If you're looking at SUVs, allow us to introduce you to Ford's two bestselling sport utility vehicles: the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. They're both three-row SUVs, great for hauling plenty of people or a tons of stuff. In this comparison guide, we'll help you decide which is right for you and your crew.
Which is Bigger?
The 2018 Expedition is the bigger vehicle. The Expedition has 10 inches more between wheelbases than the Explorer and offers one extra seat. They both have three rows though. Perhaps it goes without saying that the Expedition will give you more head and leg room. It's almost the same space in the front and second row, but the third row is where you'll feel it the most. In the Explorer, only kids will really be comfortable in the back. But even adults will sit easy in the third row of the Expedition.
There's also plenty more cargo room in the Expedition, which boasts a cavernous 104.6 cubic inches with all the seats down. Flip them all back up, and it's still 20.9 cubes of cargo space. The Explorer has less: 80.7 cubic feet at the maximum, but about the same as the Expedition when all the Explorer's seats are in use.
The tradeoff, of course, is that the Expedition is the thirstier SUV. The larger Expedition gets 17 city miles and 24 highway miles per gallon. The Explorer does better, getting 19 city mpg and 27 highway mpg. That fuel economy difference is to be expected, but it's something to consider because being the biggest has its cost.
Which is More Powerful?
The Ford Expedition sports a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 (or 400 horsepower in the Platinum trim level). Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer offers a standard 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Horsepower isn't the best measurement here, since the Expedition weighs 1,000 pounds more. But it is meaningful that the Expedition tows up to 9,300 pounds, when properly equipped, which is best in its class. For reference, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when properly equipped.
But which is faster, you ask? The 2018 Ford Expedition goes zero to 60 in just 5.7 seconds, while the Ford Explorer does the same in 5.8 seconds. Surprise, surprise, the heavyweight keeps up and it's just about a photo-finish. We think you'll be pleased in terms of acceleration no matter which you choose.
Which Has the Best Tech?
The 2018 Ford Expedition boasts standard nine-speaker audio system, satellite radio, four USB ports, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and SYNC infotainment system with Bluetooth and voice recognition. The Explorer offers the same except with fewer USB ports and only six speakers, but Ford does throw in MyKey, a system for keeping tabs on your teen drivers. We think they're pretty evenly matched, but we recommend upgrading to the intuitive and responsive SYNC 3 infotainment system.
When all is said and done, the only thing you need to ask yourself is how much room you need. In just about every other way, the Explorer and Expedition are pretty evenly matched.