2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Honda CR-V are two highly coveted family SUVs today. While the former is a mid-size three-row SUV with seating for seven passengers, the latter is smaller, with two rows and a maximum seating capacity of five. Here's how they stack up in a few important areas.
Powertrain Performance
The new Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V offer two formidable engine choices with varying configurations. The base engine of the 2025 Explorer is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four with an output of 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For drivers seeking extra power, the Explorer offers a more robust 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that outputs 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
As for the 2025 Honda CR-V, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is the standard powerplant. This engine outputs a maximum of 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the Sport trims feature a hybrid powerplant comprising a 2-liter direct-injection engine and two electric motors. This combination churns out a net combined output of 204 horsepower.
Headroom
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a slight advantage over the Honda CR-V regarding headroom. It offers a maximum of 40.7 inches in the front row and a total of 40.5 inches in the rear. On the other hand, the Honda CR-V has a front headroom of 40 inches and a rear headroom of 38.2 inches.
Granted, the 2025 Explorer and the CR-V are both compelling choices if you're looking for a reliable family SUV. Even so, the Explorer wins in our side-by-side comparison thanks to its powerful engine options and greater headroom.
