What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V in terms of their design, performance, features, safety, and price to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.
- The Explorer is a larger SUV with a more rugged and aggressive look, while the CR-V is a more compact SUV with a sleek and stylish design.
- The Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V have similar starting prices, but the Explorer offers more standard features and a more powerful engine.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two of the most popular options are the Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. However, there are also some key differences between the two SUVs that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V in terms of their design, performance, features, safety, and price to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.
Design and Styling
The Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V have distinct design philosophies. The Explorer is a larger SUV with a more rugged and aggressive look, while the CR-V is a more compact SUV with a sleek and stylish design. The Explorer’s exterior features a bold grille, muscular lines, and a commanding stance, while the CR-V’s exterior is characterized by its smooth curves, sharp lines, and elegant accents.
Performance and Handling
The Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V offer different powertrain options. The Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs are available with all-wheel drive, but the Explorer has a more powerful engine and a more robust all-wheel-drive system, making it better suited for off-road adventures.
Features and Technology
The Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V offer a wide range of features and technologies to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. The Explorer comes standard with features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a wireless charging pad. The CR-V also comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, but it is smaller at 7 inches. However, the CR-V offers more standard safety features than the Explorer, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety and Reliability
The Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V have both received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs also come with a variety of standard safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. However, the CR-V offers more standard safety features than the Explorer, such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Price and Value
The Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V have similar starting prices, but the Explorer offers more standard features and a more powerful engine. The base model Explorer starts at around $33,000, while the base model CR-V starts at around $27,000. However, the Explorer also has a higher top trim level, which can cost up to $60,000. The CR-V’s top trim level, on the other hand, costs around $36,000.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V are both excellent midsize SUVs with a lot to offer. The Explorer is a better choice for those who need a more powerful engine, more cargo space, and more off-road capability. The CR-V is a better choice for those who want a more fuel-efficient SUV with a more affordable price tag.
Final Thoughts: The Best Midsize SUV for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best midsize SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a powerful SUV with plenty of cargo space and off-road capability, the Ford Explorer is the better choice. If you want a fuel-efficient SUV with a more affordable price tag, the Honda CR-V is the better choice.
What People Want to Know
- Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more powerful engine than the Honda CR-V. The Explorer’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
- Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Ford Explorer has more cargo space than the Honda CR-V. The Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 42.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and 87.