Pilot loses 43.6 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Honda Pilot retains 3.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Ford Explorer.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Honda Pilot's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Honda Pilot being ranked 11 out of 32. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Honda Pilot is ranked 11. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 8 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Honda Pilot is ranked 10 out of 39.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Honda Pilot the reliability rating is 9.2 out of 10. This gives the Honda Pilot a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the 2019 Honda Pilot base engine makes 280 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The Pilot is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 527 miles. This gives the 2019 Honda Pilot the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2019 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2019 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Honda Pilot have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2019 Ford Explorer
2019 Honda Pilot

2019 Ford Explorer
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2019 Ford Explorer for Sale

2019 Honda Pilot
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2019 Honda Pilot for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$32,365

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,316

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,245 - $35,310

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$31,450

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,316

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,245 - $35,310

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$24,021

Price Range:

$17,697 - $30,996

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,868

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$16,878 - $34,673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

712

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

80,682

# Good or Great Deals:

304

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$26,786

Price Range:

$20,885 - $32,924

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,868

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$16,878 - $34,673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

656

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

79,770

# Good or Great Deals:

305

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

9.2 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

4.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.6 - 8.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

19.5%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Honda Pilot

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.6 - 8.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

69.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.4

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 33.1

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

33.1

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 33.1

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 17

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

6 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

11 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

13 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

13 / 16

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

14 / 21

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

20 / 39

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

20 / 28

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

22 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

22 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

23 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

25 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

28 / 30

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

29 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

53 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 67

Honda Pilot Rankings

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

4 / 10

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

6 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

6 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

6 / 16

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

8 / 32

Best Family Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Family Midsize SUVs

9 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

9 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

10 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

10 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

11 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 32

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

12 / 39

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

16 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

17 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

17 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

18 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 34

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

19 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

20 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

20 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

20 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 30

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

21 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

26 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

32 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

42 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

50 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

54 / 59

Summary Review

The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.

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Summary Review

The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.

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Pros and Cons

  • Passenger Space
  • Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
  • Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid

  • Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
  • No 8-passenger seating option for 2021

Pros and Cons

  • Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim 
  • Family-friendly features galore
  • Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
  • One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)

  • No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2019 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT

2019 Honda Pilot Trim Levels

Elite, EX, EX-L, EX-L w/Navi w/RES, LX, Touring, Touring w/Rear Captain's Chairs

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.065 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.069 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


17 / 24 / 20

Range (city/hwy):

316 / 446 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


19 / 27 / 22

Range (city/hwy):

371 / 527 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.4 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.9 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61 inches

Cargo Space:

21 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

81.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

172.5 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.9 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

62 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

62 inches

Cargo Space:

16.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

83.9 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

169.4 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4443 lbs

Width:

90.2 inches

Height:

70 inches

Length:

198.3 inches

Wheelbase:

112.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.8 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4036 lbs

Width:

78.6 inches

Height:

70.6 inches

Length:

196.5 inches

Wheelbase:

111 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P245/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

Not yet available

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Blue

Blue

Silver

Ingot Silver

White

Oxford White

Gray

Not available

Green

Not available

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Pearl

Blue

Obsidian Blue Pearl / Steel Sapphire Metallic

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

White Diamond Pearl

Gray

Modern Steel Metallic

Green

Black Forest Pearl

Red

Deep Scarlet Pearl

Interior Colors

Beige

Medium Stone

Black

Not available

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Beige

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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