2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite vs 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
$1,875 less vs 3 MPG better and 48 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,875 price gap, 285 vs 300 hp, 20 vs 23 MPG.
The Passport TrailSport Elite leads on $1,875 less. The Explorer Platinum leads on 3 MPG better, 48 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite | 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $52,650 | $54,525 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.3L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 23 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 20.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,900/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,705 lbs | No published data |
| Wheelbase | 113.6" | 119.1" |
| Length | 191.5" | 198.8" |
| Width | 79.4" | 78.9" |
| Height | 73.1" | 69.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite and 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite starts at $52,650, $1,875 less than the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum at $54,525. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $33/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite?
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,875 in your pocket and the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $274/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite or 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum rates 23 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite or 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum produces 300 hp, 15 more than the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite at 285 hp. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft. The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite runs a 3.5L V6; the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite bigger than the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is 7.3″ longer at 198.8″ vs 191.5″. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum has a 5.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Honda trims, Honda Passport trims, Ford trims, Ford Explorer trims
How the Passport and Explorer Stack Up
Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite ($52,650) and 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum ($54,525) solve similar problems in different ways. The $1,875 gap is about $33/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: Passport vs Explorer
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite runs a 3.5L V6; the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. The 15 hp difference (300 vs 285) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum adds 48 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 262), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum saves roughly $274/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,370. The fuel savings help offset the higher sticker price, but it takes roughly 6.8 years to break even. Most buyers will not hold the vehicle that long.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum has a 5.5″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite when you want to keep $1,875 in your pocket and the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $274/year less on fuel. At $33/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or Ford or any dealership.