2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its blacked-out trim and sporty features, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite the high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. This lack of luxury was a significant drawback, especially when compared to more affordable competitors offering better interiors.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the Honda lineup, with sleek LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, providing a comfortable and spacious environment. While hard plastics were present, the overall refinement was commendable. The Pilot's trim levels offered various features, with the Black Edition standing out for its unique styling elements. Despite some rivals offering more upscale cabins, the Pilot's interior was well-suited for family use, with practical features and a solid level of comfort.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis that provided balanced weight distribution. The ST trim, with its 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, delivered 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, making it a nimble and responsive SUV. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, although it occasionally jerked during downshifts. The Explorer's handling was impressive, with precise steering and flat cornering. The 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 300 hp, was also a strong performer. However, the hybrid option did not offer significant fuel efficiency benefits. The Explorer's towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. All trims featured standard all-wheel drive, with a 6-speed automatic transmission on lower trims and a 9-speed automatic on the Touring and Black Edition. The 9-speed transmission offered smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, providing a refined driving experience ideal for commutes and road trips. While it lacked athleticism, the Pilot's Intelligent Traction Management System offered various drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row felt luxurious, with features like air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated adults for short trips, although the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was slightly reduced behind the third row, but overall capacity increased compared to previous models, offering one of the largest cargo areas in its class. The Explorer's controls were intuitive, with physical knobs and switches, although visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, with easy access provided by one-touch fold-down seats on higher trims. The Pilot's cargo space was competitive, with 1,583 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The interior was designed for family use, with practical storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk for easier communication with rear passengers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user experience. However, the system lacked innovation, with limited customization options and unfinished features. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving, but its performance was not as refined as competitors.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. The system included a 215-watt stereo with a subwoofer, but its user interface was confusing and lacked a tuning knob. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a premium audio system. The Pilot's technology was functional but could benefit from a more intuitive design.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot 360, offering features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Honda Pilot included the HondaSensing suite, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior score in crash prevention technology.