Looking for adventure or just your perfect match? Find it at your nearby Ford dealer in the form of an SUV. The Escape, Edge, and Explorer are just three options you’re likely to come across, which begs the question, which is right for you? A Ford SUV opens up the road to a wealth of possibilities, so finding the perfect match for your lifestyle is essential to making the most out of your time behind the wheel. Ford has plenty of SUVs for the modern driver, but the Escape, Edge, and Explorer are three big sellers with a lot to offer drivers.
The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that is slotted perfectly between the compact Escape crossover and the three-row midsize Explorer. Picking from the three models can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re informed. We’re here to smooth out any rough patches and make buying your next Ford easier than ever. We’ve taken a closer look at Ford’s trio to highlight the differences between the models and help you get into a car that perfectly fits every aspect of your life. From seating to performance power, the perfect Ford for you is closer than you think.
The Right Size
A quick look at the three Ford models, the Escape, Explorer, and Edge, might be all you need. So, let’s check out the size and seating of these models and see where they differ. Size can be one of the most important factors when purchasing a new vehicle. You need a seat for everyone, and you don’t want your ride coming up short when it comes to legroom in the back.
The smallest of the lineup is the Ford Escape crossover SUV. The compact model seats five passengers and boasts over 42 inches of legroom in the front, plenty of space for stretching out during long drives. In the newest models, a sliding second row offers 5.9 inches of additional legroom. As for cargo space, split second-row seating allows you to unlock up to 65.4 cu.ft. of space.
Moving up in size, the Ford Edge takes center stage. The Edge is considered a midsize SUV capable of seating up to five passengers at a time. And cargo space? Yeah, there’s plenty of that too. The Edge is billed by Ford as being the “midsize SUV for oversized lives.” This means a smart interior design that allows drivers to easily fit essentials, passengers, and extras without compromise. Even passengers on the taller side will enjoy the Edge’s 40.2 inches of headroom and 42.6 inches of legroom in the front row. That’s only a little over 2 inches extra compared to the Escape, but sometimes that’s all you need to make a difference in comfort. As for cargo, the current Edge model delivers a spacious 73.4 cu.ft. of space when the rear seats are folded flat.
For drivers with growing families or a couple of extra friends, the midsize Explorer is probably what you’ll need. The Explorer features three rows that can seat up to seven passengers. The Explorer is definitely on the larger side of midsize, with a max headroom of 40.7 inches and 43 inches of legroom in the front row. The Explorer boasts the most space for drivers and passengers.
The same goes with cargo; fold the seats down in the second and third rows to make use of the Explorer’s 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo space. The rundown is this: when it comes to seating, each of these SUVs can seat five passengers, with the Explorer offering additional seating for up to seven passengers. In terms of cargo space, though, make sure you keep an eye on your needs so you get the right fit. The Escape is the smallest at 65.4 cu.ft., while the newest Explorer model dominates at 87.8 cu.ft.
Each Model Offers a Variety of Trims
Maybe you’re flexible when it comes to sizing. You just need seating for 4-5 passengers and don’t have large cargo needs. But what you do need are choices, plenty of choices when it comes to styling, creature comforts, and performance potential. So, what trim options do these models offer? Does one have more choices than another? Let’s check it out.
The Ford Escape
Beginning with the compact Escape crossover, the 2024 model currently offers drivers six trim choices. Ford changed up the trim line to drop the Base, so currently, the entry-level model is now the Active, which boasts plenty of essentials for drivers wanting a balanced everyday driver without all the bells and whistles. The current model lineup is as follows:
- Active
- ST-Line
- ST-Line Select
- ST-Line Elite
- Platinum
- Plug-in Hybrid
Looking for a balanced midrange crossover? The ST-Line Select does a great job adding a balance of creature comforts and performance features. Higher-end trims come standard with extras like rain-sensing wipers, wireless charging, and a large 13.2-inch touchscreen.
The Ford Edge
How about the Edge? The 2024 midsize SUV has fewer current trim options than the smaller Escape, but the current choices do a great job of hitting the right marks with drivers. Trim options include:
- SE
- SEL
- ST-Line
- Titanium
- ST
All five trims offer drivers a great range of performance and comfort features for a balanced SUV that fits a diverse number of lifestyles. The mid-level Edge SEL has standard all-wheel drive plus a Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost engine with standard start-stop technology, making it popular with drivers looking for a step above basic. Higher-end models like the ST allow you to take advantage of standard features like a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and a power liftgate.
