The new Ford Explorer is a massive improvement over other recent model years.
Many people who are looking for the best vehicles to buy pick midsize SUVs. They’re spacious without being too big, and these vehicles often have quite a bit of power under their hoods. Among the top SUVs in this category are the 2025 Ford Explorer and the new Honda Pilot. The Honda is more popular, but many buyers are finding that the latest midsize Ford SUV gives it a run for its money in a few ways.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is among the top SUVs for performance
People looking to buy one of the top SUVs typically want something that will perform. Luckily, the 2025 Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot are up to the task. However, the Ford SUV comes out on top in this regard. According to Edmunds, the new Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter inline-four engine that makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is also one of the top SUVs because it offers another powertrain, which the Honda Pilot does not. The more powerful Ford uses a 400 horsepower V6 engine that gets from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 5.6 seconds, whereas the base trim is also swift at 7 seconds flat. Honda’s midsize SUV needs about 7.8 seconds to get up to speed. Ford also wins in fuel economy as it averages 24 MPG, while Honda gets 21 miles to the gallon.
Ford offers better technology than Honda does
All of the top SUVs have pretty stellar uses of technology. Some are better than others, and this is one way the 2025 Ford Explorer beats its Honda rival. Regarding the all-important touchscreens, Ford equipped the new Explorer with a 13.3-inch center touchscreen. This model also includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. These features help make an SUV that has long been complained about for being outdated feel new again.
The 2025 Honda Pilot comes with a standard seven-inch color display, but buyers can upgrade to a nine-inch unit. The Explorer also has BlueCruise, which helps modernize driving for those looking for assistance features.
Price
Just because buyers are sifting through the top SUVs doesn’t mean they want to go for something that is too expensive. No, neither the 2025 Ford Explorer nor the Honda Pilot are cheap, but the Blue Oval’s SUV is a tad less expensive. The base Ford starts at $41,350, and the Pilot has an MSRP of $41,650. Both vehicles offer the same warranty, which includes three years of basic coverage and five years for powertrain.
People looking for a new SUV should look into the MotorBiscuit car-buying tool.
