2023 Honda Passport vs. 2023 Ford Explorer
2023 is a good year for rugged, midsize SUVs with impressive base models and exciting safety features. The aim is to test out those SUVs on some tough terrain but still have a great ride when you’re traversing city streets. The 2023 Honda Passport and 2023 Ford Explorer are two options to consider, and it’s worth seeing what each brings to the table, or rather, the open road.
Trim Options
The 2023 Honda Passport range keeps it simple with just three trim options, which are:
- EX-L with a starting MSRP of $41,100.
- TrailSport starting at $43,600.
- Elite starts at $46,560.
For Ford, slight variances determine the different trims, and it might take some time to work through the list. The trims include:
- Explorer base mode with a starting MSRP of $36,760.
- XLT starts at $38,570.
- ST-Line starting at $46,005.
- Timberline starts at $48,480.
- Limited starting at $47,070.
- ST starting at $49,505.
- King Ranch starting at $54,130.
- Platinum starts at $52,875.
When comparing apples with apples, and in this case, the base models for each brand, there’s a marked difference in the starting MSRP, with the Explorer coming in much lower. For the new Honda Passport, it was important to include some of its best features across the range, even the base model. The price difference between the three trims is around $5,500, whereas the Ford models have major differences from the base model to the top-of-the-line trim option and a massive $17,370 difference.
Images via Honda AdBuilder and Ford.com
Engine Types and Drivetrain Options
What’s under the hood matters regarding power and whether you can take all your toys with you on the next waterside vacation. The Honda Passport range offers a 5,000 lbs towing capacity across all trims thanks to the powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine that kicks out 280 hp.
Ford offers three different engine types that include the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder option that offers 300 hp with a towing capacity of 5,300 lbs. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine has 400 hp and 5,600 lbs. There’s also the 3.3-liter Hybrid V-6 with its 318 hp and towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. While the Ford engines offer more power, fuel efficiency suffers. The Honda Passport SUVs range from 19 to 24 mpg, while the Ford Explorer models only range between 17,9 mpg and 20,2 mpg.
All the models in the Honda Passport range are all-wheel drive, which ensures all wheels can act independently when navigating tricky terrain without having to activate a button. The Ford Explorer models, however, are rear-wheel drive, and if you want to up this to 4×4, there’s an additional cost.
Exterior Features
Honda offers many exterior features throughout all trims, such as the dual exhaust, acoustic glass, and the one-touch power moonroof. However, the stand-out feature has to be the hands-free power tailgate that is activated through a sensor. You simply need to wave your foot in front of it.
Compare this to the Explorer base model, and you can quickly tell why there’s a sharp price difference. It doesn’t offer quite as many special features on the exterior, and the power liftgate requires a button, which isn’t always easy to do if you’re tasked with grocery shopping or school hauls.
Interior Features
Comfort and convenience matter to Honda and the Passport range shows it with its leather seat trims and front-seat heating. It features a push-button start and the HomeLink remote system, which means you can program garage doors and gates to open as your car approaches. All models include floor mats, and the cargo section offers a convenient underfloor storage solution that ensures the area under the floorboards is put to good use. To up those comfort levels, there’s also the CabinControl remote compatibility that allows you to change the temperature of the interior before you get to your car.
The Ford Explorer base model features Ford’s MyKey, which allows drivers to set driver preferences, such as traveling speed and audio volumes, for different drivers. Mats are not included in the base model, but you get this with higher-priced trims, such as the Ford Explorer King Ranch. This model also allows intelligent access with a push-button start, but the base model does not feature this convenient and safe key solution.
Entertainment
Honda pulls out the rabbit from the proverbial hat with the entertainment system in the EX-L model. It offers a 215-watt audio system with seven speakers and access to SiriusXM. Drivers who want access to their devices on the journey can access 2.5 amp USB charging ports in the Passport, with one port in the front and two in the back. The wireless charging pad is an impressive ad, especially for the base trim, and drivers also have access to high-definition radio.
For adventurers, it’s the 12-volt power outlet in the base model and the 115-volt power outlet in the TrailSport and Elite trims that make the difference between camping and glamping. The Elite trim also offers Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility.
Ford offers a six-speaker audio system and access to FordPass Connect. All the trims offer a FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. There are two USB ports in the media hub, one is an “A” connection, and the other is a “C.” The pricier trims also offer second-row sunblinds and a coveted wireless charging pad.
Safety Features
The 2023 Honda Passport range has many safety features across all trims. These include several warning systems, such as the road departure mitigation system, collision mitigation braking system, and lane departure warning. It also includes a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and vehicle stability assist with traction control.
The 2023 Ford Explorer range doesn’t have as many safety features, even with the higher-end models. Some available safety features include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and the SOS post-crash alert system.
The Bottom Line
While the eight trim options in the 2023 Ford Explorer lineup are impressive, especially when comparing power and capability, it’s the details that matter. The 2023 Honda Passport might not be the flashiest range of SUVs, but it exceeds expectations with every trim. Our staff at Ike Honda in Marion, Illinois, will be happy to assist you with any further questions.