2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Honda Pilot
Side-by-side EPA, NHTSA, and recall data. Winners highlighted in green when one car clearly leads.
- Best EPA combined MPG goes to the 2023 Ford Explorer at 27 MPG.
- Best highway MPG goes to the 2023 Ford Explorer at 28 MPG.
Car 1 2023 Ford Explorer | Car 2 2023 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
Engine & efficiency | ||
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 |
| Displacement | 3.3L | 3.5L |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel type | Regular Gasoline | Regular Gasoline |
EPA fuel economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 27 | 22 |
| Annual fuel cost (EPA) | $2500 | $3050 |
| CO2 tailpipe | 324g/mi | 402g/mi |
NHTSA safety ratings | ||
| Overall | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Frontal crash | 5/ 5 | 4/ 5 |
| Side crash | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Rollover | 4/ 5 | 4/ 5 |
| Stability control | Standard | Standard |
Recalls, complaints, investigations | ||
| Recalls (NHTSA) | 14 | 5 |
| Complaints filed | 93 | 107 |
| Open investigations | 0 | 2 |
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERAFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERAFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- + 11 more on file at NHTSA.
- STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACKHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
- SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERSHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAPHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
- + 2 more on file at NHTSA.
Sources: US DOT NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov) for safety ratings, recalls, and complaints. US EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov for engine, fuel economy, and emissions data. Both are free public datasets, updated by the federal agencies that own them.
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