2022 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, featured a striking Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its top-trim status, the King Ranch's visual distinctions were subtle, with King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, boasted a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials. The King Ranch's interior was mostly worthy of its price, but occasional reminders of the base trim were evident.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its predecessor's quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern look. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker appearance, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The test model, in Nordic Forest Pearl, showcased one of two new colors. Standard 17-inch silver alloy wheels adorned the HR-V, with EX-L models featuring Shark Gray wheels and the Sport trim boasting 18-inch black alloy wheels. Inside, the HR-V offered black or gray cloth seats, with the Sport trim adding orange contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The EX-L trim, tested, featured perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights adding a premium feel. Despite the fastback design, visibility remained good, with larger rear windows and door-mounted mirrors enhancing the range of vision.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned Explorer ST.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the 2022 model. The updated CVT included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds, though paddle shifters were removed. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. Snow mode adjusted the transmission and throttle response for better traction, while ECON mode optimized fuel efficiency. The HR-V offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with new front and independent rear suspensions enhancing driving fun. Despite its segment, the HR-V was enjoyable to drive, though competitors offered more powertrain options.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with 14-way power adjustment for drivers and eight-way for passengers. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, with limited legroom. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior. The center console featured a shelf for drive mode controls, parking brake, and hill-descent control, with two USB ports for cord storage. The HR-V sacrificed less than half an inch of rear-seat headroom for its fastback look, with 39.4 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Magic Seat was replaced with a hinge for a higher seating position and a nearly flat floor when folded. The HR-V offered 98.7 cubic feet of passenger volume in LX and Sport trims and 97.3 in EX-L, with improved front legroom.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system had limitations, with voice recognition issues and a need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system rose above the dash, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions on EX-L. All HR-Vs had a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen, with a 9-inch display on EX-L. The 9-inch system offered programmable shortcuts and Smart Shortcuts. Standard features included three USB-A ports, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker audio system, with Sport trims adding a six-speaker system and EX-L an eight-speaker system, WiFi capability, and SiriusXM and HD Radio.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions. The safety features operated smoothly, though steering wheel sensitivity was an issue.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included Honda Sensing as standard, with adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. New features included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. A driver-attention monitor was standard, with a blind-spot information system on Sport and EX-L trims. The HR-V had not been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star NHTSA rating and mostly “Good” IIHS scores.