Ford offers not one but two midsize sport utility vehicles. But they are definitely not the same. In this comparison guide, we’ll cover what makes each of these models unique and what they’re best at. Which of these Ford SUVs will be better for your Denver life?
Size: 2019 Ford Explorer
The Explorer and Edge might both be midsize, but that doesn’t mean they have the same footprint. The Explorer is 10 inches longer, three inches wider, and an inch taller than the Edge. And the Explorer is 500 to 900 pounds heavier, depending on options, such as all-wheel drive. Of course, with extra girth, there’s extra space inside. That’s why the Ford Explorer, like its large Expedition sibling, has three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. The Edge has only two rows with seating for up to five people.
Cargo room is a bit complicated. If you don’t mind folding down seats, the Explorer takes the cake with an available 80.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Edge’s 73.4 cubes total. But if you use that second row for car seats or consistent passengers, the Edge has more cargo room, with 39.2 cubes even when all the seats are up, compared to the Explorer’s 21 cubic feet behind the third row.
Power: It’s a Tie!
Strictly speaking, the 2019 Ford Explorer offers more horsepower than the Ford Edge does. But this is power that scales in power with size. Remember there’s at least 500 pounds more for the Explorer’s engines to move. The Ford Explorer offers a 290-horsepower V6 standard, a 280-horsepower midrange engine in the form of the turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, and a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that delivers 365 horsepower.
On the Edge side, there are only two engine options. But, oh boy, that second one is a good option. Standard in all but one trim is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 250 horsepower. Then there’s the sporty ST with its twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that makes 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. As you can see, the horsepower scales as you’d expect with size. That’s why, even though the Explorer has more horsepower, this one is still a tie based on what you get out of your engine.
Towing: 2019 Ford Explorer
The bigger they are, the more they can tow. At least that’s the trend that seems to play out here in this comparison. The base Explorer tows up to 2,000 pounds but that number can soar to 5,000 maximum when properly equipped. By comparison, the Ford Edge starts its towing numbers at 1,500 pounds with the base trim, but moves to 3,500 pounds maximum. If you’re into recreation or have a trailer to tow, the Explorer is going to give your more utility.
On a final note, if you need the extra space or towing might of the Ford Explorer, that’s your ticket. Otherwise, you save money at the pump and the dealership going with the Ford Edge.