Which Ford has what you need in a daily driver, the 2023 Ford Edge or the Ford Explorer? Our comparison guide is here to help you better understand each of these midsize crossover SUVs. Though they might have a lot in common, their discrepancies will spark the interests of entirely different drivers.
Key Takeaways
- The latest Edge, a five-passenger midsize crossover, starts at $37,945. The three-row Explorer, also a midsize crossover, is similarly priced, starting at $36,760.
- Both crossovers deliver smooth-riding power, but the rear-wheel-drive Explorer is the strongest option. The Edge, on the other hand, comes standard with sporty all-wheel drive.
- The Explorer seats up to seven passengers, while the five-passenger Edge offers a bigger cargo hold. Both Fords offer your choice of luxury options, such as leather upholstery.
- Only the Edge comes with the latest infotainment system, SYNC 4. But both crossovers offer a pretty similar list of standard safety features and upgrades!
Price
These midsize crossover SUVs are similarly priced. The five-passenger 2023 Edge starts off at $37,945. And the three-row 2023 Explorer is actually a little less expensive, coming in at $36,760.
Power & Efficiency
Both crossover SUVs deliver a smooth, refined ride. And both are capable of a sporty off-road performance! But they’re a little different when it comes to overall power, towing capacity, and efficiency.
The Edge gives you plenty of power for quick acceleration. And its standard all-wheel-drive system comes in handy on light trails. Properly equipped, one of these models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. And EPA ratings reach up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). The Edge ST is the only trim model available with the very impressive turbo V6.
- Standard turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) and eight-speed automatic transmission
- ST: turbo 2.7L V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft) and seven-speed automatic
- All-wheel drive
- 5,000 lbs max towing
The Explorer, on the other hand, gives you a more powerful ride right from the jump. And its optional engines can give you even more power (400 horses with the turbo V6) or efficiency (up to 27 mpg combined with the available hybrid powertrain). Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup, the Explorer is very impressive in a turn. And this crossover can also tow a slightly bigger trailer, with ratings of up to 5,600 pounds. These Ford crossovers offer optional all-wheel drive, allowing you to create a more trail-friendly performance.
- Standard turbo 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- ST, King Ranch: turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Standard for Platinum, optional for Limited: 3.3L hybrid V6 (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
- 5,600 lbs max towing
Interior Comfort
For maximum capacity, check out the Explorer. Its three rows of seating accommodate up to seven passengers. (With second-row captain’s chairs, capacity drops to six.) Inside the Edge, there is space for five people. On the other hand, it’s the Edge that gives you a bigger cargo hold, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With all seats in place, the Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
If they differ in terms of interior space, the Edge and the Explorer still have a lot in common. The Explorer’s base lineup is perhaps a little swankier, with tri-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. But both Fords offer a variety of trim levels, so you can upgrade your ride with features like leather upholstery and heated seats. Where the Edge offers a panoramic glass roof, the Explorer offers a twin-panel moonroof.
Technology & Safety
With the Edge, every trim model comes standard with the new SYNC 4 infotainment system, including a 12-inch touchscreen and the wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Explorer has yet to update to this system. Instead, it features the SYNC 3 system, with an 8-inch (or available 10.1-inch) touchscreen and the wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the other hand, it’s the Explorer that comes standard with more safety features, including rear parking sensors. Both vehicles come with forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and lane departure mitigation. And both Ford crossovers are available with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, which helps you avoid danger with extra safety aids, including adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and built-in navigation.
The Right Ford Crossover for You
Each of these Ford crossovers has its high points! The 2023 Ford Edge is great for families with an adventurous side, because it delivers standard all-wheel drive. It also has the latest infotainment system, giving it major appeal for tech junkies.
With the 2023 Ford Explorer, you get an extra row of seating, an attraction for anyone with a big family. This crossover is also a sporty option, and it can give you both more power and greater fuel economy than the Edge.