2022 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Ford Explorer showcased an extensive lineup consisting of eight different models, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The conversation surrounding the Explorer expanded with the introduction of rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and in 2022, the Explorer ST-Line was introduced to enhance the sporty appeal of the popular XLT version.

Our focus was on the King Ranch, a version splendidly equipped with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, summing up to a price of $59,880, including destination charges. Visually, the King Ranch stood out with its unique emblems, shiny 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, and quad exhaust outlets; however, it wasn't drastically different from other trims. This wasn't necessarily negative as the Explorer, with its rear-drive platform, provided a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and a tapering greenhouse, contributing to an athletic aesthetic. Blacked-out roof pillars, except behind the back doors, gave it a "floating roof" effect reminiscent of its predecessor.

The interior of the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. This chocolate brown over caramel palette was your only choice, making the Platinum trim a better option if you sought a different interior color. Although the King Ranch blended quality and questionable materials inconsistently, it mostly justified its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure in styling within Honda's CR-V lineage. Departing from its mild-mannered predecessors, the 2023 version was assertive and truck-like, stretching about 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider, resulting in a more muscular stance. Visual beauty was not spared; the upgraded D-pillar taillights now adorned three L-shapes rather than one, giving the rear end a modern and bolder look, complemented by blockier overall rear styling.

We tested the Sport Touring trim, dressed in Canyon River Blue. Sporting black roof rails, black mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black 19-inch wheels, the Sport models added a dynamic feel to this SUV. Echoing the design elements of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, the CR-V's interior retained a honeycomb grille for climate control vents spanning the dashboard. The Sport Touring cabin felt near-premium, adorned with high-quality materials and contrasting stitching on seats and the steering wheel.

For the 2022 Ford Explorer, three powertrains were available. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD), though four-wheel drive (4WD) was optional. This configuration provided a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and an efficiency of up to 24 mpg combined.

The Explorer Limited also offered a hybrid option based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, producing a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. It could tow up to 5,000 lbs and achieve up to 27 mpg combined driving, available in RWD or 4WD with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The highlight was undoubtedly the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, exclusive to the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD or 4WD, towing up to 5,600 lbs and achieving 21 mpg combined.

Our King Ranch 4WD model featured this 3.0-liter V6, rated at 20 mpg but averaged 20.6 mpg during our testing. Despite the mileage, the V6 provided ample power and exhilarating acceleration. The ride felt robust, handling both pavement bumps and moderate off-road challenges confidently. With the Trail setting, the Explorer King Ranch conquered rugged terrains despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Daily driving was enjoyable, with a sport-tuned ST model available for those seeking a more dynamic experience.

By contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid simplified its powertrain offerings, providing either turbocharged or hybrid variants. The hybrid setup combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, generating 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent CR-V yet. Capable of reaching 115 mph, it also introduced towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs.

The new hybrid got a drive mode suite including Snow mode, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system allowed up to 50% torque distribution to the rear wheels, compared to the previous 60:40 ratio, improving handling. Hill-descent control was also a first for this model.

A novel “B” shifter position enabled increased regenerative braking, offering a semi one-pedal driving experience. Enhanced fuel efficiency was achieved with the front-wheel-drive (FWD) hybrid variant, yielding 43 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined, appealing greatly to efficiency-focused buyers.

The 2022 Ford Explorer’s interior was spacious enough for a family of four, with the second-row bench seat providing occasional seating for five. However, the tapered tail and low rear roofline made the third-row seats suitable primarily for children. The fully-equipped King Ranch trim boasted triple-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. Massaging front seats added to the luxury, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger.

While the front and second-row seats were comfortable for long drives, the third-row seat was less accessible for adults, featuring a low and flat cushion with minimal legroom. Practical storage throughout the cabin had room for improvement; the center console storage bin was stingy, and usable dashboard shelves and pockets were omitted in favor of aesthetics. The rear of our King Ranch model had a hands-free power liftgate, unveiling 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Comparatively, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s larger exterior allowed more interior volume. Cargo space increased by 3 cubic feet from the previous model, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with seats folded. This was comparable to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and outmatched the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The CR-V’s rear doors opened wider for easier access, enhanced by the improved LATCH system for better car seat installation. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, supporting comfortable tandem seating for taller individuals. While headroom measured slightly less than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, the standard power moonroof balanced it out. The front console design, more conventional than the futuristic HR-V, provided best-in-class storage.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured the Sync 3 infotainment system in two versions: an 8-inch touchscreen and a larger 10.1-inch vertical screen. While the smaller screen integrated well with the dashboard, the larger screen felt out of place, giving an impression of an afterthought attachment. The King Ranch was equipped with FordPass Connect for remote engine start, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. It also boasted wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and a premium 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system.

Despite these features, the older Sync 3 system lagged behind the newer Sync 4 in voice recognition and functionality. Navigating to known destinations using voice commands proved unreliable, highlighting the need for an upgrade.

Honda, recognizing the value of physical buttons, incorporated them into the new CR-V’s infotainment system. The standard model featured a 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and on-screen seek functions. Practicality complemented technology; both Hybrid models included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats.

The Sport Touring trim came loaded with driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. Honda’s smart navigation system contributed to efficient driving by optimizing routes based on terrain.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a commendable IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating across all trims. While the NHTSA hadn’t published full crash-test ratings for the 2022 Explorer at the time of review, the previous year’s model secured five stars across most categories. The Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert among its offerings. Higher trims included Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid encompassed nearly all advanced safety features standard. The Honda Sensing suite included adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New additions for 2023 were traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking, and blind-spot information. Sport Touring trims added front and rear parking sensors and rain-sensing windshield wipers for better convenience. Reinforcements in the structure and improved airbags further enhanced safety, backing up its reputation as a safe vehicle.