2025 Ford Explorer vs. the Competition
Arguably one of the most successful and iconic SUVs of all time, the Ford Explorer rides on a decades-old reputation for value, versatility, and innovation. However, competition among midsize SUVs remains fierce and new entrants are joining this crowded segment each year. How can you be sure that you’re choosing the right SUV for you and your growing family? Preferred Ford of Grand Haven wants to help! We’ve assembled this competitive comparison in which the Ford Explorer faces off against two of its most formidable rivals – the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. Ready to see how the Explorer dominates the competition? Let’s dive deeper into the details together!
Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot
| 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD | VS | 2025 Honda Pilot Sport FWD |
|---|---|---|
| $39,785 | MSRP | $40,200 |
| 300 | Horsepower | 285 |
| 310 lb-ft | Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| 400-HP Twin-Turbo V6 (Explorer ST) | Available Performance Engine | N/A |
| 20 / 29 / 24 | MPG (city / hwy / combined) | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 5,000 lbs | Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs |
| Power | Rear Liftgate | Manual |
| Standard | Smart Device Remote Start | Keyfob Only |
| 13.2 inches | Touchscreen Display Size | 7.0 inches |
| 43.0 inches | Front Legroom | 41.0 inches |
In our first battle of three-row midsize SUVs, let’s see how the proven Ford Explorer fares against the formidable Honda Pilot. Right out of the gate, the Explorer offers a noteworthy price advantage over the Pilot. This impressive value only continues to grow the further down the list we go. Performance is the first category in which the Explorer has a significant edge over the Pilot. You’ll receive greater horsepower, greater torque, and a much higher towing capacity rating compared to the Pilot. For those who demand even more muscle, the Explorer ST offers a race-inspired 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine as well. Perhaps the most impressive achievement is the fact that the Ford Explorer delivers superior fuel economy across all three EPA measurements. More power and more efficiency? The Explorer is the clear favorite.
Inside the cabin, you’ll also find plenty of reasons to choose the Ford Explorer instead of the Honda Pilot. Accessing your favorite multimedia features is effortless thanks to the massive 13.2-inch touchscreen display of the Explorer. Honda forces you to settle for a tiny 7-inch unit inside the Pilot. Other great amenities that will require you to shell out thousands extra at Honda include the standard smart device remote start system and power rear liftgate of the Explorer. Last but not least, the Explorer offers an extra two inches of front legroom for maximum comfort.
Ford Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder
| 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD | VS | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S FWD |
|---|---|---|
| $39,785 | MSRP | $36,400 |
| 300 | Horsepower | 284 |
| 310 lb-ft | Torque | 259 lb-ft |
| 20 / 29 / 24 | MPG (city / hwy / combined) | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 5,000 lbs | Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs |
| Power | Rear Liftgate | Manual |
| Power, 8-way | Driver’s Seat | Manual, 6-way |
| 87.8 cubic feet | Max Cargo Volume | 79.8 cubic feet |
| 39.0 inches | Second-Row Legroom | 35.5 inches |
In our second matchup, let’s see how the Ford Explorer measures up to the Nissan Pathfinder. Unlike the last comparison, the Explorer starts off with a slightly higher price tag than the Pathfinder. A closer investigation reveals that the Pathfinder isn’t quite the value that its starting price would lead you to believe! Once again, the Explorer is the clear choice when it comes to performance and efficiency. It features more horsepower, more torque, and a higher towing capacity as a result. While the Pathfinder can match the city fuel economy rating of the Explorer, it falls short when comparing highway and combined ratings.
A standard power rear liftgate makes it simple to access cargo and essential items when your hands are full. Nissan requires you to step up to a more expensive trim level to get this great feature. Similarly, the Pathfinder comes standard with a manual-adjustable 6-way driver’s seat. For comparison, the Explorer features a power 8-way adjustable seat to help you easily find your ideal driving position. Significantly more second-row legroom and a much higher cargo capacity for the Ford Explorer make it the superior choice compared to the Nissan Pathfinder.
Winner - Ford Explorer
It’s time to announce the winner of this competitive comparison between three popular midsize SUVs. As the data has revealed, the obvious winner of this matchup is the Ford Explorer. Both the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder struggle to compete with the outstanding versatility, refinement, capability, style, and performance found across the entire Explorer model range. Shop our extensive selection of new Explorer models today right here at Preferred Ford of Grand Haven!