Honda Cr-v Vs. Ford Explorer: The Ultimate Showdown For Adventure-seeking Drivers

When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile SUV, the Honda CR-V and the Ford Explorer are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, making them ideal for families, adventurers, and everyday commuters alike. However, understanding the key differences between these two SUVs is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the Honda CR-V and the Ford Explorer, analyzing their performance, features, fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and overall value to help you determine which SUV is the perfect fit for you.

Performance: Power and Efficiency Under the Hood

1. Engine Options and Power Output:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available, producing 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a wider range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V excels in fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for the 1.5-liter engine and 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for the 2.0-liter engine.

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine option chosen. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine achieves EPA-estimated ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the 3.3-liter V6 engine delivers 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine has EPA-estimated ratings of 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Features: Comfort, Convenience, and Technology

1. Interior Space and Seating:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V provides ample seating for five passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. It offers 39.2 inches of headroom and 40.4 inches of legroom in the front and 37.6 inches of headroom and 40.8 inches of legroom in the rear.

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The first and second rows provide generous headroom and legroom, with 39.8 inches of headroom and 42.8 inches of legroom in the front and 39.4 inches of headroom and 38.3 inches of legroom in the second row. The third row is best suited for children or occasional use, with 34.3 inches of headroom and 32.2 inches of legroom.

2. Cargo Capacity:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.

3. Infotainment and Technology:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system. Higher trim levels offer an upgraded 9-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and navigation.

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. Available upgrades include a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

1. Safety Features and Ratings:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It offers a comprehensive range of safety technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.

Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

1. Pricing and Trims:

• Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V has a starting price of $26,800 for the LX trim and ranges up to $37,950 for the Touring trim.

• Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer starts at $34,425 for the Base trim and goes up to $66,000 for the Platinum trim.

2. Warranty Coverage:

• Honda CR-V: Honda provides a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

• Ford Explorer: Ford offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Takeaways: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The Honda CR-V and the Ford Explorer are both excellent SUVs with unique strengths and characteristics. The CR-V stands out with its exceptional fuel efficiency, compact size, and impressive safety ratings, making it an ideal choice for urban drivers and small families. In contrast, the Explorer offers more powerful engine options, ample seating for up to seven passengers, and a more spacious cargo area, making it a suitable choice for families with active lifestyles and those who frequently need to transport large items. Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Weigh the factors discussed in this comparison guide carefully to make an informed decision that aligns with your driving lifestyle and requirements.

What People Want to Know

1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Honda CR-V or the Ford Explorer?

• The Honda CR-V offers superior fuel efficiency compared to the Ford Explorer. The CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine achieves up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has more cargo space, the Honda CR-V or the Ford Explorer?

• The Ford Explorer provides more cargo space than the Honda CR-V. The Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The CR-V has 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

3. Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Honda CR-V or the Ford Explorer?

• Both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Explorer have earned 5-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ designations from the IIHS. They offer a comprehensive range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.