Fuel economy showdown: honda cr-v vs ford explorer, who sips the least gas?

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, the Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Honda CR-V against the Ford Explorer to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Honda CR-V comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, offers a choice of three engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6. The EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the EcoBoost V6 cranks out 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid V6 generates a combined 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel economy, the Honda CR-V has the edge over the Ford Explorer. The CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, while the Explorer gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the EcoBoost four-cylinder.

Interior and Features

The Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The CR-V has a slightly smaller interior than the Explorer, but it still offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Explorer has 53.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 87.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Both the CR-V and Explorer come standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The CR-V also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Explorer offers these features as options.

Safety

The Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CR-V received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from the IIHS. The Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision between the Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient SUV with a spacious interior and plenty of features, the Honda CR-V is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more powerful SUV with a larger interior and more cargo space, the Ford Explorer is a better option.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the factors we’ve discussed above, there are a few other things you may want to consider when choosing between the Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer:

• Towing capacity: The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the Honda CR-V, so it’s a better choice if you need to tow a trailer or boat.
• Off-road capability: The Ford Explorer is also available with an off-road package that includes all-wheel drive, skid plates, and tow hooks. This package makes the Explorer a better choice if you plan on doing any off-road driving.
• Price: The Honda CR-V is typically priced lower than the Ford Explorer, so it’s a more affordable option.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

The Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a variety of features and capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient SUV with a spacious interior and plenty of features, the Honda CR-V is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more powerful SUV with a larger interior and more cargo space, the Ford Explorer is a better option.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Honda CR-V or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Honda CR-V has a better fuel economy than the Ford Explorer. The CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, while the Explorer gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the EcoBoost four-cylinder.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Honda CR-V or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more spacious interior than the Honda CR-V. The Explorer has 53.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 87.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, while the CR-V has 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the Honda CR-V or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity than the Honda CR-V. The Explorer can tow up to 5,300 pounds, while the CR-V can tow up to 1,500 pounds.