The Ford Explorer
The Explorer is the biggest of the three models, which means it has the largest lineup of trims available. If you really want a choice, the Explorer is the midsize model for you because it has lots of it. The base level is simply the Explorer, giving drivers a loaded cabin with great performance and tech features. But when you want more, the Explorer has no problem meeting and exceeding your standards. Trim options for the current Explorer include:
- XLT
- ST-Line
- Timberline
- Limited
- ST
- King Ranch
- Platinum
All trims are designed to cater to driver’s unique lifestyles. The mid-level Timberline is an exciting trim choice for active families and solo drivers on the go. It is off-road capable and offers drivers a healthy dose of features to make it an exciting everyday drive and adventure vehicle. Premium leather seating and a massive 10.1-inch touchscreen are just a few of the features you can enjoy when upgrading to a higher trim.
There Are Plenty of Engine Options
Last but not least, let’s check out the powertrain options. Ensuring your ride is capable of great things is important on multiple levels. So, how do the three E’s of the Ford family line up? Naturally, you’d expect them all to be worthy of being a daily driver because of Ford’s reputation for great engines, but what if you have recreational towing you need to be done? Ensure your SUV can handle all of life’s jobs before you sign on the dotted line.
Though the Escape is small, it is mighty. The current 2024 model offers four powertrain options for drivers. A 1.5L EcoBoost engine is standard on the entry-level model. It is paired with start-stop technology to increase fuel efficiency and is ideal for dealing with urban driving conditions. Drivers can upgrade with the available 250-horsepower 2.0L EcoBoost engine to generate some extra thrills. For those looking to reduce carbon emissions, there are also two hybrid engine choices: the 2.5L I-4 hybrid, which requires no charging, or the 2.5L I-4 plug-in hybrid PHEV. Equipping your Escape to tow between 1,500 and 3,500 lbs is possible when you level up with the available Class II Trailer Package.
The midsize 2024 Edge features two peppy engines. The standard 2.0L EcoBoost or the upgrade, an impressive 335 hp 2.7L V6 TurboBoost. Like the Escape and the Explorer, all-wheel drive comes standard across all models, giving drivers the perfect level of control on the road.
Finally, the Explorer, you know you can expect a big performance from the large midsize SUV, but is it enough for your active lifestyle? The latest 2024 Explorer features two impressive engines for a wide range of performance. The standard 300 hp 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine is standard on the Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, and Limited models. Meanwhile, the 400 hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is featured on the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. This is the most powerful engine offered across the board when looking at the Escape, Edge, or Explorer. When properly equipped with Ford’s Class IV Trailer Tow package, you can get a towing potential upwards of 5,600 lbs.
As you might notice, while the Explorer and the Escape both have available tow packages to take their performance to the next level, the 2024 Edge is not offered with this choice. If trailering is in your future, opt for the compact Escape or the midsize Explorer to get the job done. But if urban driving and style are more your thing, the Edge offers an optional appearance package as well as several accessories packages to increase its cargo-carrying potential.
There’s a Ford SUV Made for Your Unique Driving Needs
Ford’s lineup of crossovers and SUVs ranges from compact to full size, but we’re focused on three of the most popular: the compact Escape crossover, the midsize urban Edge, and the roomy large midsize Explorer. All three have a lot to offer drivers, no matter their lifestyle. So which is best for you? Let’s recap. The Escape is the smallest of the three. It features seating for five across two rows. It comes with a wide range of trim offerings, including a hybrid. It can also be equipped with a tow package for increased trailering abilities. Its smart design uses every inch of space, delivering ample head and legroom and a healthy cargo room.
Up next is the midsize Edge. This car targets drivers who have to deal with commuter traffic or tight city driving. It’s stylish and offers comfortable seating for five, along with a modern interior that looks right uptown and downtown. The cabin keeps things flexible with folding seats allowing access to its maximum cargo space. It has few trim offerings but still a whole lot of style. Appearance accessory packages and can further customize the Edge to fit your lifestyle like a glove.
Last but not least is the large, midsize Explorer. It has an extensive number of trim models, allowing drivers to pick and choose from entry-level essentials to high-end luxury or mid-level off-road abilities. It also features the most powerful engine choice of the three mentioned SUVs, giving it extra trailering potential when equipped with the available Ford Tow Package. The large cabin features seating for seven across three rows, as well as the most cargo space out of the three SUVs. It’s ideal for families on the go or those who need the space and convenience of a midsize Ford.
So, which SUV fits your life? They’re all great vehicles, but keeping your driving habits and daily needs in mind is the key to getting behind the wheel of your perfect match. So which will it be? The Escape crossover? The urban-styled Edge? Or the large midsize Explorer powerhouse? Each of the three SUVs shines in its own way, making them the ideal vehicle for a diverse number of drivers searching for the right Ford for their drive. Whether it’s the Escape, the Edge, or the Explorer, Ford’s SUVs aren’t designed to meet but exceed drivers’ expectations. Find your perfect co-pilot and get ready for a daily adventure you won’t forget when you get behind the wheel of the Ford SUV that fits your life.
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