May 15, 2021
Ford Edge vs Explorer

Ford Edge vs Ford Explorer: A Detailed Comparison for Choosy SUV Shoppers

Ford tries to shape its SUVs around what people really want. These two rides sometimes overlap in price and attract the same buyers, and that can be confusing. So, we have put together this new Ford Edge vs Ford Explorer comparison.   Keep scrolling to find details about size, trim levels, and more.

This information has been updated to ensure it is valid for the 2024 lineup, but it applies to all Edges and Explorers of the current generation. 

Ten Ways to Compare the Ford Edge vs Ford Explorer

1. Space Differences

When it comes to spaciousness, these Ford SUVs simply offer different selling points. The 2022 Ford Edge is more spacious for each person, but the 2022 Ford Explorer seats more people. Both of the SUVs have a spacious second row. Only the Explorer can make that more spacious by exchanging its bench seat for dual Captain’s Chairs.

Explorer passenger volume is 152 cubic feet for three rows and six or seven people. The Edge has 112 cubic feet for two rows and up to five people.  Explorer second-row legroom is an adult-friendly 39 inches while the Edge offers an even more generous 40.6 inches. 

2. Touch Screen Tech

The large 12-inch screen is standard on the entire Edge lineup. If tech is your focus, you’ll want to plan on stepping up to the Explorer XLT to ensure you get the same Sync 4 features you would get on the Edge SE. The base Explorer has an excellent 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

3. Engine Performance and Drivetrains

The 2022 Ford Edge has two engines, a crisp 8-speed automatic, and standard All Wheel Drive. Explorer models offer four engine choices with Ford’s 10 speed automatic transmission. Standard rear-wheel drive can be upgraded to Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive.  Ecoboost tech on the turbocharged four cylinder and six cylinder engines make these rides more fuel efficient. 

Performance
Edge Ecoboost Turbo: 250 horsepower

Edge ST Ecoboost: 335 horsepower

Explorer Ecoboost Turbo: 300 horsepower

Explorer Ecoboost V6 Turbo: 365 or 400 horsepower

Explorer Hybrid: 318 horsepower  (MY: 2020-2023)

4. Towing Capacity Differences

Another factor in the Ford Edge vs Explorer debate is towing capability. As you might expect, the Explorer is built to take more punishment.  Towing capacity requires specific equipment, and the top ratings require specific engines and trims.

Edge Tow Rating:  3500 lb 

Explorer Tow Rating: 5000, 5300, or 5600 lb 

5.  Off-Road Considerations

Starting with the 2022 Ford Edge, standard all-wheel drive makes every model more of an adventurer.  There’s more ground clearance to go with that AWD system. If you are looking for the top off-roader, you should look for the Explorer Timberline. It offers a Terrain Management System with seven modes, including trail and sand settings. Here’s how the two models rise above trail debris:

Explorer RWD: 7.9 in Ground Clearance

Edge AWD: 8 in. Ground Clearance

Explorer 4WD: 8.3 in Ground Clearance

6. Utility Considerations

The Edge offers more standard cargo capacity. However, since it is bigger, the Explorer wins the contest in the end.   Both have cargo management systems and power liftgates on the menu.  Here’s how cargo space compares in the two Ford SUVs.

Seating Five, the Edge standard cargo hold is 39.2 cu ft.  With all seats full, the Explorer has just over 18 cu ft. However, when seating five or fewer, the hold can grow to over 49 cubic feet.

With all seats folded, the Edge offers up to 73 cubic feet of cargo space.  Likewise the Explorer can offer up to 88 cubic feet.

7. Safety Ratings 

As you might expect, Ford safety is an essential ingredient in both vehicles.  Both have achieved good federal safety ratings from the NHTSA and good industry ratings from the IIHS. Since it is longer, the 3-row Ford Explorer has standard side-wind stabilization and trailer sway control.   

8.  Driver Assistance 

Adding value, both vehicles have significant Ford CoPilot 360 technology. This includes systems to watch the front, side blind spots, and rear of the vehicle as well as the road lane lines.  Adaptive Cruise Control adds stop-and-go capability.  More standards and options have come on line with each model year.

If you want to compare model years side by side, the best place is our local Ford dealership. We can help you find Blue Certified or Gold Certified Ford Edges and Explorers as well as show you the latest models on the lot.

9 Fuel Efficiency

Both Ford SUVs have turbo technology to reduce fuel use while boosting torque.  Whether I-4 or V6, Ecoboost engines are all about saving fuel while producing high levels of torque. The Edge 8-speed automatic and Explorer 10-speed automatic help the engines make the most of every drop of fuel.

Ecoboost engines have stop-start technology to reduce gas waste at red lights, when the driver wants to use the feature. In addition, the Edge has active grille shutters and a front air curtain to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy. 

Ford Edge AWD: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway

Ford Explorer RWD: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway

Ford Explorer Hybrid: 27 mpg city, 28 mpg highway (MY: 2020-23)

10. Glamor and Style

Often recommended by automotive journalists for high quality appointments, the Edge SEL trims add 10-way power chairs and ActiveX upholstery. The Ford Edge Titanium has gorgeous leather and suede upholstery.  The two-row SUV piles on its most luxurious features for less than the Explorer. 

However, the Explorer goes further with a more bespoke atmosphere.  The Platinum cabin wears two-tone perforated leather and real wood trim. The 3-row King Ranch features hand-finished contrast stitching, the highest quality leather on the seats and most touch points, and open-pore wood trim.  

Edge trims have the most luxuries for their price tags, but the Explorer trims can take you further into luxury territory.

Edge: SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium,  ST
Explorer: base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, Platinum.

Conclusion

If you are still thinking, here’s another way to look at the two Ford SUVs and their pricing.

Ford Edge

  • most spacious two rows 
  • most standard cargo capacity
  • better dash technology for base price
  • the nicest package of amenities for the price
  • the best initial material quality 
  • standard all-wheel drive
  • best AWD fuel economy 
  • lower $ difference among trims

Ford Explorer

  • most seats for the money
  • two seat layouts (2-2-2/2-3-2)
  • highest tow ratings
  • highest horsepower engine available
  • hybrid alternative (MY: 2020-23)
  • rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
  • more off-roading potential
  • more trims, broader choices