Already on the hunt for the best next SUV in 2023? You may have stumbled across the benefits of the 2023 Ford Explorer or the Ford Edge. In each SUV, Ford makes sure that a lot of buyer’s needs are considered with safety features, power and overall function. You can’t go wrong with either one of these great cars, but our comparison guide will ensure you make the comfortable choice.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Nearly identical fuel mileage on both SUVs – one isn’t going to cost you more than the other in gas money.
- A larger engine on the Explorer means larger capacity for towing and hauling.
- The Edge gives a little bit more interior room for passengers.
- The Explorer can seat more passengers.
TWO SIMILAR CARS: WHICH IS THE COMFIER OF THE TWO?
You really must start getting down to hyper-specific features when it comes to comparing cars like these, such as asking yourself how comfortable you want to be on each drive. Make no mistake, the standard trims for either of these vehicles are going to give you a highly palatable driving experience. The Explorer is a seven-seater, which means there’s going to be less room for that second and third row. The Edge is a five-seater, equating to more space for every passenger all around. The Explorer makes up for this by offering a few more inches of space for the driver and driver passenger. Another reason why the Explorer offers slightly less space in the back seats, is because it makes more room for cargo capacity at 18.2 cubic feet of space.
PAYING FOR ITS POWER: 2023 FORD EXPLORER
One of the biggest distinctions between the two vehicles is the Explorers’ power-train options and the superior power that comes with it. Simply put, it’s the more powerful vehicle giving it functionality the Edge doesn’t have.
The 2023 Ford Explorer comes with three powertrain options:
- 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 318-hp, 3.3-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
- 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
The Edge comes with only two engine choices, and no option for a hybrid.
- 250-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 335-hp, 2.7-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
We highly recommend choosing the second tier-upgrade on the Explorer above all else, as it offers nearly as much horsepower as the Edge but is still going to save you some potential pain at the pump time and time again with its fuel-efficient hybrid engine.
Overall, the maximum towing capacity of the Explorer reaches 5,600 pounds compared to the 3,500 pounds of the Edge. The Explorer is more well equipped to handle off-roading as well, with its more advanced four-wheel drive system.
WHICH CAR IS MORE AFFORDABLE?
It’s a welcome fact that the Explorer, with all its added functions, is costing buyers a little less than the Edge. The average price paid on an Explorer is about $37,500 while the Edge goes for about $38,900, with MSRP estimated being about a thousand less for each. If you schedule a visit today, we’ll help find a pricing plan that works best for you.
SAFETY: CAN’T GO WRONG EITHER WAY
The Explore and the Edge are going to keep you safe on the road first and foremost. The Explorer does offer more safety features across its trim levels than the Edge, but choosing between them comes down to what you deem most necessary. Both cars come with your standard forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. If you need more of the full scope of your car while driving, the Explorer comes with a 360 degree camera in some trims while it isn’t an option with the Edge. The driver attention monitor that is a standard feature on the Edge, is a great addition for any drivers who need extra assistance keeping their focus on the road or planning on having a teen driver at the wheel.
WHICH SUV IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
These Ford SUVs are built tough and will not disappoint. While the choice is tough, you can’t go wrong with either of them. The Explorer is cheaper, has more power, and offers a few more features than the Edge. But the Edge is more spacious for passengers and drives comfortably around town. You may find you immediately like one SUV over the other as soon as you step foot inside, so there’s no better way to find out what vehicle works best for you other than a test drive. Come by our lot today and we’ll help you compare the two in person.