2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda Ridgeline
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a traditional SUV feel and the versatility of a truck-like bed often stumps buyers, especially when comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda Ridgeline. The Explorer edges out the Ridgeline in pure power, offering 300 hp versus the Ridgeline's 280 hp, which contributes to its better fuel economy of 24 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined. Though both are similarly priced, starting around $40,050 for the Explorer and $40,150 for the Ridgeline, the Explorer provides superior hauling capacity inside the cabin with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cubic feet. However, the Ridgeline counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the Explorer uses Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) as standard for its base configuration. For those prioritizing enclosed space and slightly better efficiency, the Explorer leads; for those wanting light open-bed utility, the longer Ridgeline (210.2 inches) presents a different proposition.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer is the better family choice because it offers significantly more enclosed storage at 18.2 cubic feet versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cubic feet.
2025 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts will likely favor the Explorer for its higher output of 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Ford Explorer
Despite a very similar MSRP, the Explorer provides notably more horsepower and better fuel economy for virtually the same initial investment.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum enclosed cargo capacity, as the Explorer boasts 18.2 cubic feet.
- You want the most power, with the Explorer offering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You seek better day-to-day efficiency, reflected in the Explorer's 24 MPG combined rating using regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You need the assured traction of All-Wheel Drive standard for adverse conditions.
- You prefer the versatility of an open bed for occasional hauling of dirty or tall items.
- You are comfortable with slightly lower power for the benefit of the Ridgeline's unique truck-like capabilities.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 210.2" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.6" |
| Height | 69.9" | 70.8" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 125.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 351.0/468.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 19.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| 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 | — | 9.0 in |
| Stereo Power | — | 215W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 59.1 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 56.6 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 | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Honda Ridgeline.
Which vehicle has better standard drive capabilities for rough weather?
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it an edge in slippery conditions right off the bat. The 2025 Ford Explorer is listed with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) as its standard configuration.
How much more spacious is the Explorer compared to the Ridgeline inside?
The Explorer offers substantially more space for gear behind the rear seats, providing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Ridgeline’s integrated bed space is rated at only 7.3 cubic feet.
Is the performance gap between the two significant?
Yes, the Explorer is slightly peppier, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of the Explorer's 10-speed.
What is the difference in fuel efficiency?
The Explorer is the more economical choice for routine driving, achieving 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway). The Ridgeline trails slightly with a combined rating of 21 MPG (18 city/24 highway).
Are the physical dimensions very different?
The Ridgeline is noticeably longer than the Explorer, measuring 210.2 inches end-to-end compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches. The Ridgeline is also slightly taller at 70.8 inches versus 69.9 inches for the Explorer.
Do either require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands premium fuel; both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda Ridgeline are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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