2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 model of this vehicle refined its upscale, utilitarian design by removing excess fat from the body panels, particularly at the rear, making it appear lower and more athletic. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge cast a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, was positively hot. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and rough-grained plastic dominating the cabin. The switchgear felt solid, and the aluminum speaker covers and white stitching helped break up the monotony, but overall, it didn't match the luxury of competitors like the Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander.

The 2021 model of this vehicle looked almost identical to other crossovers in the market. While it had a few distinguishing features like the grille opening and some chromed plastic elements, it wasn't a vehicle you'd buy for its exterior looks. The color options were limited, with most being shades of gray, black, or white. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for a more upscale appearance. The seats had a modern look with sharp details, but overall, vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling.

The 2020 model of this vehicle offered a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, providing more even weight distribution than its predecessor's front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered smooth, uninterrupted power and impressive handling, making it a nimble machine with superb brake feel. The majority of models came with a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. A gas-electric hybrid option was also available, combining a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a net 318 hp. Towing capacity varied, with the hybrid powertrain handling 5,000 pounds, the 4-cylinder towing up to 5,300 pounds, and the V6 with AWD managing 5,600 pounds. The vehicle also offered seven drive modes for various conditions.

The 2021 model of this vehicle featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth, steady acceleration but lacked engagement. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an extra-cost option. The suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. While it didn't excel in performance, it provided predictable cornering and smooth acceleration, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 model of this vehicle offered ample space for passengers and cargo. On a road trip to Maine, it comfortably accommodated three adults and their gear. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, a center console, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row could fit six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. Cargo space behind the third row was 18 cubic feet, expanding to 48 cubic feet behind the second row and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The vehicle featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, although the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras created some blind spots.

The 2021 model of this vehicle was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The tailgate could be manually operated on lower trims, while higher trims featured power and hands-free options. Roof rails were standard only on the top trim. The interior was functional, with various storage options and a straightforward layout, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 model of this vehicle came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims featured a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The system was well-organized and high-resolution, but it lacked some innovative features. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving but was not as advanced as competitors' systems.

The 2021 model of this vehicle featured a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity on the base trim. Higher trims had a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging. The audio system varied by trim, with the top trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, and the top trim included a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim was the only one with a satellite navigation system.

The 2020 model of this vehicle came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The vehicle had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but it scored Acceptable in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 model of this vehicle excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.