2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$38,330 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize traditional enclosed utility or the open versatility of a truck bed? If your budget is tight, the Explorer starts lower at an MSRP of $38,330 compared to the Ridgeline's $40,595. Power delivery leans towards the Explorer, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the Ridgeline's 280 hp and 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another major divergence; the Explorer achieves a better combined 24 MPG (20/29 city/highway) using regular unleaded, while the Ridgeline lags behind at 21 combined MPG. Dimensions are similar, but the Explorer is notably shorter at 198.8 inches long versus the Ridgeline’s 210.2 inches. However, the primary functional difference is cargo access: the Explorer offers 16.3 cu ft behind the rear seats, whereas the Ridgeline features an open bed with only 7.3 cu ft of covered space, a major functional trade-off.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Explorer

Families will appreciate the Explorer’s higher enclosed cargo capacity of 16.3 cu ft, providing secure storage that the Ridgeline's smaller, open bed cannot match.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Explorer appeals more to performance enthusiasts as it offers higher output with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Explorer

The Explorer offers better performance and fuel economy for a lower entry price point starting at $38,330.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Explorer achieves 24 MPG combined versus 21 MPG for the Ridgeline.
You need the greatest amount of secure, enclosed cargo space (16.3 cu ft) for groceries or gear.
You want the highest output, specifically the 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque available.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

Having the open utility of a truck bed, even if smaller, is non-negotiable for your lifestyle.
All-wheel drive capability, standard on the Ridgeline, is essential for you over the Explorer's RWD setup.
You prefer the slightly taller stance provided by the Ridgeline's 70.8-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Honda Ridgeline
Length	198.8"	210.2"
Width	78.9"	78.6"
Height	69.9"	70.8"
Wheelbase	119.1"	125.2"

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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Honda
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	19.5 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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Honda
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	7
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	—	215W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Honda
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Honda
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.6 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	245/60R
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 Ridgeline.

How does the towing/hauling capacity compare between the 2026 Explorer and Ridgeline?

While exact towing numbers aren't provided, the Ridgeline's inherent truck design suggests a focus on hauling with its open bed, whereas the Explorer, being a crossover, offers enclosed utility. The Ridgeline has a smaller cargo volume at 7.3 cu ft in the bed compared to the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft of interior cargo space.

Which vehicle is better for long highway trips regarding fuel costs?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is the better highway traveler, offering an estimated 29 MPG highway against the Ridgeline's 24 MPG highway. This 5 MPG advantage should lead to fewer stops and lower overall fuel expenditure.

Is the performance gap between the two models significant in real-world driving?

Yes, the Explorer produces 20 more horsepower (300 hp vs 280 hp) and 48 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 262) than the Ridgeline. This suggests the RWD Explorer should feel quicker, especially during initial acceleration from a stop.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain and handling characteristics?

The Explorer is standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), often favored for performance driving dynamics, while the Ridgeline comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which typically offers better traction management in slippery conditions.

Does the size difference impact maneuverability for city driving?

The Ridgeline is longer at 210.2 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches, making the Explorer slightly more manageable in tight parking lots. However, both vehicles share a similar width near 78.9 inches.