Most auto manufacturers try to hit all the bases when planning their lineup. Take Ford, for example. You can probably find a vehicle in their lineup that perfectly meets your needs. In this comparison guide, we'll put the 2018 Ford Explorer and Edge side by side so you can see which one better fits you and your lifestyle. They're both midsize sport utility vehicles, but cater to slightly different crowds.
Seating and Size
First thing's first. Do you regularly haul more than five people? If so, you need a three-row SUV like the bigger Ford Explorer. If your family doesn't need all that room, a dedicated two-row SUV like the Edge is more in your wheelhouse. Don't think this means that the Explorer is a titan and the Edge is a mouse. There's actually less than an inch in wheelbase length. So where does that extra room go in the Edge? Those extra cubes makes the cargo space pretty cavernous. We're talking almost 40 cubic feet of storage room in the Edge compared to the 21 cubes of cargo in the Explorer. Still, if you don't mind folding seats down, the Explorer can give you that much, boasting 43 cubic feet with the back row down or 80 with the second row also folded.
Engines and Acceleration
Because the Edge is almost 500 pounds lighter, its engine runs a little more efficiently, making the Ford the sportier option. The Edge's turbo engine delivers 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. As you might have guessed, the Edge also has better fuel economy, getting 20 city miles and 29 highway miles per gallon. The Explorer boasts a standard 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower. It's plenty peppy for a three-row SUV and gets 17 city and 24 highway miles per gallon.
If sportiness is important to you, the Edge Sport offers the most throttle for your money. This trim level houses a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine that delivers 315 horsepower. You can get something almost as good in the Explorer but it takes more to move the heavier SUV and the Explorer is the thirstier vehicle.
Technology and Infotainment
This is where you see the Explorer's and Edge's features converge. They both offer premium technology, including the SYNC 3 infotainment system. This system is fast, intuitive, and supported by actual physical buttons and knobs that make the touchscreen just one of two options. Take your pick.
Both the Ford Edge and Explorer come standard with 4.2-inch color infotainment display, voice-activated SYNC interface, USB port, Bluetooth, smartphone app integration, proximity key, push-button start, rearview camera, and Ford MyKey for parents of teen drivers. You'll find that as you move up the trim levels, much of the same technology is available no matter which Ford model you buy.
There's just one distinction that needs to be made here. The Explorer has a lot more trim levels. The top-tier Explorer trims ooze luxury. Just take a look at the Explorer Platinum, which boasts the full suite of available safety features, plus wood and leather interior embellishments.