2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Honda CR-V
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Despite the Ford Explorer offering several benefits like advanced tech options and higher towing capacity, the Honda CR-V pulls ahead in safety, practicality, and overall consumer satisfaction. Therefore, based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V is the better choice for most consumers.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You need to tow heavy loads: The Explorer’s towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds suits it for pulling trailers or larger boats.
- You prefer advanced technology: Higher trims, especially, come loaded with luxury tech options like Bang & Olufsen audio systems and larger touchscreen displays.
- You want a mid-size SUV with a third row: Offering up to seven seats and reasonable comfort, the Explorer is good for larger families.
Choose the 2021 Honda CR-V if:
Shop Now- Safety is your top priority: The CR-V includes an extensive array of safety features as standard across all trims.
- Fuel efficiency matters: The smaller, lighter body and focus on economical engines make the CR-V more fuel-efficient.
- You need versatile cargo space: The CR-V’s ample cargo and passenger space, with easy-to-use power tailgate options, make it practical for various needs.
Overview | |
MSRP$32,925 | MSRP$25,350 |
Average price$31,305 | Average price$26,642 |
Listings5040 | Listings3843 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThere was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | |
2021 Honda CR-V Reviews SummaryEven in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out. So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted. The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list. So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque179 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.2 cu ft | Cargo Space39.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight4345 lbs | Curb Weight3337 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height66.1 in |
Length198.8 in | Length182.1 in |
Width89.3 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase104.8 in |
Maximum Payload1425 lbs | Maximum Payload1358 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Despite the Ford Explorer offering several benefits like advanced tech options and higher towing capacity, the Honda CR-V pulls ahead in safety, practicality, and overall consumer satisfaction. Therefore, based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V is the better choice for most consumers.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You need to tow heavy loads: The Explorer’s towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds suits it for pulling trailers or larger boats.
- You prefer advanced technology: Higher trims, especially, come loaded with luxury tech options like Bang & Olufsen audio systems and larger touchscreen displays.
- You want a mid-size SUV with a third row: Offering up to seven seats and reasonable comfort, the Explorer is good for larger families.
Choose the 2021 Honda CR-V if:
Shop Now- Safety is your top priority: The CR-V includes an extensive array of safety features as standard across all trims.
- Fuel efficiency matters: The smaller, lighter body and focus on economical engines make the CR-V more fuel-efficient.
- You need versatile cargo space: The CR-V’s ample cargo and passenger space, with easy-to-use power tailgate options, make it practical for various needs.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,925 | $25,350 |
Average price | $31,305 | $26,642 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out. So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted. The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list. So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 190 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 190 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 34 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.2 cu ft | 39.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4345 lbs | 3337 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 66.1 in |
Length | 198.8 in | 182.1 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 104.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1425 lbs | 1358 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs | 1500 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.