Compare the 2025 Honda Pilot to the 2025 Ford Explorer in Great Falls, MT
Shopping for a three-row SUV in Great Falls, MT means balancing power, comfort, and practicality—and two popular choices, the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Ford Explorer, often lead the conversation. Both models bring a lot to the table, but when you take a closer look, the Pilot clearly rises to the top. Honda’s flagship SUV continues to impress with its combination of rugged design, cutting-edge safety features, dependable performance, and thoughtful interior comfort, all backed by Honda’s legendary reputation for reliability. The 2025 Ford Explorer makes a strong effort with a sporty refresh and new technology, but it falls short in areas that matter most to Montana families—especially when it comes to day-to-day usability, long-term value, and passenger comfort. The Explorer’s more aggressive approach to performance sacrifices some refinement and efficiency, while the Pilot strikes a better balance between power and real-world practicality. At Great Falls Honda, we know what our customers need: a capable SUV that handles Montana’s unpredictable weather, offers generous space for kids and cargo, and keeps everyone safe on every journey. That’s exactly what the 2025 Honda Pilot delivers, with a level of confidence and comfort that the Ford Explorer simply can’t match. Let’s break down how these two SUVs stack up—and why the Pilot deserves a spot in your driveway.
2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Honda Pilot makes a bold statement with its rugged yet refined exterior, featuring a muscular stance, LED headlights, and a commanding front grille. New trims like the Black Edition and TrailSport showcase the Pilot’s adventurous spirit without sacrificing everyday elegance. The 2025 Ford Explorer, while refreshed with sleeker lighting and modest updates, sticks closely to its established look. It’s stylish, but the Pilot’s modern ruggedness feels fresher and better suited for Montana’s mix of city streets and country roads. For drivers who want an SUV that turns heads for all the right reasons, the Honda Pilot stands tall.
2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Comfort & Technology
Inside the 2025 Honda Pilot, comfort comes first. The spacious three-row layout comfortably seats up to eight passengers, with available heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs for an upscale experience. Honda’s intuitive infotainment system, standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and generous storage options make family adventures easier and more enjoyable. The Ford Explorer offers a tech-forward cabin with a large touchscreen, but it doesn’t match the Pilot’s refined interior touches and everyday functionality. Plus, Honda’s smart layout ensures that everyone—front or back—rides in total comfort. Thoughtful extras like a removable second-row center console and built-in Wi-Fi® hotspot capability make the Pilot even more family-friendly..
2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Honda Pilot is powered by a proven 3.5L V6 engine delivering 285 horsepower, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup offers the perfect blend of confident power, impressive fuel efficiency, and the reliability Montana drivers count on. Available all-wheel drive enhances handling in snowy or rugged conditions. While the Ford Explorer offers stronger engine options, including a turbocharged V6, it sacrifices some efficiency and refinement. The Pilot’s predictable, composed ride makes it the better companion for daily drives, weekend trips, and unpredictable Montana weather. Its impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity in AWD models also gives it serious capability when you need to haul trailers or outdoor gear.
2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Safety
Safety is a Honda hallmark, and the 2025 Pilot proves it once again. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Every Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing®, a full suite of advanced driver-assist technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking and Lane Keeping Assist. The 2025 Ford Explorer also performs well in safety tests, but it doesn’t include as many features standard across its lineup. When it comes to protecting your family, the Pilot delivers best-in-class peace of mind right out of the gate. Available features like a Multi-View Camera System and Blind Spot Information System further enhance the Pilot’s reputation for proactive safety.
2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Overall Value
Value matters, and the 2025 Honda Pilot delivers in ways the Explorer can’t quite match. With a starting MSRP that closely matches the Explorer’s, the Pilot provides better standard features, class-leading safety, and greater reliability—qualities that lead to lower ownership costs over time. The Pilot’s superior cargo space, more refined ride, and reputation for longevity make it the smarter investment for Great Falls drivers who expect lasting quality. Whether you’re commuting through town, road-tripping across Montana, or braving snowy winters, the Honda Pilot offers unbeatable value at every turn. Plus, Honda’s strong resale values ensure you get more back when it’s time to trade in or sell.
 | 2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.4-Liter V6 | 2.3-Liter Turbocharged I-4 |
| Standard Horsepower | 285 | 300 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 262 | 310 |
| Standard Transmission | 10-speed Automatic | 10-speed Automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain | Front-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel Drive |
| Standard Wheels | 20-inch Alloy | 18-inch Aluminum |
| Standard Headlights | LED w/ Auto On/Off | LED |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 111.8 | 85.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Available |
