2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Ford Explorer often boils down to balancing utility with size, especially when both lean towards the crossover segment. If you need a vehicle that blends SUV comfort with light truck capability, the Ridgeline, priced at $40,150, offers unique practicality, although it sacrifices fuel economy, achieving only 21 MPG combined. Conversely, the slightly smaller 2026 Ford Explorer, starting at $38,330, offers significantly better efficiency at 24 MPG combined and boasts more power, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ridgeline's 280 hp. A major difference is storage: the Explorer offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 16.3 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. While both offer AWD capability (in this tested configuration), the Explorer’s RWD setup combined with a 10-speed transmission might appeal to those prioritizing traditional dynamics, whereas the Ridgeline utilizes a 9-speed automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
2026 Ford Explorer
Families will benefit more from the 2026 Ford Explorer's substantially larger 16.3 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the enthusiast choice, packing more punch with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers better power and fuel economy for a lower starting MSRP of $38,330.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You prioritize the unique utility and bed accessibility inherent to the Honda Ridgeline's crossover truck design.
- You prefer the standard all-wheel drive configuration offered on the 2025 Honda Ridgeline.
- You want the slightly longer overall vehicle profile at 210.2 inches for a more commanding presence.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You need maximum enclosed cargo space, as the Explorer offers 16.3 cu ft against the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
- Fuel efficiency is a major concern, given the Explorer achieves 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
- You want the stronger performance metrics, boasting 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Ridgeline | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.6" | 78.9" |
| Height | 70.8" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 125.2" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 | 3.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/24 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/468.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 215W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.8 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.7 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.6 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Which vehicle is more powerful based on the specs provided?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the more powerful option, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline trails slightly with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two?
There is a noticeable gap in efficiency; the Ford Explorer nets 24 MPG combined, while the Honda Ridgeline is rated at 21 MPG combined. This translates to better running costs for the Explorer during daily commuting.
If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover offers more storage?
The 2026 Ford Explorer wins easily in traditional cargo space, offering 16.3 cu ft. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline’s crossover-based cargo area is limited to just 7.3 cu ft.
What are the primary drivetrain differences?
The comparison pits the Ridgeline's standard all-wheel drive paired with a 9-speed automatic against the Explorer’s RWD base setup paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission in this configuration.
Which vehicle has a higher initial price tag?
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline carries a higher starting MSRP at $40,150. The 2026 Ford Explorer is more budget-friendly upfront, starting at $38,330.
Are these vehicles similar in overall size?
They are close in overall bulk, but the Ridgeline is longer at 210.2 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches. However, the Explorer is slightly wider at 78.9 inches versus the Ridgeline's 78.6 inches.
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