2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with a starting price of $33,700, presented a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. However, its interior was basic unless upgraded to the leather-lined Sport-L Hybrid at $36,700 or the top-tier Sport Touring Hybrid at $39,850. Our test vehicle, a Sport Touring Hybrid, featured Canyon River Blue paint and an MSRP of $41,175. Its conservative styling, with a technical front resembling an angry robot, was expected to age well, though it appeared visually heavy over the front wheels. The rear quarter view offered an upscale appearance with Volvo-like taillights and tidy design. Inside, the Sport Touring boasted leather seats with orange stitching and quality details, such as a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vent covers, exuding sophistication in the compact SUV segment.

The 2025 Ford Explorer, redesigned with a rear-wheel-drive platform, offered balanced proportions and a sleek, swept-back appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider, ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim with the SUV’s name enhanced the rear design. Interior updates significantly improved the Explorer's ambiance, making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the trim levels from eight to four, including the new base Active, sporty ST-Line, luxurious Platinum, and performance-tuned ST, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505. Our ST-Line test vehicle, priced at $50,340, included Vapor Blue paint and a Premium Package, offering a comfortable and stylish ride.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to either the front or all four wheels. The system operated transparently, though it produced a low-speed acoustic warning and engine droning on hills. The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, with standard AWD, was rated at 37 mpg combined by the EPA, but our test returned 32.4 mpg on a mountainous route. The SUV offered a quiet ride, compliant handling, and impressive grip, though the steering felt unusually heavy. While easy to drive, it lacked off-road capability and excitement for spirited driving.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a 400-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 for the ST and optional on Platinum. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with optional four-wheel drive. Our ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with the turbo four-cylinder. The Explorer provided quick acceleration and responsive handling, especially in Sport mode. The ST-Line’s performance was enhanced with larger wheels and optional performance brakes. The Explorer excelled on winding roads, offering a firm yet comfortable ride. The twin-turbo V6 delivered fast acceleration and a pleasant sound, though fuel economy was lower at 22.9 mpg. The Explorer handled off-road trails well, but it wasn’t a dedicated off-roader.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent support, while the rear seat offered generous legroom and comfort. The CR-V’s cargo space ranged from 34.7 to 76.5 cubic feet, making it one of the most spacious in its class. However, the glove compartment was smaller than expected, and a front seatback pocket was missing.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional bench seat increasing capacity to seven. Our ST-Line test vehicle featured comfortable heated front seats with massage functions and heated second-row seats. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Storage was ample, with a useful dashboard tray and wireless charging. Cargo space measured 16.3 to 85.8 cubic feet, competitive in its segment.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system, with a larger 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were reserved for higher trims, along with a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, and the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 12.3-inch digital panel and 13.2-inch touchscreen. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and app downloads available. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and higher trims boasting 14 speakers and 980 watts.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well, though it occasionally faltered on curvy roads. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, but NHTSA ratings were pending.

The 2025 Ford Explorer included Ford CoPilot 360+, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well, though it was inconsistent near large trucks. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the Explorer received high marks for side-impact and rollover resistance.