Ford Edge vs. Explorer: A Comparison

• The Ford Edge is a two-row compact SUV that hosts up to five occupants. The Explorer, a three-row mid-size SUV, seats up to seven.
• The Edge is suited for smaller families or those who prefer a compact SUV, while the Explorer is larger, offering more space and seating options for larger families or those needing more room.
• Both models offer modern safety and technology features. The Edge, being smaller, is ideal for city driving and smaller families. The Explorer, with its larger size, higher seating capacity, and greater cargo space, is better for larger families and those needing more utility from their vehicle.

Deciding between the Ford Edge and Explorer presents a challenge. Aside from a few styling cues and seating configurations, the two overlap for many potential buyers. The table below demonstrates the main differences between the two models:  

If you’re wondering if Fords are good cars, the Explorer and Edge are two good SUVs to showcase what the Blue Oval has to offer. Ford has produced the Explorer nameplate since 1991, and even the Edge has been around since 2006. 

The 2024 Ford Edge and Explorer start out close in price but vary depending on the trim you choose. Ford’s Edge SE has an MSRP of $38,465, while the Explorer’s MSRP is $36,860. The Edge SEL starts at $39,665, while the ST-Line is $43,720. The Titanium is $100 more than the ST-Line, but the ST model tops out at $47,205. 

If you’re looking to buy a car with a debit card, you’ll need more to purchase the higher trims of the Explorer. The Ford Explorer XLT costs a pretty penny at $46,725, but the Platinum and ST models push the price tag past $60,000. The Platinum has an MSRP of $61,725, while the sporty ST is $62,565. 

From the outside, the Explorer appears slightly larger than the Edge, with a boxier body characteristic of the latest refresh. Passengers in the Explorer’s second row have access to 39 inches of second-row legroom, while third-row legroom extends only 32 inches. The cargo capacity behind the third row is 18.2 cubic feet with the seats up, but with all seats folded down, the Explorer opens up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Between these two Ford SUVs, the Edge actually has more second-row legroom than the Explorer, with 40.6 inches total. However, the Explorer does have slightly more headroom than the smaller SUV. Behind the rear seats, the Edge offers up to 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the second-row seats down, and you can take full advantage of the 73.4 cubic feet of cargo area in the Edge. 

The Edge’s seating capacity is up to five people, while the Explorer can hold up to six or seven people, depending on the trim you choose. Explorers with second-row bench seats hold an additional passenger compared to those with second-row captain’s chairs. Both models feature cloth and leather seating and various creature comforts among the handful of trims available. For example, the Edge’s Convenience package includes wireless phone charging, remote start, a powered tailgate, and a 110-volt outlet.

The 2024 Ford Explorer features customizable ambient lighting that synchronizes with the 12-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen. You can also purchase the 2024 model with a dual moonroof. Choose the 2024 Ford Explorer Platinum model for top-of-the-line features such as a 360-degree camera with split-view display, illuminated front scuff plates, and second-row sunblinds. 

Ford equips the Edge and Explorer with a pair of four-cylinder and V6 EcoBoost powertrains. The Edge comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Explorer is rear-wheel drive (RWD) from the factory unless purchased in higher trims where AWD is standard. The Edge’s towing capacity is up to 3,500 pounds with the Class II Trailer Tow Package, but the Explorer maxes out at 5,600 pounds with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package. 

The Ford Edge comes with either a 2.0-liter engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine contains 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the larger has 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Ford equips the Explorer with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque or a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both mate to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

The Explorer and Edge are neck-and-neck regarding fuel economy. The smaller Edge engine achieves 20 city and 28 highway miles-per-gallon (MPG) for 23 MPG combined, and the larger model totals 19 city and 25 highway MPG for a combined 21 MPG. The Explorer in RWD achieves 20 city and 28 highway MPG or 23 MPG combined. The V6 models in RWD post ratings of 18 city and 25 highway MPG, with 20 MPG combined, but the AWD model only loses one MPG on the highway. 

Standard technology on the 2024 Ford Edge includes a 12-inch infotainment screen, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additional features include a push-button start, remote keyless entry, cruise control, Bluetooth, and a voice recognition system. The 2024 Ford Explorer comes equipped with similar push-button start and keyless entry, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is an upgrade from the standard eight-inch display, but heated side mirrors and front seats can be found on the standard features list. 

Various features on the Ford Edge and Explorer vary based on which trim you choose. However, the table below illustrates the different safety features of the 2024 Ford Edge and 2024 Ford Explorer:

The Ford Explorer and Edge rank highly among tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA awarded the 2024 Edge and 2024 Explorer a five-out-of-five stars overall safety rating. The IIHS followed suit with “Good” ratings in all categories for the 2024 Edge and Explorer. However, only the 2023 Ford Explorer was ranked among the IIHS’ 2023 Top Safety Pick+ models. 

Many potential buyers choose the Ford Edge because it offers enough space and capability without pushing the limits. The Edge excels in fuel efficiency, versatility, and plays well with budgets of many levels. While Ford does hold back some of the best features for larger platforms such as the Explorer and Expedition, the Edge boasts a respectable features list. However, buyers looking into a new Edge should act fast before the last production models are taken. 

The Ford Explorer isn’t just for cracking down on crime. Instead, active families with plenty of gear to haul excel with this nameplate, which has served generations since the early 1990s. Although Ford discontinued the hybrid variant for 2024, the Explorer willingly sips fuel, even in AWD variants. Families enjoy more cargo space with the Explorer versus the Edge, but higher trim levels can quickly drain your budget.