2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda CR-V is the MSRP, with the Explorer priced $9,950 higher at $40,050 compared to the CR-V's $30,100. This price gap is substantial, given the CR-V offers superior fuel economy at 30 combined MPG versus the Explorer's 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Explorer outputs considerably more power, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Explorer's 198.8-inch length advantage, the smaller CR-V (184.8 inches long) delivers more than double the usable storage space, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft in the listed configuration. The Explorer utilizes a standard rear-wheel-drive layout while the CR-V employs front-wheel drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG, resulting in lower operational costs versus the Explorer's 24 MPG.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides significantly more utility for families, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is the definitive choice for performance enthusiasts, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides better inherent value, starting at $30,100 while offering higher efficiency and greater cargo volume.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum power is required, as the 300 hp engine vastly outpaces the CR-V's 190 hp.
- A rear-wheel-drive configuration is a mandatory requirement.
- The driver prioritizes higher torque figures, benefiting from 310 lb-ft versus 179 lb-ft.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Fuel economy is the top priority, demonstrated by the 6 MPG advantage (30 vs. 24 combined).
- Lower initial investment is necessary, given the $9,950 lower MSRP ($30,100).
- Superior interior storage is needed, provided by the 39.3 cu ft cargo area.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 184.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 73.5" |
| Height | 69.9" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 28/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 392.0/476.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 7.0 in |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Honda CR-V.
What is the power disparity between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Ford Explorer generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, creating a 110 hp advantage over the 2025 Honda CR-V, which is rated at 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.
How does the standard drivetrain differ between the models?
The Ford Explorer comes standard with a rear-wheel-drive configuration paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Honda CR-V features a front-wheel-drive setup utilizing a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle offers significantly better fuel efficiency?
The Honda CR-V is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 30 combined MPG (28 city/34 highway). The Ford Explorer trails this figure significantly, rated for only 24 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway).
Is the Explorer or the CR-V the larger vehicle externally?
The Ford Explorer is physically larger, measuring 198.8 inches in length compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. The Explorer is also wider (78.9 inches vs. 73.5 inches) and taller (69.9 inches vs. 66.2 inches).
How much does the price difference affect the overall purchase decision?
The $9,950 MSRP difference is a critical factor; the CR-V costs nearly 25% less than the Explorer, which must be weighed against the Explorer's substantially higher power output.
Despite being smaller, does the CR-V offer more cargo space?
Yes, the smaller 2025 Honda CR-V offers significantly more utility with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The larger Ford Explorer provides only 18.2 cubic feet based on the specified measurements.
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