Ford Explorer vs Honda CR-V
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Honda CR-V is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
2026 Ford Explorer
Active RWD 2.3L
2026 Honda CR-V
LX FWD
| $38,465 | MSRP (base, excl. dest.) | $30,920 |
| 24 MPG | Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| $49,188 | 5-yr cost of ownership | $39,128 |
| $0.82 | Cost per mile | $0.65 |
Over five years, the Honda CR-V is the cheaper to own by about $10,060 on these modeled defaults (12,000 mi/yr). Every figure is an editable estimate — run the calculators with your own mileage, financing and local prices.
Run at 12,000 miles a year for five years, MotorCrunch's ownership model puts the Honda CR-V at $39,128 all-in against $49,188 for the Ford Explorer — a gap of $10,060, about $2,012 a year. A gap that size outweighs most trim upgrades and option packages, so it belongs in the decision next to the test drive.
The biggest line separating them is depreciation: roughly $25,053 for the Explorer versus $17,989 for the CR-V over five years. With the same drivetrain type, the spread comes down to depreciation (19% vs 16% a year) and each model's insurance risk factor (1.10× vs 0.97×).
On sticker, the Explorer starts about $7,545 higher. Since depreciation compounds off the price you actually pay, the pricier car usually loses more dollars too — the calculator below lets you test both at your own mileage before the sticker decides for you.
Key assumptions for this page
Modeled figures: values tagged modeled are MotorCrunch modeled estimates — outputs of our own transparent models, not published statistics or quotes. Computed with MotorCrunch's ownership-cost model: compounding depreciation, energy at national average prices, modeled insurance and maintenance baselines. Miles ÷ efficiency × national average energy price (last-known-good published price, see /data-sources). Computed with MotorCrunch's premium-factor model (the same model as the estimator widget) at a default driver profile, using this page's vehicle value. Full method: Methodology.
Data updated: 2026-07-17 — verify before purchase.
Ford Explorer vs Honda CR-V: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Honda CR-V
by $10,060 — Ford Explorer: $49,188 · Honda CR-V: $39,128
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower depreciation
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Honda CR-V
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Ford Explorer | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $25,053 | $17,989 |
| Fuel | $8,500 | $6,800 |
| Insurance | $10,135 | $9,489 |
| Maintenance | $5,500 | $4,850 |
| 5-year total | $49,188 | $39,128 |
| Cost per mile | $0.82 | $0.65 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Ford Explorer | Honda CR-V | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $46,354 | $36,861 | CR-V |
| 12,000 mi· now | $49,188 | $39,128 | CR-V |
| 15,000 mi | $51,313 | $40,828 | CR-V |
| 20,000 mi | $54,854 | $43,661 | CR-V |
| 30,000 mi | $61,938 | $49,328 | CR-V |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation and maintenance use segment-typical modeled assumptions; insurance is a MotorCrunch modeled estimate for a typical driver profile based on each model's value — not an insurer quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Ford Explorer or the Honda CR-V cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Explorer depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (Explorer: 1.10×, CR-V: 0.97×).
Does the price gap between the Explorer and CR-V matter long term?＋
The Explorer costs about $8k more upfront, and since depreciation is a percentage of price, the costlier car usually loses more dollars too. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.