The 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Honda Pilot give Niagara Falls-area families two three-row SUVs with flexible seating, available all-wheel drive, strong towing capability, and modern technology. The Explorer uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. The 2026 Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft.
At Basil Ford of Niagara Falls, drivers can explore the Explorer at 6980 Niagara Falls Blvd.
2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Honda Pilot Key Highlights
Key Highlights
| Feature | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Standard output | 300 hp / 310 lb-ft | 285 hp / 262 lb-ft |
| Available engine | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Available output | 400 hp / 415 lb-ft | 285 hp / 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Standard drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Available drivetrain | Intelligent 4WD | i-VTM4 AWD |
| Maximum towing | 5,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. with AWD |
| Seating | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Maximum cargo volume | 85.8 cu. ft. | Up to 87.0 cu. ft. |
Specifications vary by trim and equipment.
2026 Ford Explorer Delivers Turbocharged SUV Performance
The Explorer's 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on applicable 2.3-liter models, while Intelligent 4WD is available.
2026 Ford Explorer Provides Key Performance Features
- 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 hp.
- 310 lb-ft of torque is available.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft.
- 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.
- Rear-wheel drive is available.
- Intelligent 4WD is available.
- Maximum towing reaches 5,000 pounds.
2026 Honda Pilot Performance Features
- 3.5L V6 produces 285 hp.
- 262 lb-ft of torque is available.
- 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.
- Front-wheel drive is available.
- i-VTM4 AWD is available.
- Maximum towing reaches 5,000 pounds on properly equipped AWD models.
2026 Ford Explorer Creates Flexible Three-Row Cargo Space
The Explorer seats six or seven depending on the second-row configuration. Ford lists 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space on applicable models.
2026 Ford Explorer Combines Passenger and Cargo Features
- Six- or seven-passenger seating
- Three-row cabin
- 16.3 cu. ft. behind the third row
- Up to 85.8 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity
- Available PowerFold third-row seating
- Available second-row bench
- Up to 43 inches of front legroom
2026 Honda Pilot Passenger and Cargo Features
- Seven- or eight-passenger seating
- Three-row configuration
- Up to 87.0 cu. ft. of maximum cargo volume
- Available removable second-row center seat
- Up to 40.8 inches of second-row legroom
- Up to 32.5 inches of third-row legroom
2026 Ford Explorer Integrates Digital Technology
Ford equips the Explorer with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Ford Digital Experience, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available technology includes BlueCruise, a 360-degree camera, and a B&O Sound System.
2026 Ford Explorer Technology Highlights
- 13.2-inch touchscreen
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Ford Digital Experience
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Available BlueCruise
- Available 360-degree camera
- Available B&O Sound System
2026 Honda Pilot Technology Features
- 12.3-inch touchscreen on applicable trims
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Google built-in
- Available Bose premium audio
- Available head-up display
- Available TrailWatch camera technology
- Honda Sensing driver assistance
2026 Ford Explorer Supports Niagara Falls-Area Driving and Recreation
The Explorer's three-row layout, turbocharged power, available 4WD, cargo flexibility, and towing capability fit everyday Western New York transportation. Owners can use it for commuting along Niagara Falls Boulevard, Military Road, Pine Avenue, and I-190, as well as school trips, shopping, airport travel, family outings, and highway trips.
Basil Ford of Niagara Falls serves drivers from Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Youngstown, Wheatfield, Sanborn, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Grand Island, Wilson, and nearby Niagara County communities.
What Do Automotive Experts Say About the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Car and Driver highlights its cabin, available V6, and technology.
"Comfy and ergonomically sound cabin, available with a full-bodied V-6, praiseworthy tech."
Source: Car and Driver, 2026 Ford Explorer ReviewWhat Are 2026 Ford Explorer Owners Saying?
A 2026 Explorer Tremor owner describes using it for camping equipment, dogs, passengers, and highway driving.
"space for camping gear dogs and people. 6 cylinder engine also runs well on highway"
Source: Edmunds, 2026 Ford Explorer Consumer ReviewsWe Help Niagara Falls Drivers Explore the 2026 Ford Explorer
At Basil Ford of Niagara Falls, we help you compare the 2026 Explorer according to power, seating, cargo space, towing, drivetrain, technology, and available 4WD. Our dealership is located at 6980 Niagara Falls Blvd., with convenient access from Niagara Falls Boulevard, Military Road, Pine Avenue, and I-190.
We serve Niagara Falls and nearby communities including Lewiston, Youngstown, Wheatfield, Sanborn, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Grand Island, and Wilson. We can help you explore Explorer trims, arrange a test drive, discuss financing and trade-in options, and review Ford service and parts support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
How much torque does the 2026 Ford Explorer produce?
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have 4WD?
How much can the 2026 Explorer tow?
How many people can the 2026 Explorer seat?
How much cargo space does the Explorer have?
Does the 2026 Explorer have a touchscreen?
Is BlueCruise available on the 2026 Explorer?
Where can I find the 2026 Ford Explorer near Niagara Falls?
Experience the Basil Difference
Visit Basil Ford of Niagara Falls at 6980 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY to explore 2026 Explorer configurations and schedule a test drive.