Ford Explorer vs. Honda Ridgeline
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Honda Ridgeline contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Explorer and the Honda Ridgeline.
When we compare the Ford Explorer's and the Honda Ridgeline's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Honda Ridgeline has the advantage in the areas of reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Honda Ridgeline's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Honda Ridgeline.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $37,722 to $57,414 while a used 2025 Honda Ridgeline is priced between $37,999 to $47,930. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,643 and $61,641, with the Honda Ridgeline priced between $41,026 and $48,905.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Honda Ridgeline loses 42.3 percent of its value. This means the Honda Ridgeline retains 10.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10 while the Honda Ridgeline's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 6 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Honda Ridgeline being ranked 2 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Honda Ridgeline the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Honda Ridgeline a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Honda Ridgeline base engine makes 280 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles. The Ridgeline is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 468 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Honda Ridgeline. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer and the Honda Ridgeline have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40643 - 61641
Starting MSRP:
40050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
41026 - 48905
Starting MSRP:
40150
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
35074
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
31590 - 40150
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46451
Price Range:
37722 - 57414
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3120
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
23054
# Good or Great Deals:
1652
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
42486
Price Range:
37999 - 47930
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
43288
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
37741 - 49219
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17148
Depreciation %:
0.42710395
Resale Value $:
23002
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.33159181
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.26729184 - 0.42710395
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Honda Ridgeline Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Ridgeline
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 16.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.404
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
35.73669729298925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.509138023585096
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.4 - 9.5
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 54Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
37 out of / 54Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
59 out of / 66Honda Ridgeline Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
The Honda Ridgeline differs from all of its peers in this segment by being a unit-body vehicle, meaning it is not built upon a traditional truck ladder frame. That is either the best feature or worst feature of this truck, depending upon which view you hold and what you intend to do with it. The Ridgeline is only offered in a crew cab configuration.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Best-in-class on-road ride quality and performance due to advanced chassis design
- Best-in-class safety
- 2nd Highest reliability score in the class
- Great in-vehicle storage features
- Not an “off-road” truck in comparison to its peers’ off-road trims
- Least workmanlike design
- No extended cab configuration
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
64 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line
Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels
Black Edition, RTL, RTL+, Sport, Sport+, TrailSport, TrailSport+
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Max Payload:
1467 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Max Payload:
1583 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 539 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
351 / 468 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Cargo Space:
7.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
109.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4420 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.8 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
125.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White / Space White / Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Sonic Gray Pearl
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic II
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Gray/Onyx / Light Space Gray/Onyx
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Black
