2018 Ford Edge vs. 2017 Ford Explorer
Ford has been manufacturing some of the toughest, most dependable vehicles in America nearly 115 years. The world’s fifth largest automaker has come a long way since introducing the original Model T in 1908.
Currently, the blue oval brand has over 30 models in its lineup, comprised of commercial vehicles, heavy duty pickups, SUVs, compact cars, performance coupes, and practical crossovers. With so many cars to choose from, Ford loyalists aren’t looking to compare their beloved brand to the competition - but instead want to know which Ford model is the right option for their unique needs.
The 2017 and 2018 Ford lineups are full of capable SUVs and crossovers, two of which happen to be the Ford Edge and the Ford Explorer. One of the older nameplates in the brand’s lineup, the Explorer was introduced in 1990, for the 1991 model year. The Edge is comparatively a newbie for Ford, having been introduced just ten years ago in 2007. Both of these capable cars have plenty to offer buyers, which is why choosing which one to drive home in, can be a decidedly difficult task.
Check out how the 2018 Edge and the 2017 Explorer stack up in this side-by-side comparison.
Power, Performance, and Fuel Economy
The 2018 Ford Edge comes with a standard Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine and is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability. Rated at 245 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, the Edge comes with standard FWD and optional AWD. Active grille shutters, electronic power-assisted steering, and torque vectoring control give this small SUV impressive handling and performance.
The 2017 Ford Explorer comes with a more powerful 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 engine and a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, standard. Rated at 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Electronic power assist steering, hill start assist, independent front and rear suspensions, and trailer sway control are all included on base Explorer models.
As the smaller of these two vehicles, the 2018 Edge delivers better fuel efficiency than the larger Explorer. Rated at 29 mpg on the highway, the Edge has a leg up on the Explorer, which has an EPA estimated 24 mpg on the highway.
While it may seem like a slight difference, it is enough of a change that drivers will notice.
Interior Capacity
If size is important to you, then this is where you will want to pay attention. The Edge and the Explorer each offer their own take on the SUV class, but as mentioned before - the Explorer does have size on its side. With a total passenger volume of 151.7 cubic feet, three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, and a total cargo volume of up to 80.7 cubic feet, the 2017 Ford Explorer is the likely choice for drivers who need added space in their SUV.
As a smaller-sized SUV, the 2018 Ford Edge still manages to offers plenty of interior space, and two-rows of seating for a total of five passengers. The passenger volume of the Edge is nearly 40 cubic feet less than the Explorer, and totals 113.9 cubic feet. While the Edge doesn’t have the same amount of cargo capacity, it’s 73.4 cubic feet of max cargo space is still a rather impressive number.
Comfort and Convenience
Both the Edge and Explorer are built by Ford, which means that these two SUVs offer many of the same standard amenities in their respective base models. Buyers will start to notice a difference in standard features in higher-end trim level options. For example, the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport AWD model includes a navigation system, and fog lamps, which the 2018 Edge Sport leaves out.
On the highest trim level option, the Edge Titanium AWD model has a leg up on the Explorer XLT. Standard features include climate control with multi-zone A/C, a premium sound system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, side mirror memory, remote trunk release, a power hands-free liftgate, and an HD radio.
All of these included amenities on the high-end Edge are either unavailable on the Explorer, or listed as upgraded options.
Which is Right for You?
As you can see, both the 2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Ford Explorer have plenty to offer buyers shopping for a capable SUV. Backed by the name American drivers trust, these Ford models easily best the competition in more ways than one.
Choosing either the Ford Edge or Ford Explorer for your next new SUV, comes down to your individual needs and desires. If you have a larger family, or often need room to accommodate more than five passengers, the 2017 Explorer is the clear choice.
Price wise, the Ford Edge comes in at a lower price point than the Explorer. With a starting MSRP of $28,950, the Edge will save buyers a decent amount up front, compared to the Explorer’s starting price tag of $31,660.
The 2018 Edge and 2017 Explorer are surprisingly on the same level when it comes to standard features and amenities, which changes slightly with higher-end trim options. Regardless of which SUV you end up choosing, you can count on an impressive list of included features. This leaves your decision between the Edge and Explorer largely up to personal preference and size requirements.
As interesting as it is to read about these vehicles, the true excitement comes when you get behind the wheel and take each one out for a test drive. Gain clarity and discover which of these Ford SUVs is right for you, by visiting a dealership and exploring these capable options in person.