Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer

**Challenger75** · November 19th, 2014 01:19 PM

Would like your input on a mid-sized American SUV. This would most likely be our minivan replacement (Town & Country).

Honda Pilot 3.5 V6 2.6M (With discounts up to 100k++)

Explorer 2.0 Ecoboost 2.445M
Explorer 3.5 V6 2.695M

The Ford Explorer is the newer of the two but is lower to the ground and there are some unresolved issues like the exhaust fumes leaking into the cabin among others. Also, which would be recommended between the 4-pot turbo and the traditional V6? Did not include the 3.5 Ecoboost since my father will be driving this most of the time. Ford reliability is also questionable.

The Pilot on the other hand is an older model but the classic, boxy SUV styling will most likely last. Ground clearance seems generous and 4wd may be useful in highway driving. Honda seems more reliable than the Blue Oval but have read of the VCM's excessive oil consumption. A newer model might be expected later next year also.

Was also considering the 3.2 Pajero but the space is an issue especially in the 3rd row and the brand does not ring well with the old man.

Our criteria are the ff in order: Reliability, Interior Space, Fuel Consumption (I know both are guzzlers but 1 or 2 km/l better is already a big diff). Will be keeping it for a long period of time (5-10 years). This will be also used on the highway a lot. Would appreciate feedback from first hand users. Suggestions on other vehicle choices are also welcome.

**Egan101** · November 19th, 2014 01:23 PM

How about putting the Maxda CX9 as one of your options? Yojin3 promo (free maintenance) is added value for such a hefty purchase, not to mention the CX9 AWD is cheaper than both the Pilot and Explorer 2.0L Ecoboost.

**macsd** · November 19th, 2014 01:43 PM

I own an explo 3.5 and have driven the pilot in the US about 4 yrs ago. Following your matrix :

1. Reliability - Honda is much better than Ford. I got a CRV 2004 and still running smooth with little maintenance lang while my 2007
escape has it's fair share of parts replacement.

2. Interior space - hands down explorer.

3. Gas consumption - with those cars your looking at, why bothered by gas consumption. If consumption is a concern, there's the Alto, Mirage etc...

But if power & responsiveness is what you want, go for explo.

**ano727** · November 19th, 2014 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Egan101

How about putting the Maxda CX9 as one of your options? Yojin3 promo (free maintenance) is added value for such a hefty purchase, not to mention the CX9 AWD is cheaper than both the Pilot and Explorer 2.0L Ecoboost.

I agree. If you ask me, CX9 right now is a steal among full sized SUVs. Completely made in Japan (high reliability), Yojin 3year free maintenance, generous 3 rows of seating space and generous luggage area, sweet V6 engine, the fastest 7 seater SUV in its class. I think 4x4 AWD variant costs around P2.3M and the 4x2 FWD is around P2.1M before discounts.

Between Pilot and Explorer, I would choose Pilot mainly because of better overall reliability. Include CX9, then I choose CX9.

**Egan101** · November 19th, 2014 02:04 PM

A similar thread comparing the CX9 to the Explorer can be accessed below:

http://tsikot.com/forums/car-compari...xplorer-93383/

**sientobente** · November 19th, 2014 02:12 PM

Seeing that the Pilot wasn't a big seller here in the Philippines, you might have problems sourcing parts for it in the future. Compared to the Explorer where I see atleast 10 of them everyday(I actually count them while I'm bored using a treadmill in a gym in Makati) this may provide you better support someday.

**Horsepower** · November 19th, 2014 02:19 PM

+1 on the CX9.

Explorer, for me, is an odd ball. If I'm after size, I'd go straight up and get the Expedition or Suburban (unfortunately, those are used as funeral hearses nowadays).

CX9 is soooo ***y. Made in Japan pa. That alone is one BIG reason to put in on top of your list.

**dct** · November 19th, 2014 04:41 PM

Explorer or cx9 for me. Ewan ko pero wala talagang kadating dating para sakin ang pilot. With this price point may wow na dapat e. Parang sa explorer. Pero sa pilot wala. Kamukha nya ang 1st gen everest.

**Challenger75** · November 19th, 2014 11:41 PM

Seems like majority in this site favor the Explorer or the CX9. The Explorer could have been the runaway favorite if not for the exhaust fume cabin leak. That's also why we considered the Pilot, it's a compromise in all aspects, sort of like a jack of all trades if you will.

The Prado like the Pajero is too tall and quite cramped in the 3rd row. It will have a hard time replacing a mini-van.

Will keep you guys posted.

**willyfernando** · December 2nd, 2014 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Challenger75

Seems like majority in this site favor the Explorer or the CX9. The Explorer could have been the runaway favorite if not for the exhaust fume cabin leak. That's also why we considered the Pilot, it's a compromise in all aspects, sort of like a jack of all trades if you will.

The Prado like the Pajero is too tall and quite cramped in the 3rd row. It will have a hard time replacing a mini-van.

Will keep you guys posted.

I got my Pilot last year after 3 months of exhausting deliberation on w/c SUV to get. To simplify my basis, The pilot has the following points that made me decide to get it:

1) The ground clearance is not bad for an SUV especially for seniors who have difficulty with the high vehicle ground clearance like the Patrol, Land Cruiser, etc.

2) The interior cabin space fits 8 adult Caucasians or equivalent comfortably, what more for Filipinos?

3) No car manufacturer is w/o problems with their models. Honda has their reliability and warranty to boot.

4) Ride comfort especially the suspensions are spot on. I'm not a racer so speed isn't in my criteria.

5) The SUV market isn't as big as we perceive it. I'm just happy that mine is different than most models I see and besides the Pilot being not so popular doesn't mean it isn't reliable.

6) The sound system is good plus the dash perks are simply idiot proof. Cabin is so quiet.

7) It has a lot of air bags.

I'm turning 50 in a couple of months and yes I believe I'm getting old so my criteria in buying an SUV or any other vehicle has changed from popularity and coolness factor to practicality and comfort. Fuel consumption is hardly a subject I'd touch when it comes to the vehicle of your choice in today's traffic. FYI, I tested almost all the SUV available during my 3-month deliberation and the PILOT just simply suited me. Test them all and see what catches your DAD's fancy. After all these SUV's aren't cheap so test and test until your satisfied.