2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Honda Passport
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Honda Passport is the $6,420 MSRP difference, with the Explorer starting at $38,330 versus the Passport's $44,750. Performance metrics favor the Explorer, which generates 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Passport’s 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, despite both utilizing 10-speed automatics. Fuel economy also leans toward Ford, delivering a combined 24 MPG versus the Passport’s 21 MPG. However, the Passport compensates in utility, offering substantially more vertical space (73.1 inches high vs. 69.9 inches) and superior cargo volume at 44 cu ft compared to the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft. Furthermore, the Passport utilizes an All-Wheel Drive standard, contrasting with the Explorer's Rear Wheel Drive base setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Passport's 21 MPG.
2026 Honda Passport
The 2026 Honda Passport offers substantially more utility for families, providing 44 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer appeals more to driving enthusiasts by delivering higher output with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer wins on initial outlay, being $6,420 cheaper than the 2026 Honda Passport while offering superior power figures.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- The budget is constrained, as the Explorer’s $38,330 MSRP is significantly lower than the Passport’s $44,750.
- Maximizing powertrain output is key, given the Explorer's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Slightly better fuel management is desired, evidenced by the Explorer's 24 combined MPG rating.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- Maximum utility and storage are required, thanks to the Passport's dominant 44 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Off-road or low-traction stability is prioritized, as the Passport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- A taller stance is preferred, with the Passport measuring 73.1 inches in height compared to 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 | 6-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 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Honda Passport.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Honda Passport compared to the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Honda Passport carries a significant initial cost disadvantage, starting at $44,750, which is $6,420 more than the 2026 Ford Explorer's base MSRP of $38,330.
Which crossover offers better utility for carrying large items?
The 2026 Honda Passport is the definitive choice for cargo volume, offering 44 cu ft. The 2026 Ford Explorer's stated cargo capacity is substantially smaller at only 16.3 cu ft.
Is there a significant performance advantage between these two models?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Explorer holds the advantage in raw output, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Honda Passport produces 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
What is the difference in standard drivetrain architecture?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is specified with a Rear Wheel Drive setup for its base model. Conversely, the 2026 Honda Passport includes All Wheel Drive as its standard drive type.
How do their fuel efficiency numbers compare?
The Ford Explorer maintains a modest edge in efficiency, achieving a combined 24 MPG (20 city/29 highway). The Honda Passport is rated for 21 combined MPG (19 city/25 highway).
Are the transmissions the same type?
Both vehicles utilize a 10-speed automatic transmission setup. The Explorer uses a standard 10-speed automatic, while the Passport utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic.
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