The full-size SUV market houses some of the most cozy vehicles in the class. They often boast roomy interiors, ritzy technology, and serious practicality in packages that garner a significant bang for their buck. In today’s review, we’ll be pitting two icons in the class, the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot, head-to-head to find out which of the two is the best SUV for large families in the U.S.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Explorer sees a total revamp for 2025, with a revised appearance, tech, and trim structure.
- The Honda Pilot axes the base trim, now starting at the LX.
- Ford BlueCruise and the Ford Driver Experience debut on the Explorer.
Will the 2025 Explorer be redesigned?
Yes! This year, the Ford Explorer is set to be redesigned and restructured, Car and Driver reports. Ford brings an all-new Explorer both in terms of looks and pricing, as the lineup has been streamlined to five trims, with four being available at launch and a fifth, the Tremor, being available later on in the model year.
The model's revisions are immediately apparent on the exterior, with a revised front end capped off by the newly refreshed grille. Updated headlights and revised intakes make for a more aerodynamically efficient model, which wears its new taillights with poise.
A black painted roof is now optional for the Platinum, ST, and ST-Line trims, and the interior is newly adorned with higher quality materials, looking to improve both feel and quality as you navigate with your Explorer.
The tech also gets an update, with newly added Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist, and an all-new Ford Digital Experience. The Ford Digital Experience allows buyers to integrate all of their favorite apps right into the dashboard, with streaming and web browsing being fully supported when in park.
As of writing, the price of the 2025 Ford Explorer is set to start at $41,380, with the ST model topping the trim line for $55,835. The full list of trims for this year looks like:
- Active - $41,380
- ST-Line - $46,190
- Tremor - $52,000 (est)
- Platinum - $53,695
- ST - $55,835
How much is a Honda Pilot 2025?
For 2025, Kelley Blue Book reviewed the brand new Pilot, noting a list of key changes for this year that are set to impact the anticipated price of the model for prospective buyers. For starters, the biggest change they report is the axing of the LX trim, which formerly served as the base model for the Pilot. Now replacing it as the base is the Sport model, which is expected to start at $41,650 as of writing.
Additionally, a new top trim is introduced, with the Black Edition clocking in with an estimated price as of writing of $56,030. The Black Edition, an upscaled version of the Elite, adds some eye-catching cosmetic upgrades to the already attractive SUV. The Pilot comes in an array of six trims this year, with the full list reading as:
- Sport - $41,650
- EX-L - $44,950
- Touring - $48,950
- TrailSport - $50,850
- Elite - $54,530
- Black Edition - $56,030
What colors will the 2025 Ford Explorer come in?
For 2025, Ford reports the 2025 Explorer will be available in a fetching array of 5 exterior colors and 2 interior trims. Of the 5 trims, only the Carbonized Gray Metallic is available without an additional cost, and on the interior front, Salt Crystal Gray and Mojave Dusk are the two available options, with Salt Crystal Gray being an additional charge. The full list of available paints this year is:
Exterior:
- Carbonized Gray Metallic
- Vapor Blue Metallic (Additional Cost)
- Agate Black Metallic (Additional Cost)
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat (Additional Cost)
- Rapid Red Metallic (Additional Cost)
Interior:
- Mojave Dusk
- Salt Crystal Gray (Additional Cost)
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Better than the 2025 Honda Pilot?
It’s close to call, but we have to give the nod to the Explorer in this head-to-head. Its new features outnumber and outclass the Honda Pilot, which is a solid car in its own right, but not solid enough to outclass the Explorer in a head-to-head. If this sounds like the right SUV for you and your family, come by Jarrett Charlotte County today, and we will help you find the perfect SUV.