Which 3-row SUV offers more usable cargo and third-row space for families around Aberdeen, SD?

Vern Eide Honda – Which 3-row SUV offers more usable cargo and third-row space for families around Aberdeen, SD?

Space is one of the biggest deciding factors when families compare the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer, especially for drivers planning carpools, sports gear, and weekend getaways around Aberdeen, SD. Both SUVs deliver modern tech and confident performance, but the day-to-day difference often comes down to how easily you can load, configure, and access the cabin. Below, we break down the key space-related features and what they mean for real family life, without getting lost in specs that don’t translate to the school drop-off lane or a Costco run.

Let’s start with headline capacity. Pilot offers seating for up to eight and up to 113.7 cubic feet of max cargo room, so you can bring friends and their gear without a second vehicle. Explorer counters with available seating for up to seven and up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo volume. Those numbers matter, but how you use the space matters even more. Pilot EX-L and above include a stowable 2nd-row center seat that lives in the rear cargo area when you do not need it. In practice, that means you can run eight-passenger seating during the week, then transform to a second-row pass-through for camping trips—no garage storage puzzle required.

Third-row access and comfort are equally important. Pilot’s one-touch 2nd-row seats create a clean path to the back row, which helps when you’re belting in younger riders or rotating between kid seats and adult passengers on short notice. Tri-Zone Climate Control keeps all three rows comfortable, and CabinTalk® lets the driver speak through the rear speakers so even the third-row passengers hear you clearly on longer drives along US-281 or SD-10. Explorer offers a practical, well-finished interior as well, with available heated seats and an available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®. Yet when you’re juggling people and cargo, Pilot’s small usability wins—like the hidden storage well and that stowable center seat—tend to add up.

Cargo management is another area where Pilot shines. The Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate with Walk Away Close (Touring and above) is tailor-made for busy hands—kick to open, press a button, and the tailgate closes and locks as you walk away. The hidden storage well swallows soft bags, sports balls, or muddy boots, keeping the main floor clear. Roof rails and available crossbars expand your options for bikes, kayaks, or a box for ski weekends in the Hills. Explorer provides a power liftgate on many trims, and with the rear seats down you will find a large, flat load floor. But the Pilot’s tailgate convenience and flexible seat design reduce the little frictions that show up at every stop.

Technology also supports space and visibility. Pilot’s Multiview Camera System is standard on TrailSport and above, and TrailWatch™ provides wide exterior camera views to help you maneuver around campground posts or tight back-in parking spots by the soccer fields. Add Google built-in, and navigation, voice control, and app use happen naturally on the 12.3-inch color touch-screen. Explorer counters with an available 360-Degree Camera, intuitive digital displays, and Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist technologies. Both SUVs make life easier, but Pilot’s camera coverage and packaging—especially on TrailSport and Touring—tend to simplify those crowded after-school pickups and trailhead turnarounds where visibility matters most.

Here’s how we suggest you approach a test drive focused on space:

1. Bring your family and gear: Pack the stroller, sports bags, a cooler, and child seats. Load them both.
2. Switch configurations: Try the Pilot’s stowable 2nd-row center seat and compare third-row access in each.
3. Practice parking and unloading: Use the Pilot’s TrailWatch™ if equipped and the Explorer’s 360-Degree Camera; note sightlines and ease of loading.
4. Check comfort in all rows: Ask second- and third-row passengers about legroom, seat height, and temperature control.

We’re often asked whether Pilot’s extra maximum cargo room translates to real-world usage. The short answer is yes. The long answer is that Honda pairs that volume with smart storage and flexibility so you don’t have to choose between people and gear as often. Explorer’s available massaging front seats and thoughtful technology have their appeal, particularly on higher trims, but if your primary goal is family hauling with minimal compromises, Pilot’s configuration wins many head-to-heads in everyday use.

At the end of the day, both SUVs will get your crew to the game, the lake, or the grandparents. The difference shows up in the small, repeated tasks—how fast you can switch seat layouts, how easy it is to reach the third row, and how confident you feel backing into a tight spot at the rec center. That’s where Pilot’s cabin design, camera tech, and storage solutions keep earning nods from busy parents around Aberdeen, SD.

Vern Eide Honda, serving Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings, is here to help you evaluate both vehicles with real-life tests. Bring your gear, bring your questions, and plan to spend time moving seats, loading cargo, and trying the tech. We will set up an apples-to-apples comparison drive so you can decide with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the Pilot seat eight while Explorer seats seven?

Yes. Pilot offers seating for up to eight with an available stowable 2nd-row center seat on EX-L and above. Explorer offers available seating for up to seven.

How do cargo volumes compare?

Pilot provides up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while Explorer offers up to 85.8 cubic feet.

Is AWD available on both?

Yes. Pilot offers the i-VTM4® AWD system, standard on several trims and available on others. Explorer offers available Intelligent 4WD.

Can both tow up to 5,000 pounds?

Yes. When properly equipped, both SUVs are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Which features make Pilot more flexible for families?

Pilot’s stowable 2nd-row center seat, one-touch 2nd-row access, hidden storage well, and Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate with Walk Away Close help it adapt quickly to changing needs.

Request more 2026 Honda Pilot information