Compare the 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda Pilot in Luray, VA

When it comes to midsize SUVs, families in Virginia want more than just a comfortable ride. They want a vehicle that combines power with practicality, style with functionality, and safety with smart technology. Two popular choices this year are the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda Pilot. While both deliver on versatility, it’s the 2025 Ford Explorer, available now at Marlow Ford in Luray, VA, that goes further with its redesigned look, robust engine lineup, and advanced technology. Let’s take a closer look at how these two SUVs measure up.

Striking Design and Everyday Versatility

The 2025 Ford Explorer has been reimagined for the new model year, introducing a bold front fascia, a redesigned grille, and the option for a black-painted roof that sets it apart from the crowd. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, power mirrors, and a power liftgate. Higher trims such as the 2025 Ford Explorer ST or Platinum add refined upgrades like 21-inch wheels, quad chrome exhaust tips, heated side mirrors, and a twin-panel moonroof that floods the cabin with light.

Inside, the 2025 Ford Explorer interior strikes the perfect balance between upscale design and family-friendly practicality. This three-row SUV offers seating for six or seven with cloth, premium synthetic, or available leather upholstery. Standard heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel bring comfort, while premium trims at our Ford dealership near Front Royal, VA, deliver ventilated front seats, heated rear seating, a heated steering wheel, and PowerFold^® third-row seats. For unmatched luxury, you can equip massaging seats for both the driver and front passenger.

The 2025 Honda Pilot also has an appealing design, featuring a bold grille, LED headlights, and available 20-inch wheels. Premium trims offer a panoramic moonroof and optional skid plates. Its interior provides room for up to eight passengers with cloth or available leather seating, along with tri-zone climate control. While functional, the 2025 Honda Pilot interior does not showcase the same level of customization or upscale options like the 2025 Ford Explorer interior offers with its new dashboard design and upscale seating choices.

Power That Commands Attention

The 2025 Ford Explorer leads the way with its impressive range of engines. Standard trims are powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this setup offers smooth shifts and responsive acceleration. For added capability, Intelligent 4WD is available to handle Virginia’s diverse terrain.

For drivers who want even more excitement, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST for sale at our Ford dealership in Luray, VA, comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This gives the SUV a dynamic edge that is unmatched in its class. When equipped with the Class III trailer tow package, the 2025 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a dependable choice for boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2025 Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While it provides steady performance and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, it falls short of the power and towing capabilities found in the 2025 Ford Explorer for sale at Marlow Ford in Luray, VA.

Safety Systems That Support Every Drive

The 2025 Ford Explorer sets the standard for peace of mind with Ford Co-Pilot360^™, a collection of driver-assist features included on every trim at our Ford dealership near Stanley, VA. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, a rear parking aid, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings with lane keeping assist, and forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking. The addition of adaptive cruise control ensures smooth travel on highways while the available 360-degree camera system helps with parking in tighter downtown Luray, VA, spaces.

The 2025 Honda Pilot also offers advanced safety with the Honda Sensing^® suite. This package includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and lane departure warnings. Higher-level trims add features like a multi-view camera system. While the 2025 Pilot is secure, the 2025 Ford Explorer provides more advanced driver-assist tools as standard across its lineup.

Cutting-Edge Digital Experience

Technology takes center stage inside the 2025 Ford Explorer interior. The redesigned cabin introduces the Ford Digital Experience, anchored by a 13.2-inch touchscreen that offers intuitive access to navigation, media, and apps from the Google Play Store. Apple CarPlay^® and Android^™ Auto are wireless, and every trim features eight USB ports, Bluetooth^® connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Premium trims of the 2025 Ford Explorer at our Ford dealership in Luray, VA, raise the bar with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen^® premium audio system, ensuring crystal-clear sound for every passenger. Smart features like keyless entry, remote start, and seamless smartphone integration make daily drives in and around Luray, VA, more convenient.

The 2025 Honda Pilot provides either a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen depending on the trim, along with standard smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth^®, and a 7-inch driver information screen. Top trims offer wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 12-speaker Bose^® system. While capable, the Honda’s technology offerings are not as forward-thinking or standard-packed as those in the 2025 Ford Explorer at Marlow Ford, which delivers more premium tools across its lineup.

Test-Drive the 2025 Ford Explorer in Luray, VA

Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda Pilot are strong contenders in the three-row SUV market, but the 2025 Explorer clearly stands out. With a redesigned exterior, higher horsepower options, superior towing capability, and the cutting-edge Ford Digital Experience, this SUV is built to exceed expectations. Safety comes standard across all trims, making it an excellent choice for families in Virginia.

Visit Marlow Ford in Luray, VA, today to test-drive the 2025 Ford Explorer. Our team is here to showcase the bold design, advanced technology, and impressive performance that make this SUV a leader in its class while showcasing our monthly specials. Discover why the 2025 Ford Explorer is the right choice for your daily drives and weekend getaways.