Honda CR-V vs. Ford Explorer
When comparing the Honda CR-V's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Honda CR-V's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V is a better car than the Ford Explorer.
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Explorer Pricing
For a new model, the Honda CR-V's price is between $31,451 and $37,940, with the Ford Explorer priced between $42,492 and $61,725.
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Explorer Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda CR-V loses 36.5 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value. This means the Honda CR-V retains 9.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Explorer Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.1 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 1 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 10 out of 66. Out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 1 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 10.
Honda CR-V vs. Ford Explorer Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.0 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower.
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 and rear shoulder room. The Honda CR-V, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda CR-V and the Ford Explorer have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
31451 - 37940
Used Asking Price:
32459 - 38283
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.364769
Pricing
New Asking Price:
42492 - 61725
Used Asking Price:
-
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.098742 / 10
Reliability:
8.996227 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 56Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 49Ranking
29 out of / 58Ranking
33 out of / 56Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary Review
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.
Summary 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.
Pros and Cons
- Hybrid version available
- Assertive exterior design
- Highly functional and comfortable interior
- Priced higher than some competitors
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
- Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 476 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
39.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3472 lbs
Width:
73.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18