Hi folks! Brand new to the forums. I am supposed to be purchasing a new vehicle tomorrow. I have it narrowed down to 2 completely different vehicles and have already gotten numbers from several dealerships. I test drove so many different SUVs and the 2 I decided to choose between are the 2025 Explorer ST and the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport Elite.
My father has a red ‘22 ST and I decided on the ‘25 in Carbonized Gray Metallic. Super excited about it except for one thing. I HATE the fact that it has captain’s chairs in the second row. The reason why is the gap in between them. I’ve always had vehicles with a 2nd row bench. I keep things in the rear of my vehicle and the bench blocks them from being seen. A bench is also better for when you need to fold the second row down to add more space for stuff. The gap in between ruins that. Has anyone come up with a solution for this? I can’t be the only one who has these feelings on the chairs. This issue might stop me from making the big ST purchase tomorrow. It’s that important to me. I’m hoping to find a solution or someone can talk me into not worrying about it lol.
Also, I’ve always had a sliding cargo cover for the rear. Ford doesn’t have that option. Boo.
Otherwise, I love everything about the ST. I like the all new Passport Trailsport as well, but it lacks a few things that I like in the Ford.
Once again, I know that I’m comparing 2 vastly different vehicles, but here are my thoughts.
Pros and Cons when comparing the two:
Ford Explorer ST
Pros:
400hp under the hood
Driver‘s seat is the most comfortable seat I’ve ever sat in for a vehicle
The updated B&O sound system is beautiful (I’m an audio guy)
Great feeling steering wheel. Nice and thick.
Handling is kinda sporty and aggressive
Nice purr to the engine
Cons:
No bench seat for second row
No cargo cover for the rear
I‘m forced to get a third row when I don’t need one.
You see a ton of them on the road. I prefer something uniqu.
Honda Passport Trailsport Elite
Pros:
All new aggressive looking body design.
Very rare to see on the road because it’s so new
I like the 31” grabber tires
Second row is bench
Not forced to have 3rd row
Cargo cover available
Back cargo area is very well laid out with lots of cubbies and options on how to store things
Lots of storage spaces throughout the vehicle
Cons:
285hp v6 under the hood
Tiny feeling steering wheel
Driver’s seat not as comfortable as the Ford
Bose audio that just doesn’t sound as good as the one in the ST
I’ve included some pictures of the ST (and my father’s red ST) as well as the Honda.
My father has a red ‘22 ST and I decided on the ‘25 in Carbonized Gray Metallic. Super excited about it except for one thing. I HATE the fact that it has captain’s chairs in the second row. The reason why is the gap in between them. I’ve always had vehicles with a 2nd row bench. I keep things in the rear of my vehicle and the bench blocks them from being seen. A bench is also better for when you need to fold the second row down to add more space for stuff. The gap in between ruins that. Has anyone come up with a solution for this? I can’t be the only one who has these feelings on the chairs. This issue might stop me from making the big ST purchase tomorrow. It’s that important to me. I’m hoping to find a solution or someone can talk me into not worrying about it lol.
Also, I’ve always had a sliding cargo cover for the rear. Ford doesn’t have that option. Boo.
Otherwise, I love everything about the ST. I like the all new Passport Trailsport as well, but it lacks a few things that I like in the Ford.
Once again, I know that I’m comparing 2 vastly different vehicles, but here are my thoughts.
Pros and Cons when comparing the two:
Ford Explorer ST
Pros:
400hp under the hood
Driver‘s seat is the most comfortable seat I’ve ever sat in for a vehicle
The updated B&O sound system is beautiful (I’m an audio guy)
Great feeling steering wheel. Nice and thick.
Handling is kinda sporty and aggressive
Nice purr to the engine
Cons:
No bench seat for second row
No cargo cover for the rear
I‘m forced to get a third row when I don’t need one.
You see a ton of them on the road. I prefer something uniqu.
Honda Passport Trailsport Elite
Pros:
All new aggressive looking body design.
Very rare to see on the road because it’s so new
I like the 31” grabber tires
Second row is bench
Not forced to have 3rd row
Cargo cover available
Back cargo area is very well laid out with lots of cubbies and options on how to store things
Lots of storage spaces throughout the vehicle
Cons:
285hp v6 under the hood
Tiny feeling steering wheel
Driver’s seat not as comfortable as the Ford
Bose audio that just doesn’t sound as good as the one in the ST
I’ve included some pictures of the ST (and my father’s red ST) as well as the Honda.
Attachments
Last edited:
