2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda CR-V bursts onto the scene offering superb sensibility, delivering an impressive 30 MPG combined efficiency, making it the pragmatic choice for the long haul, anchored by an approachable $30,100 MSRP. Contrast this with the commanding presence of the 2026 Ford Explorer, which unleashes a potent 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exhilarating drivers despite its lower 24 MPG combined rating. This comparison pits efficiency and compact maneuverability (CR-V's 184.8 inches length) against brute force and larger dimensions (Explorer's 198.8 inches length). While the CR-V boasts a superior 39.3 cu ft of cargo space, the Explorer counters with a substantial 110 hp advantage, creating a clear divide between efficient utility and outright performance thrills in the crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V offers significantly more utility for families with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the clear winner for enthusiasts, providing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, vastly exceeding the CR-V's 190 hp.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides significantly better value by costing $8,230 less than the Explorer while delivering far superior fuel efficiency.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, as the CR-V achieves 34 MPG highway versus the Explorer's 29 MPG.
- Your budget is firm, with the CR-V starting at a much lower $30,100 MSRP.
- You need maximum usable space in a tighter footprint, evidenced by the CR-V's 39.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You crave exhilarating acceleration and power, thanks to the Explorer's massive 300 hp engine.
- Rear-Wheel Drive dynamics are important to you, as the Explorer features RWD while the CR-V is FWD.
- You prefer the refined gear-shifting experience of a 10-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 73.5" | 78.9" |
| Height | 66.2" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Ford Explorer.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Ford Explorer compared to the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The Ford Explorer offers a significant power advantage, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is 110 hp more than the CR-V's 190 hp.
What is the main difference in fuel efficiency between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is substantially more efficient, boasting a 30 MPG combined rating using regular unleaded, while the 2026 Ford Explorer is rated for 24 MPG combined.
Which vehicle is better for hauling cargo?
The Honda CR-V is superior for cargo, offering 39.3 cubic feet, whereas the larger Ford Explorer only provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
What is the MSRP gap between the two models?
There is an $8,230 difference in starting price; the Honda CR-V is priced at $30,100, while the Ford Explorer begins at $38,330.
Do the drive types differ between the CR-V and the Explorer?
Yes, the standard configuration for the 2025 Honda CR-V is Front Wheel Drive (FWD), but the 2026 Ford Explorer utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) layout.
Which transmission setup contributes to their differing power delivery?
The CR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) designed for efficiency, whereas the Explorer employs a robust 10-speed automatic transmission to manage its higher output.
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