On the market today, there are so many options when it comes to SUVs. After all, the SUV is one of the most popular types of vehicle available, so there are a vast multitude of models and trims. It can be very confusing and overwhelming when shopping for a new SUV because there are so many choices out there. After all, even after you decide on a make and model, you have to pick a trim and decide on optional features. That’s where we come in. We’ll take two popular SUV models, the 2018 Ford Explorer and the 2018 Honda Pilot, and pit them against each other to see which vehicle comes out on top. Once we examine some features that are game-changing for SUV drivers, such as power and performance, fuel economy, and cargo space, you’ll see without a doubt that the 2018 Ford Explorer is the best SUV on the market.
Explorer Exploding With Power
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers a few different engines to choose from in order to meet the needs of every driver. The available engines for the Ford Explorer are a 3.5 liter EcoBoost, 2.3 liter EcoBoost, and 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6.
The 3.5 liter Ti-VCT V6 is standard on the base trim of the Explorer in addition to the XLT trim. This engine will get you 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. This engine can seamlessly adjust to any driving conditions with the variable control of valve cam timing. You’ll also get 17/24 MPG in the city and on the highway. With this engine, you’ll be able to tow up to 5,000 with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Standard on the Limited trim is the 2.3 liter EcoBoost. This engine will deliver 280 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque, giving you that extra power where you need it most. This engine doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy for power though; it gets 19/27 MPG. Four-wheel drive and the Class II Trailer Tow Package are also available if you need a little extra oomph for your SUV.
Both the Sport and Platinum trims come standard with the 3.5 liter EcoBoost. 365 horses and 350 pound-feet of torque come standard with this baby. This engine also comes with some other special features like standard four-wheel drive with the terrain management system and additional hill descent control. Get 16/22 MPG in the city and on the highway with this engine. Towing up to 5,000 pounds is also standard on this engine.
Pilot Believes One Engine Fits All
Unlike the 2018 Ford Explorer, the 2018 Honda Pilot only has one engine option for all the trims. This engine is a 3.5 liter V6 and gets 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This performance is comparable to one of the Explorer’s engines, but the Explorer also two options that are more powerful. It can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds when paired with an all-wheel drive vehicle.
The Honda Pilot’s engine gets 16/27 MPG in the city and on the highway, which is about the range for the Explorer as well. However, because the Explorer has more power, the Explorer is the all-around better pick when it comes to a balance between power and fuel economy.
Carry Everything (and Everyone!) With the Explorer
The 2018 Ford Explorer has an impressive amount of space. The Explorer can carry up to seven passengers, making it perfect for all but the largest of families. The second row also has a 60/40 split fold-flat bench that allows for increased carrying capacity if that is more along the lines of what you need. Folding down the third row gets you a 50/50 split, which is still plenty of storage space.
To enjoy maximum seating, you will get a respectable 21 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down the third row to increase that cargo space to 43.8 cubic feet of space. For the maximum amount of storage, fold down the second row to increase the storage to 81.7 cubic feet of space. No matter what your needs, you can configure the Explorer to allow all of your passengers enough room while still hauling everything you need.
Honda Delivers on Space, Fails in Performance
With the second and third rows folded down, you will get a 60/40 split that offers 109 cubic feet of storage space. While this is more space than the Explorer has, the Pilot still fails in performance and customizability. Even with all that space, it won’t mean anything if you’re not getting the power and performance you deserve. The Explorer doesn’t sacrifice any areas at the expense of another; the Explorer is a solid option all the way around.
In the battle between the 2018 Ford Explorer and the 2018 Honda Pilot, the Ford Explorer comes out on top. While the Pilot has more storage space and comparable gas mileage to the Explorer, the Explorer offers more customizability and improved performance levels. For an SUV, performance is key when you’re on the go and carrying a lot of cargo. Especially if you’re driving on all terrains, you need an SUV with the specs to rise to the challenge. For that, you will need a 2018 Ford Explorer; the 2018 Honda Pilot simply won’t cut it. But don’t take our word for it. Visit your local Ford dealership today to test drive a 2018 Ford Explorer, and you’ll know for sure that the Explorer is the best all-around choice for a new SUV. And when you’re sold on the Explorer, you’ll be able to customize it however you want, inside and out, to meet your needs and incorporate everything you want from your vehicle. Or, if you’re not sold on the Explorer, try one of Ford’s other high quality and rugged SUVs. You’ll be sure to find something that you love.
