Ford Explorer and Honda CR-V, for two - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Ford Explorer and Honda CR-V, for two," is a classic example of a category clue, a staple in crossword puzzles, especially earlier in the week. The puzzle provides specific examples and asks the solver to identify the general group they belong to. Let's break down how to approach this straightforward but common clue type.

Clue Analysis

The structure of the clue is simple and direct. We are given two items:

• Ford Explorer: A well-known mid-size to full-size sport utility vehicle.
• Honda CR-V: An extremely popular compact crossover sport utility vehicle.

The phrase "for two" at the end of the clue is a signal. It confirms that "Ford Explorer" and "Honda CR-V" are just two examples of a larger set. Our job is to name that set. The answer will be a plural noun that describes both of these vehicles.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, the primary mental process is categorization. You should ask yourself, "What do these two things have in common? What are they both types of?"

1. Identify the items: Recognize Ford Explorer and Honda CR-V as models of cars.
2. Find the commonality: Both are larger than a standard sedan, often have available all-wheel drive, and sit higher off the ground. They are part of a specific class of vehicle.
3. Name the category: The term for this vehicle class is a very common acronym.
4. Consider the plural: Since the clue gives two examples, the answer is almost certainly the plural form of the category name.
5. Use the crossings: If you're unsure, getting even one or two crossing letters can be a huge help. For a short, common answer like this one, a single letter can often confirm your guess.

Background Context

The answer refers to Sport Utility Vehicles. This category of vehicle rose to prominence in the 1990s and has since become one of the most popular automotive segments worldwide. The Ford Explorer was a key model that helped popularize the SUV in North America. The Honda CR-V, introduced a few years later, was a pioneer in the smaller "crossover" SUV sub-category, which blends the characteristics of an SUV with the platform of a car.

Knowing common brand names and product categories is a valuable asset for any crossword solver, as they frequently appear as clues and answers.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect illustration of a fundamental crossword skill: pattern recognition. By identifying the "examples of a category" pattern, you can quickly deduce the answer. It's a test of general knowledge that rewards familiarity with everyday consumer products. Once you see the pattern, the answer often falls into place quite easily.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about different types of automobiles.
2. Hint 2: These vehicles are known for their spaciousness and often have higher ground clearance than a sedan.
3. Hint 3: The category name is an acronym, often associated with family vehicles or off-road capability.
4. Hint 4: The 'U' in the acronym stands for 'Utility'.

The answer to the clue "Ford Explorer and Honda CR-V, for two" is: SUVS