2022 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, had an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its high price, the King Ranch's visual differences from other trims were minimal, marked mainly by its emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a sporty appearance. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding, though the cabin mixed quality materials with some less impressive ones.

The 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resulting in a familiar design. The Passport's new styling, similar to the Ridgeline, aimed for a tougher look, especially in the new TrailSport trim, which targeted off-road enthusiasts. The TrailSport, mid-level in the lineup, featured standard AWD, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management modes for various terrains. Prices ranged from $37,870 to $45,430, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The TrailSport model tested had an MSRP of $44,095, with unique 18-inch wheels, a roof rack, and skid plates enhancing its SUV appearance. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious interior with quality materials, orange contrast stitching, and ample storage, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD optional. This engine allowed for a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid option with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg combined. The ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs, and 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST model.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and FWD or AWD. The V6 was smooth and felt stronger than its ratings suggested, with the EPA rating it at 22 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD. The TrailSport test vehicle averaged 21.3 mpg. The Passport's AWD system, standard on TrailSport and Elite trims, featured mechanical torque vectoring, delivering up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel when needed. While the Passport handled off-road trails adequately, it excelled on streets and highways, offering firm, communicative ride quality and athletic handling. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate on mountain descents, affecting confidence.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row seats were comfortable, but the third-row was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The front seats were large and comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated seats standard. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and a slightly elevated seating position, with large windows providing an open feel. The Passport excelled in storage, with a massive center console bin and various compartments. The power liftgate revealed 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the seat folded down, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than the newer Sync 4, leading to navigation challenges. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system met basic standards with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker sound system and HondaLink services. The system included shortcut buttons and a volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay was preferred over the clunky navigation system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's technology was not advanced, which might appeal to those seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA except for rollover resistance. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The system operated smoothly, though steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.

The 2022 Honda Passport included Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Passport's lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist were less refined, leading to driver frustration. The adaptive cruise control was not smooth in traffic, and the blind-spot warning light was poorly positioned. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for four stars in front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it highly, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.