2004-2005 Midsize SUV Comparison

In the second row, the Explorer is short on headroom and hip room, compared to its three rivals. If the optional third-row seat is installed, it promises the most legroom in this group, but has the smallest amount of hip and shoulder space.


Cargo volume ranks in the middle of the pack. With all rear seats folded, luggage capacity totals 81.4 cubic feet. Space behind the third-row seat (if installed) is only 13.8 cubic feet, but folding down that seat increases the space to 44 cubic feet.


Turning to safety features, the Explorer has standard antilock braking as well as an AdvanceTrac system with Roll Stability Control. A recent NHTSA study has demonstrated the value of stability-enhancement systems. Ford also offers a Safety Canopy setup, with airbags that deploy from the headliner, as an option.


Standard XLS features include split-folding rear seats, cloth upholstery, keyless remote entry, a CD player, intermittent wipers, an intermittent rear wiper/washer, tilt steering column, cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Options include rear-seat video entertainment, a Reverse Sensing System, a moonroof and power-adjustable pedals-but some items are offered only on upper-level models.

Honda Pilot LX
Introduced for the 2003 model year, Honda's midsize SUV is the only one of the group with standard all-wheel drive. Rather than five- or seven-passenger seating, the Pilot is set up to carry eight occupants: two up front, and three each on the folding second- and third-row seats.