2024 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in its two-door variant. The Sasquatch Package enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide, purposeful stance. Inside, the Bronco featured an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen, with a dashboard design echoing the original Bronco. Despite its rugged charm, the marine-grade upholstery was less breathable, making for a potentially uncomfortable ride in hot conditions.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition offered a more modern suburban aesthetic with blacked-out trim and red accents. The interior was thoughtfully designed for family use, with comfortable leather seats and practical storage solutions. However, the technology felt dated, with smaller screens and a lack of a significant "wow factor." The Pilot's cabin was functional, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats, but lacked the adventurous spirit of the Bronco.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower. The optional 2.7-liter V6 delivered 330 hp, while the Raptor's 3.0-liter V6 cranked out 418 hp. The Bronco excelled off-road with features like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, but its fuel efficiency was lacking, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco's on-road experience was noisy and unrefined, yet it remained a fun and unique drive.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. While the Pilot provided a smooth ride, the transmission occasionally felt sluggish. Fuel economy was underwhelming, averaging 20 mpg. The Pilot's handling was predictable, but it lacked the off-road capabilities of the Bronco, making it more suited for everyday driving.

The 2024 Ford Bronco's interior was spacious, especially in the four-door model, with ample cargo space ranging from 22.4 to 83 cubic feet. The removable roof and doors allowed for a customizable open-air experience. However, the marine-grade vinyl seats trapped moisture, and entry was challenging without running boards.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in family-friendly design, with three rows of seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The front passenger seat's limited adjustability was a drawback, but overall comfort was high. Cargo space was generous, with up to 86.5 cubic feet available. The Pilot's interior was practical, with features like a hands-free power tailgate and triple-zone climate control enhancing convenience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came with a 12-inch touchscreen and Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, connectivity issues and inconsistent voice recognition marred the experience. The Bronco Trail App provided valuable off-road trail information.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology felt basic, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel. While it included wireless smartphone integration and a Bose audio system, connectivity issues with CarPlay were noted. The CabinTalk feature was a useful addition for families, but overall, the technology didn't stand out in the segment.

The 2024 Ford Bronco included essential safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Mid Package added advanced features like blind-spot monitoring. The Bronco received favorable crash test ratings from the IIHS but had mixed results from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Honda Pilot boasted a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, some systems, like adaptive cruise control, showed inconsistent performance. The Pilot earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.