2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Ford Explorer (Car 1) and the 2026 Honda CR-V (Car 2) is the MSRP, with the Explorer commanding a $9,130 premium, starting at $40,050 versus the CR-V's $30,920. Performance metrics heavily favor the Explorer, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. Conversely, efficiency is dominated by the smaller vehicle, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Explorer's 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the Explorer’s 18.2 cu ft, despite the Explorer being substantially larger in exterior dimensions (198.8 inches long vs. 184.8 inches). This comparison hinges on whether budget and utility outweigh raw power and size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuting due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating, translating to lower operational costs over miles traveled.
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V provides significantly more usable space, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers substantially greater power with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, supported by its rear-wheel-drive architecture.
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V offers superior efficiency and utility at a starting price $9,130 lower than the Ford Explorer.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You require the higher output of 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque for demanding driving scenarios.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration is a mandatory specification for your driving preference or needs.
- Maximum vehicle size is necessary, as the Explorer measures 198.8 inches in length, offering a commanding presence.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is the priority, highlighted by the CR-V's 30 combined MPG.
- You need maximum utility, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo space, more than double Car 1's capacity.
- The budget is strictly controlled, positioning the CR-V at a competitive $30,920 starting MSRP.
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 | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 392.0/462.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — | 9.0 in |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2026 Honda CR-V.
What is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Honda CR-V?
The 2026 Honda CR-V holds a definitive advantage in efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG. The 2025 Ford Explorer is rated for only 24 combined MPG, resulting in a 6 MPG deficit for the larger crossover.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Ford Explorer than the 2026 Honda CR-V?
The starting MSRP for the 2025 Ford Explorer is $40,050, which is $9,130 higher than the 2026 Honda CR-V's base price of $30,920.
Which vehicle provides superior performance specifications?
The Ford Explorer is significantly more powerful, offering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Honda CR-V produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
Does the smaller CR-V offer more cargo room than the larger Explorer?
Yes, surprisingly, the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. However, the Explorer is physically larger overall at 198.8 inches long.
What is the difference in drivetrain architecture?
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2026 Honda CR-V utilizes a front-wheel drive (FWD) system paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Is the fuel type a factor in the running costs?
Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel, which neutralizes fuel grade as a differentiator. However, the CR-V's higher MPG rating will result in lower overall fueling costs.
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