2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Honda Passport
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Honda Passport lies in initial outlay, with the Explorer starting at $40,050, undercutting the Passport’s $44,750 MSRP by $4,700. Performance metrics show the Explorer leads in output, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Passport's 285 hp and 262 lb-ft. However, the Passport counters with superior utility, offering 44 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than double the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft measurement in this configuration. Fuel efficiency is also a clear win for the Ford, achieving a combined 24 MPG versus the Passport's 21 MPG combined. While both use 10-speed automatics, the Explorer's RWD architecture contrasts with the Passport's standard AWD system, influencing handling and traction capabilities across different driving conditions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a 3 MPG combined fuel economy advantage (24 MPG vs 21 MPG) while being cheaper upfront.
2026 Honda Passport
The 2026 Honda Passport is the superior choice for families due to its massive 44 cu ft cargo capacity, significantly larger than the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer generates higher peak output with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer delivers greater horsepower and significantly better fuel economy for a $4,700 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize better running costs, evidenced by its 24 combined MPG rating.
- Your budget is firm, as the Explorer starts $4,700 less expensive than the Passport.
- You prefer the dynamic handling characteristics associated with a Rear Wheel Drive platform.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- Maximizing cargo space is critical, given its 44 cubic feet capacity.
- Standard All Wheel Drive traction is necessary for your typical driving environment.
- A slightly taller stance (73.1 inches height) and greater overall height clearance is preferred over the Explorer’s 69.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 191.5" |
| Width | 78.9" | 79.4" |
| Height | 69.9" | 73.1" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 113.6" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 351.5/462.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 18.5 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 9 |
| 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 | — | 12.3 in |
| Stereo Power | — | 225W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 61.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 57.4 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 | 265/60R |
| 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 2026 Honda Passport.
How much more cargo space does the Passport offer over the Explorer?
The 2026 Honda Passport provides significantly more storage volume, boasting 44 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially greater than the 2025 Ford Explorer’s measured 18.2 cubic feet in a comparable configuration.
Which vehicle has the superior horsepower and torque figures?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has the higher output, achieving 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Honda Passport produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Is there a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency?
Yes, the Explorer shows better fuel economy across the board, rated at a combined 24 MPG (20 city/29 highway). The Passport lags slightly with a combined rating of 21 MPG (19 city/25 highway).
What is the price disparity between the base models?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a lower starting MSRP of $40,050. The 2026 Honda Passport commands a $4,700 premium, starting at $44,750.
What is the fundamental difference in the standard drivetrain layout?
The 2025 Ford Explorer utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) base layout. Conversely, the 2026 Honda Passport comes standard with an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system for enhanced traction management.
Are the exterior dimensions similar for parking ease?
The vehicles are dimensionally close, but the Passport is shorter in length (191.5 inches vs. 198.8 inches) yet noticeably taller at 73.1 inches compared to the Explorer's 69.9 inches.
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