Head to head
2026 Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot
The sourced numbers side by side, no verdict attached. Each column shows the 2026 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG.
At a glance
Ford Explorer
Shown: 2026 Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, the median MPG trim of 4 2026 trims.
- Recalls, 2026 model year
- 15
- Owner complaints, 2026 model year
- 39
Honda Pilot
Shown: 2026 Pilot AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, the median MPG trim of 4 2026 trims.
- Recalls, 2026 model year
- 1
- Owner complaints, 2026 model year
- 23
Spec by spec
| Spec | 2026 Ford Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 2026 Honda Pilot AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Explorer RWD | Pilot AWD |
| Trim / config | Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Body | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated |
| CO₂ | 423 g/mi | 415 g/mi |
| Length | 199 in | 200 in |
| Width | 79 in | 78 in |
| Height | 70 in | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 114 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,458 lb | 4,667 lb |
| Recalls | 15 | 1 |
| Complaints | 39 | 23 |
How this page picks its numbers
Both columns share the newest model year the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot both offer, 2026. Each column shows the 2026 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG. Fuel economy figures come from EPA records; recall, complaint, and crash rating figures come from NHTSA. Other trims differ, so open the comparison tool above to swap in the exact trims you are cross-shopping.