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The Ford Expedition and the Ford Explorer are SUVs that offer similar strengths. They’re both capable of seating 7 people comfortably, but only the Explorer can seat up to 8 in certain configurations. Read our guide below to better understand the differences between the midsize Ford Expedition, and the full-size SUV the Ford Explorer.
The 2020 Ford Expedition sports a 3.5L EcoBoost Engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. This is the only Powertrain available on the eight different trims of the Expedition, and it’s a formidable one at that. It’s paired with a 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission, which makes this car one of the more responsive SUVs on the road right now, delivering excellent power and acceleration at a wide range of speeds. The 2020 Ford Explorer has a wider range of powertrain options, at varying levels of performance and price points. The standard engine you’ll find in the Explorer is a 2.3L Ecoboost engine that supplies the Explorer with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST and Platinum are outfitted with a 3.0L Ecoboost engine that offers a total of 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, for those looking for a bit of extra power, and lastly, the Hybrid option which is available on the Limited trim level, that’s a great option for the especially fuel-conscious. As you can see, Expedition’s base engine is more powerful than the biggest engine available in the Explorer, but the Explorer will get slightly better fuel economy on its 3.0L engine, which offers 18 mpg in the city, and 24 on the highway. Overall, if you’re looking for customizability, the Explorer is your best bet, but the Expedition offers fuel economy that’s quite fair for the full-size SUV segment.
One of the most noticeable differences between these SUVs is their general size. The Explorer is the smaller SUV of the two, which is one of the reasons why it offers such reliable fuel economy across its powertrain options. In terms of length, the Explorer is roughly one foot shorter than the Expedition, at 198.8-inches total, an amount that’s noticeable for most drivers looking to store their cars inside their garage, for example. Width is also a significant factor. The Explorer is 4.1-inches slimmer than the Expedition is at its widest point, which can be a significant factor for drivers who struggle to fit in small spaces. Interior space is affected by the size of these cars as well, and as a result, you should expect the Explorer to feel a little roomier when it comes to interior space. While both of these SUVs have the capability to seat 7, the Expedition is the only one of the two that can be outfitted to fit 8 people in the car, which can be an important feature for some large families. Because the Expedition is a bigger vehicle, it offers better legroom and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats. When it comes to cargo space, the Expedition has an enormous leg up as well, offering 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down on the MAX variant, compared to the Explorer’s 87.8 available cubic feet of cargo space in the same configuration. If you’ve got things to move, the size of the Expedition is more than justified, but overall you won’t notice the difference in passenger space too much if the Explorer is your preference— it’s only smaller by a couple of inches when it comes to legroom and shoulder room.
The 2020 Ford Expedition has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, indicating that this large SUV fairs very well in terms of collision resilience. The 2020 Ford Explorer is yet to be rated by a prominent safety organization like the NHTSA or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2019 Ford Explorer has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and with no serious structural changes to the 2020 model, it’s likely that this year’s model will rate very highly for crashworthiness as well. Both of these vehicles are available with the Ford Safety Canopy System, which sides airbags that deploy from the ceiling to help protect second and third-row passengers. A rear backup camera is standard on the Expedition, but not on the Explorer, which is one differentiation that’s worth considering. The Expedition is available with higher-end safety features in general, such as the 360-degree camera for added visibility. If you’re looking for the safest car possible, the 2020 Ford Expedition has a slight edge in that department.
Choosing between Ford SUVs can be a challenge, especially when their specifications are so close when it comes to metrics like fuel economy. In general, size will be the biggest factor for choosing between these vehicles. If you expect to use third-row seats often or even every day, the Explorer’s increased space will be indispensable for keeping your passengers comfortable. If your SUV is your daily driver, it’s likely that you’ll see some great benefits to the decreased fuel consumption, and more manageable size of the Ford Explorer.
The Ford Explorer is offered in standard trim, alongside the XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. We find the ST to be an exceptional value, featuring the beefier 3.0L engine that hits a top speed of 143 mph, and a twin-panel moonroof. This trim has our favorite Explorer options, without having to break the bank to get there.
The Expedition Max is an extended version of the standard Expedition, and it’s an option that’s available in every trim level. The Max is a foot longer than the regular Expedition, which means that it’s got significantly more room for cargo. If you’ve got to transport cargo and passengers at the same time, the Max variants are the way to go.
These vehicles share interior options in general, and you’ll find that the Platinum trim levels have a lot of similarities. In both cars, you’ll find leather-trimmed, power-adjustable seats that are outfitted with Active Motion technology, which can help reduce fatigue over long driving times.
At Five Star Ford Lincoln of Warner Robins, you can shop online, value your trade, request financing, and get your car delivered, all without leaving your home! We’re Middle Georgia’s best-reviewed dealership, and there’s good reason for that. We’re a family-owned and operated business that goes above and beyond to make your car shopping experience easy and comfortable. We are proud to serve Warner Robins, Macon, and Dublin, for all of their Ford/Lincoln needs, providing true Southern hospitality and a fantastic customer experience. Ready to start shopping? Browse our online inventory and schedule your test drive delivery today!
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
