The moment you step inside the Pilot or the Ford Explorer, you’ll be able to see how these two vehicles differ. The Honda Pilot is equipped for any ride, with 158.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and standard seating for up to eight people.

On the other hand, the Ford Explorer offers 152.7 cubic feet with standard seating for seven.

Of course, with people comes stuff, so you’ll want to know how much cargo space you’ll have available. Behind its third row, the Ford Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet, which expands to 47.9 cubic feet when those seats are folded down. Fold down both the second and third rows to gain a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s plenty of room for sports gear, luggage, and groceries.

Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot offers more space in every instance. Start out with 21.8 cubic feet in the trunk. Fold down those seats to gain 59.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row. But it doesn’t stop there. In fact, the Honda Pilot ensures that you can take far more than the essentials—you can easily take it all with up to 111.8 cubic feet of cargo room when both rear rows are laid flat.

Both the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer come standard with a tri-zone automatic control system. The Honda Pilot’s system is equipped with humidity control, air filtration, and available second-row controls. While the Explorer has second-row controls, it lacks the other features.

When it comes to more comfort, the Honda Pilot also includes:

While the Ford Explorer offers heated front seats, they aren’t available on the standard trim. Plus, the driver seat can only be adjusted eight ways and lacks lumbar support. So, you may be more comfy in the Pilot.

Both the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer provide standard Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ integration. With this smartphone connectivity, it’s easy to use your phone features right from the touchscreen in the center-stack area. Access your favorite navigation app, respond to text messages, or choose that next song.

One stand-out feature of the Honda Pilot is available Multi-Zone Audio. This feature allows your kids to sleep in the back while you listen to music in the front. While the Ford Explorer has amazing technologies, it falls behind when it comes to quietening the rear for your sleeping beauties.

The Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer come with a plethora of standard driver-assistive technologies through their respective safety suites: Honda Sensing^® and Ford Co-Pilot 360™.

In addition to a rearview camera, these bundles have similar brand-specific versions of the following:

Clearly, Honda and Ford take your safety as seriously as you do.

One additional feature that’s unique to the Honda Pilot is the Driver Attention Monitor. This safety system detects drowsy or distracted driving and alerts you that it may be time to take a break. The Ford Explorer goes without a similar safety feature.