Your next SUV might spend Monday on the school run and Saturday pulling a trailer toward a weekend getaway. Choosing one means looking beyond seating alone. Compare the 2026 Ford Explorer vs. 2026 Honda Pilot, and you'll find meaningful differences in available power, dashboard technology and passenger comfort.
At our Ford dealer near Suffolk, we help local shoppers connect those differences to their actual driving needs. The Explorer brings higher maximum horsepower and torque to this matchup, along with available amenities that can make time behind the wheel more enjoyable. Take a closer look below, then stop by our Bowditch Ford to decide which Explorer configuration belongs in your driveway.
2026 Ford Explorer Specs Comparison
A busy household needs versatility, but that doesn't mean settling for an uninspiring drive. The 2026 Ford Explorer offers up to 385 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, exceeding the Honda Pilot engine in both categories. For shoppers who want a family SUV with a more muscular available powertrain, that difference deserves attention.
The Explorer, for sale nearby, also includes a standard Terrain Management System and Trailer Sway Control, giving you greater control on every ride. Planning to tow? Our team can help you identify the Explorer equipment and configuration appropriate for your trailer.
2026 Ford Explorer
- Max Horsepower: 385
- Max Torque (lb-ft): 415
- Trailer Sway Control: Standard
- Terrain Management System: Standard
2026 Honda Pilot
- Max Horsepower: 285
- Max Torque (lb-ft): 262
- Trailer Sway Control: N/A
- Terrain Management System: Available
Compare the 2026 Ford Explorer Features
The dashboard is something you'll interact with on nearly every trip, and the Explorer gives you a larger standard touchscreen: 13.2 inches vs. 12.3 inches in the Pilot. Beyond the essentials, available Explorer upgrades create a cabin worth spending time in. Available massaging seats add another dimension of comfort, while the available 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system is a class above the competition.
Available BlueCruise hands-free driving technology adds another reason to choose a new Explorer in Virginia, particularly for drivers who regularly travel on compatible highways. Book an Explorer test-drive and try it out for yourself!
2026 Ford Explorer
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): 13.2
- Safety Suite: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
- Available Audio System: 14-speaker Bang & Olufson® Sound System
- Seats with Massaging: Available
- Hands-Free Driving Technology: Available
2026 Honda Pilot
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): 12.3
- Safety Suite: Honda Sensing®
- Available Audio System: 12-wpeaker Bose® Premium Sound System
- Seats with Massaging: N/A
- Hands-Free Driving Technology: N/A
Buy or Lease a 2026 Ford Explorer Near Suffolk, VA
Put the specifications into perspective with a visit to Bowditch Ford in Newport News. Sit in the Explorer interior, try the touchscreen and ask us to walk you through all the different trims.
Whether you're interested in buying or leasing a 2026 Ford Explorer near Suffolk, our team can explain current options and help you narrow your search. Contact Bowditch Ford to arrange a test-drive, compare the Explorer vs. Pilot and take the next step toward an SUV equipped for your daily routine and the trips ahead.
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2026 Ford Explorer Comparison FAQs
How does the 2026 Ford Explorer compare to the 2026 Honda Pilot in horsepower?
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers up to 385 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, outperforming the Honda Pilot which offers 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Visit Bowditch Ford in Newport News to experience this performance advantage firsthand.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have a larger touchscreen than the Honda Pilot?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Explorer features a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen compared to the smaller 12.3-inch screen on the Honda Pilot. Stop by Bowditch Ford to explore the technology in person.
Can I get hands-free driving on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers available BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for compatible highways, a feature that is not available on the 2026 Honda Pilot. Contact our team at Bowditch Ford in Newport News to schedule a demonstration.
Is Trailer Sway Control standard on the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Yes, Trailer Sway Control and the Terrain Management System come standard on the 2026 Ford Explorer to provide greater towing confidence across Virginia roads.
Where can I buy or lease a 2026 Ford Explorer near Suffolk, VA?
You can buy or lease a 2026 Ford Explorer at Bowditch Ford in Newport News. Contact our team today to explore current financing specials and book a test-drive.