Ford Explorer vs. Expedition

• The Ford Explorer is a three-row mid-size SUV with up to 88 cubic feet of cargo space, seating for up to seven, and a hybrid option. The Ford Expedition, a two- or three-row full-size SUV, offers more space, seats up to eight, and includes advanced features.
• The Explorer suits mid-size needs, while the Expedition, including the larger MAX variant, is ideal for those requiring more space and seating capacity.
• Both models are equipped with modern safety and technology features but cater to different audiences. The Explorer is well-suited for family use and regular commuting. The Expedition is ideal for larger families and more demanding driving needs.

The Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition carry the Blue Oval’s name further among the fierce competition in the various multifaceted SUV segments. The table below illustrates the main differences between these two iconic Ford nameplates:  

If you’re struggling to decide between these two SUVs, check out the comparisons below. As you pit the Expedition against the Explorer in several aspects, make a list of pros and cons that suit your needs to determine which model ultimately best fits your lifestyle. 

The Ford Explorer’s base price is much less than the Expedition. The Explorer’s MSRP begins at $36,860, which is actually lower than the smaller Ford Edge’s MSRP. The Explorer XLT model bumps the price tag up to $46,725. Explorer Platinum and sporty Explorer ST models tip the scales over $60,000, with sticker prices of $61,725 and $62,565, respectively. 

Several reasons exist to justify why you should never pay cash for a car, but if you have the ideal ratio of debt-to-income (DTI) for a car loan, you might consider financing an Expedition if you want the extra seating and cargo capacity. The XL STX model starts at $55,525, and the XLT model ups the ante to $59,590, but choosing the MAX model pushes the price tag to $62,590. The Limited model is $68,410 and the Limited MAX nears $72,000. The King Ranch costs $78,465, and the Platinum tips the scales at $80,695.  

If you’re wondering how long it takes to buy a car, it’s nice to know that it doesn’t take extra time the longer the vehicle stretches. The Ford Explorer’s size mirrors the typical mid-size SUV. However, the Expedition and Expedition MAX push the limits of any garage. Base Expedition models measure 210 inches from end to end. That length extends to 221.9 inches in the MAX variant. 

The Explorer holds up to seven people with a second-row bench seat but pares that down to six with second-row captain’s chairs. In contrast, the Expedition can hold up to eight passengers across three rows of seating. Base XL STX models only carry five occupants, but you can also configure this SUV to hold seven occupants. 

Ford equips both SUVs with cloth and leather seating, depending on the trim you choose. The Explorer comes with an eight-inch touchscreen on base models that’s upgraded to a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Alternatively, the Ford Expedition’s infotainment screen measures only 12 inches on base models. Higher trim levels get a 15.5-inch touchscreen that nestles vertically in the middle of the dash. 

Cargo capacity for the Ford Explorer measures 18.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in play. Total cargo space measures 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded down except the first-row seats. Second-row legroom measures 39 inches, while third-row legroom diminishes slightly to 32 inches. 

As expected, the Ford Expedition offers more legroom and cargo capacity, especially in MAX models. Second-row legroom measures 42.6 inches, while the third-row legroom is 40.9 inches for both base and MAX models. Regular Expeditions have 104.6 cubic feet with second and third rows folded, but the MAX extends that to 121.5 cubic feet of full cargo space. 

The difference between the Ford Explorer and Expedition is evident when viewing the exterior, and even more so with the Expedition MAX. The Explorer mimics the standard large SUV shape with a shorter wheelbase than the Expedition despite its boxy styling. However, the Expedition resembles more of a capped-off pickup akin to the F-Series lineup. 

When equipped with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds. The Expedition blows that rating out of the water with up to 9,200 pounds of pulling power. However, this rating requires installing the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. 

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on the Explorer and Expedition, with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) available. The Expedition Timberline model has a unique four-wheel drive system standard. Both Ford SUVs utilize a 10-speed automatic transmission to transfer power to the wheels. 

The available Ford Explorer engine options include a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 powertrain harnesses 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Expedition commissions a singular twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that makes 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in the XL STX and XLT models and up to 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. The Timberline and Limited Stealth Performance models squeeze out a little more from the engine, with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.  

Ford discontinued the Explorer Hybrid model in 2023, so the nameplate posts typical fuel-efficiency ratings for its size. The base RWD variants achieve 20 city and 28 highway miles-per-gallon (MPG). A RWD V6 model dips down to 18 city and 25 highway MPG, while the AWD variant achieves 18 city and 24 highway MPG. 

If the Ford Explorer barely maintains fuel efficiency, the Expedition struggles to match the same ratings. Timberline models post the lowest ratings at 16 city and 19 highway MPG. However, two-wheel drive models earn 17 city and 23 highway MPG, with four-wheel models not far behind at 16 city and 22 highway MPG. 

Technology features on the Ford Explorer include heated front seats and side mirrors, keyless entry, and push-button start. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard equipment. Higher trims feature ambient lighting, a 12-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, and a 360-degree camera. 

The Ford Expedition includes similar features among its trims, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrated into the SYNC 4 infotainment system. Choose the Platinum MAX trim for navigation, Active Park Assist, and hands-free BlueCruise driving. If you’re looking for an off-road variant, choose the Expedition Timberline model, which features Trailer Turn Assist, raised suspension, and Trail 1-Pedal Drive. 

Ford equips the Explorer and Expedition with the following standard and available safety features:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the 2024 Ford Explorer a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating. The 2024 Ford Expedition receives similarly high ratings, but is not yet rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Featured as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS in 2023, the 2024 Ford Explorer also receives “Good” ratings in all categories. 

The Ford Expedition makes grocery trips to wholesalers a breeze with plenty of cargo space to travel with the crew and pack for a few days away from home. MAX models increase cargo capacity to take up more real estate on the road. While the Expedition does trade fuel economy ratings for versatility, efficiency ratings remain competitive among other makes and models of the same size. For all the trappings of a minivan with the capability of an SUV, the Ford Expedition knows little competition. 

Glancing at a Ford Explorer may have you looking for a badge, but the Blue Oval’s SUV is no bad boy when it comes to fuel efficiency ratings, versatility, and safety features. The Explorer carries its legacy into 2024 with some of the same features that propelled it forward beginning in the early 1990s. Despite the discontinuation of a hybrid model, there’s an unspoken question of whether the Explorer will see new life with an electric variant in the future.