2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its lack of distinctive styling, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its design featured a few unique elements, such as the grille and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it didn't stand out. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer presented a more athletic and robust appearance, thanks to its rear-drive platform, long hood, and rakish roofline. The King Ranch trim, in particular, featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating and King Ranch branding, though it shared many visual elements with other Explorer models. The Explorer's interior was a mix of quality and questionable materials, but it generally felt worthy of its price point. The King Ranch trim included luxurious features like massaging front seats and a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, though the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Overall, the Explorer's design emphasized a sporty look, appealing to those seeking a more traditional SUV appearance.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its thrilling performance but rather for its smooth and steady acceleration. All trims were equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup provided predictable cornering and a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. While not the most engaging driving experience, the CR-V's performance was on par with its competitors. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, offering decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available. The Explorer also offered a hybrid option with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, delivering a combined 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available, generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and it offered a more engaging driving experience than typical midsize crossovers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible via a manual tailgate on lower trims, with power and hands-free options available on higher trims. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim included luxurious features like heated and ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The Explorer offered 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. While the Explorer's interior lacked practical storage solutions, it emphasized a sporty design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch color screen on the base LX trim, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included a comprehensive suite of technology, such as FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than Ford's newer Sync 4 technology. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, offering the Honda Sensing system as standard on all trims. This suite included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Ford Explorer received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for all trims. While NHTSA ratings for 2022 were incomplete, the previous year's model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.