The vehicle that helped established midsize SUVs is facing fierce competition, making it less likely to be the best choice around.

The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Honda Pilot are midsize SUVs with three rows of seating, available all-wheel drive, and cabins peppered with storage cubbies. In other words, they’re both highly practical means of running errands, coping with a commute, or tackling long road trips. But which one is the better buy?

The 2025 Explorer ST receives a mid-cycle refresh. The biggest update is the redesigned front fascia, which now includes a bolder grille and updated LED headlights. Inside, Ford has swapped the old infotainment system for a Google-powered unit with a massive 13.2-inch touchscreen. The ST also benefits from minor suspension tweaks.