The Ford Edge and the Ford Explorer come from two very different design backgrounds. The Edge continues to soldier on with its general shape, and engineering while minor updates and being in the right place at the right time have afforded the Edge a longer life span than most crossover designs.
The Explorer’s greater size means that it generally competes against other three-row crossovers - a segment filled with some of the stiffest competition within the industry. Its more modern design has allowed the Explorer to offer a wider range of configurations - everything from a hybrid, to an off-roader, and even a 400-horsepower performance model - to better integrate tomorrow’s technology, and offer the latest creature comforts. Does the Edge’s longevity mean it has something to offer that the Explorer can’t? Let’s take a deeper look.
Ford Edge vs. Explorer Price
There is an (initially) unexpected price overlap between the smaller Ford Edge and the three-row Ford Explorer. The cheapest 2023 Explorer trim is $38,255 which is actually less than the Edge’s starting price of $39,440. The Explorer heads further up the pricing curve, however, and its most premium trim starts at $55,70 versus the Edge’s most expensive trim at $47,980.
There are fewer 2022 models remaining as the 2023 models are arriving, however, those will likely be the most attractive for leases. The mid-level SEL trim will be the easiest to find while the sportier (and more expensive) ST trim will likely be the most challenging. To help ease that suffering, Ford is incentivizing order placements for a new 2023 model and, in a move that is contrary to what is happening elsewhere in the industry, Ford is offering a significant rebate to the sum of $3,000 as well as 0% financing for 60 months for those remaining 2022 Edges. The 2022 Explorer does not receive the same treatment, unfortunately, but expectedly. It too is experiencing model availability challenges and the mid-level trims remain the easiest to locate.
Neither the Explorer nor Edge presents any significant changes from 2022 into 2023.
Ford Edge vs. Explorer Size
The Explorer features a third row as standard and while it can seat a total of seven passengers, nearly all trims will feature second-row captain’s chairs which limits capacity to six. Those in the third row will suffer with just 32.2 inches of legroom while those in the second row are afforded 39 inches of legroom. The Edge is only sold as a two-row crossover and is limited to seating five. Its rear seat passengers will also find plenty of legroom - measuring 40.6 inches.
The Explorer is ten inches longer than the Edge and three inches wider, however, neither’s turning radius is spectacular for urban parking and maneuvering.
Ford Edge vs. Explorer Cargo Space
The Explorer is expectedly more roomy and flexible inside in terms of cargo space as well. Although the room behind the third row yields 18.2 cubic feet, the volume presented when the third row is folded measures 47.9 cubic feet which is greater than the Edge’s 39.2 cubic feet of space. With the rear seats folded down, the Explorer maxes out at 87.8 cubic feet versus the Edge’s 73.4 cubic feet.
The Explorer also presents a greater towing capacity. The Explorer can tow at least 5,000 pounds with any of its various powertrains, however, the Edge maxes out at 3,500 pounds.
Ford Edge vs. Explorer Gas Mileage
The Edge and the Explorer offer various powertrains to suit the masses and those looking for more performance. Only the Explorer offers something in the way of being considered “green”. The Edge is only available with all-wheel drive which and its base turbocharged four-cylinder engine manages to return an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon combined. The base Explorer with rear-wheel drive exceeds that rating by earning 24 MPG combined while the Explorer Hybrid model achieves 27 combined. The popular mid-level all-wheel drive Explorer returns 22 combined although these ratings vary by the trim level.
The performance-minded turbocharged V6 Edge variant returns 21 MPG combined and the hot Explorer powertrain returns 20 combined. Expect to pay at least $300 more in annual fuel costs by switching to these ST trims.
Ford Edge vs. Ford Explorer: Which Is Better?
The Explorer’s newer design and added interior flexibility (and capacity) make it the clear victor in this comparison. Its ability to be even more specifically tailored to your needs means that, although it will likely end up being more expensive than the comparable Edge, it will be more toward your liking. And with Ford’s push for more ordering, that process should become easier as supply chains become restocked.