2020 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Honda Passport

The 2020 Ford Explorer is rated 5 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. The exterior of the Explorer is praised for its handsome design, refined upscale appearance, and athletic stance. However, the interior is criticized for its use of low-grade materials, especially considering its high price point. On the other hand, the 2019 Honda Passport is rated 7 out of 10. Its boxier and broad-shouldered design sets it apart from the Pilot, offering a practical and attractive style. The interior is noted for its spaciousness and practicality, although some elements are criticized for feeling dated.

CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Honda Passport 8 out of 10 for performance. The 2020 Ford Explorer offers impressive performance with its available engines and rear-wheel-drive chassis. The ST trim, in particular, stands out with its powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer also offers a 2.3-liter turbo inline four and a gas-electric hybrid option. The 2019 Honda Passport is equipped with a large, naturally aspirated V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offers strong acceleration and towing capabilities, although its soft suspension and light steering may not appeal to those seeking a sportier driving experience.

CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Honda Passport 9 out of 10 for form and function. The 2020 Ford Explorer impresses with its spacious interior, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The Explorer's updated design provides a more comfortable and airy feel, although some visibility and ergonomic issues are noted. The 2019 Honda Passport offers generous storage space and a practical interior layout. The tall windows and high seating position contribute to an open and airy feel, while the vehicle's straightforward design and logical placement of controls enhance its functionality.

Both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Honda Passport receive a rating of 7 out of 10 for technology from CarGurus experts. The 2020 Ford Explorer comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi as standard. Higher trims offer a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, although some limitations in the system's functionality are noted. The 2019 Honda Passport features an 8-inch high-res touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi on higher trims. The vehicle also includes Honda Sensing driver assists as standard, although some advanced connected services are restricted to the top trims.

The 2020 Ford Explorer receives a safety rating of 8 out of 10 from CarGurus experts, while the 2019 Honda Passport is rated 7 out of 10. The 2020 Ford Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, offering advanced safety features such as forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. However, some limitations in the semi-automated driving system are noted. The 2019 Honda Passport includes Honda Sensing driver assists as standard, along with blind-spot monitoring on higher trims. While the vehicle demonstrates strong performance in crash tests, some areas for improvement are identified, particularly in the availability of advanced safety features across trims.

The 2020 Ford Explorer is rated 6 out of 10 for cost effectiveness, while the 2019 Honda Passport scores 7 out of 10. The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of trims with varying price points, with the top-tier models reaching a price that may not fully align with the interior quality and features offered. In comparison to competitors, the Explorer's pricing may not fully justify its interior experience. The 2019 Honda Passport provided a compelling value proposition, especially at the EX-L trim level, offering a balance of features and amenities at a more reasonable price point. The top-tier trims may approach the pricing of luxury SUVs, raising questions about the overall value at those levels.