Ford Explorer vs Honda CR-V

The 2022 Ford Explorer was presented as a versatile SUV with eight distinct models ranging from rugged to luxurious, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, plus a $1,495 destination charge. Notably, the Explorer ST-Line joined the lineup, adding a sporty touch to the XLT trim. The King Ranch model featured in the test incorporated upscale touches, including exclusive Del Rio leather seating, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, which elevated its exterior and interior appearance. The SUV's rear-drive platform allowed for a bold design characterized by a long hood and athletic profile, accentuated by blacked-out roof pillars, offering a floating roof effect. The King Ranch interior, while largely appealing, still exhibited occasional hints of the base trim materials.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a cleaner, sleeker look with its sixth-generation redesign, marked by a blunt nose, elongated hood, and stretched wheelbase. This model presented a more conservative style compared to its predecessor, promising a timeless appeal. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L trims sported 18-inch alloy wheels and dark rear privacy glass. The EX-L’s interior stood out with leather-wrapped seats, a leather steering wheel, and a leather shift knob, giving it an edge over the EX trim's cloth upholstery. The dashboard’s metal mesh trim, derived from the latest Civic, integrated air vents seamlessly, enhancing the cabin's quality and simplicity. The EX-L trim also added features like a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a power rear liftgate, and parking sensors, further refining the SUV's look and feel.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered multiple powertrains catering to various driving preferences. The base and mid-tier trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine provided a balanced mix of power and efficiency, achieving up to 24 mpg combined. For those seeking an eco-friendly option, a hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 was available, generating a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque while offering 27 mpg combined. The most potent option was the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, translating to robust towing capacity and a 21 mpg combined rating. The King Ranch model tested averaged 20.6 mpg and excelled in handling, providing a strong and enjoyable driving experience on both daily commutes and off-road adventures.

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX and EX-L featured a carryover 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This compact SUV utilized a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to distribute power, emphasizing fuel efficiency with an impressive 29 mpg combined. However, the CVT’s droning noise during hard acceleration detracted from the otherwise enjoyable driving experience. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a finely-tuned suspension, responsive steering, and effective braking. These characteristics allowed the CR-V to handle various driving conditions smoothly, from city streets to winding mountain roads.

In terms of interior space, the 2022 Ford Explorer catered well to families, especially those with children utilizing the third-row seats. Our King Ranch test model was loaded with luxurious features such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats, providing a high level of comfort. However, the third-row seat was limited in legroom and accessibility, making it suitable primarily for children. The Explorer’s cabin faced critiques over its lack of practical storage solutions, though it compensated with some well-placed cupholders and trays. Cargo space measured at 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a spacious and comfortable interior, particularly in the second row, where passengers enjoyed ample legroom and seatback recline options. The front seating position felt lower, providing a car-like driving experience. Practical storage solutions were abundant, with the center armrest bin, door trays, and a forward console tray offering plenty of space. However, most storage compartments were lined with hard plastic, which could lead to noise from items placed there. Cargo capacity was a highlight, with the power liftgate revealing 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Lowering the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 76.5 cubic feet, making the CR-V a versatile choice for carrying larger loads.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system. The standard 8-inch touchscreen was well-integrated, while the optional 10.1-inch screen appeared more tacked-on, resembling an oversized tablet stuck to the dashboard. Our King Ranch test model featured comprehensive Sync 3 offerings, including FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. Despite these features, the outdated voice recognition system struggled with basic commands, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

In comparison, every 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel. The EX trim’s 7-inch touchscreen added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the EX-L trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker sound system. Although the EX-L lacked a tuning knob, its technology offerings marked a significant improvement over prior models. Nevertheless, to access more advanced features like a Bose sound system and real-time navigation, buyers needed to consider the Sport Touring Hybrid trim. The CR-V’s tech package was competitive but fell short of setting new industry standards.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned high acclaim for safety, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS across all trims. Standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 umbrella included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking. Additional features like lane-centering assist and evasive steering assist were available, enhancing the SUV’s safety profile. The semi-autonomous driving tech demonstrated overall competency, handling various road conditions with minimal issues, although occasional insensitivity to steering input was noted.

The 2023 Honda CR-V saw significant enhancements in its Honda Sensing safety suite. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning, supplemented by new additions such as traffic sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. Improved camera and radar systems contributed to smoother and more accurate performance, though the lane-centering assist sometimes faltered in complex road scenarios. Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and new airbag designs aimed to maximize occupant protection, awaiting crash-test validation from both NHTSA and IIHS.