On 2 rows or not on 2 rows? That is the question. Well, it at least serves as a tantalizing basis for the two SUVs we’ll be comparing. The 2024 Ford Explorer and Ford Edge seem like unlikely rivals considering they both come under the auspices of the Blue Oval brand. But when buying a new vehicle, the question often arises: “How much SUV do I really need or want?”
The Ford Explorer is the larger of the two. It’s a three-row midsize SUV with space for up to seven people and has a long-standing reputation for balancing ruggedness with everyday comfort.
Technically, the Ford Edge is also classified as a midsize SUV, but it’s about 10 inches longer and features a two-row cabin layout. However, that might be fine for many SUV buyers.
Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of Ford’s latest Explorer and Edge SUVs.
2024 Ford Explorer
Starting at $38,455 including destination charge, the 2024 Explorer is available in eight trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch and Platinum. The entry-level powertrain is a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional.
All but the base model come with a pair of second-row captain’s chairs. Although this reduces seating capacity to six, we found them to be supportive and make access to the rearmost seats easier. If you need that extra space, there is a bench seat available.
Ford Explorer highlights
Outdoor Timberline: Explorer shoppers who love the outdoors are drawn to Timberline. There’s no need to option four-wheel drive; It is standard on this model. The Timberline also benefits from all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, tougher shock absorbers and a limited-slip differential. Visually, it can be recognized by a gray upper grille, black alloy wheels and a red trim that frames the lower front grille. Act now if you like the Timberline, because Ford is removing it from the 2025 model line.
Available twin-turbo V6: If you’re constantly late for work or just like being forced back into your seat when you hit the accelerator, we recommend the 400 hp twin-turbo V6. It is available in ST, King Ranch and Platinum models. Accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour only takes about six seconds.
Cargo space, three rows of seats: With the third row folded, the longer Ford Explorer takes the lead over the Edge with just over 47 cubic feet of cargo space. And of course the other most obvious advantage is that with three rows of seats, more people can get on board.
Towing ability: That’s easy by the numbers. The Explorer can tow a maximum of 5,600 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the Edge.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Explorer models near you.
2024 Ford Edge
The 2024 Ford Edge is available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium and ST. Prices start at $39,960, including destination charge. All but the sporty ST model are powered by a 250-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Like its bigger brother, the Explorer, the Edge starts the 2024 model year without any significant changes.
Ford Edge highlights
Driving fun: Praise Ford for building a family truckster that’s great to drive. The handling is very sharp and precise for a vehicle of this size. The standard drivetrain is already powerful enough for everyday driving. But those Ford customers who long for a Mustang but need the space of an SUV should consider the Edge ST. It has a 335 hp 2.7-liter V6 with two turbochargers, a sports suspension and rides on 20-inch alloy wheels.
AWD is standard: Of course, you can get all-wheel drive on the Ford Explorer, but you don’t have to pay extra for it on the Edge. This all-season handle is included for the trip free of charge.
Chic titanium model: The Edge Titanium is a commendable imitation of a luxury SUV. It features amenities like diamond-pattern synthetic leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a 12-speaker B&O sound system, a hands-free liftgate, a heated steering wheel and chrome exterior trim.
Wireless smartphone technology: Leave the cables at home; Every Edge has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Oddly enough, this is still not the case with the Ford Explorer. Both offer optional wireless charging for smartphones.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Edge models near you.
similarities
The emblem on their front grilles is the most obvious unifying feature between Ford Explorer and Ford Edge. Each features an intuitive infotainment system, a powerful optional engine and large cargo volume. Ford has relatively the same prices for them and of course gives them the same warranty.
Diploma
What could make the deal for many SUV buyers is the Ford Explorer’s additional row of seating. To be honest, they’re best used by children – or smaller adults for similarly short trips.
But when the dust settles, the Explorer simply offers more vehicle for your SUV shopping budget. However, we would like to see some more up-to-date features, such as wireless smartphone connectivity.
Introduced for the 2015 model year, the Ford Edge does a great job of hiding the fact that this generation has been around for almost a decade. If you want to drive something sportier and don’t want to worry about three-row seats, take a test drive too.
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 2024 Ford Edge | |
| Starting price | $38,455 | $39,960 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| engine | 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp at 5,500 rpm | 250 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm | 258 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm |
| transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel consumption | 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway/24 mpg combined | 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined |
| Also available | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, AWD | 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 7-speed automatic transmission |
| Specifications | ||
| Basic guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Safety | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 7 | 5 |
| wheelbase | 119.1 inches | 112.2 inches |
| overall length | 198.8 inches | 188.8 inches |
| Width | 78.9 inches | 75.9 inches |
| Height | 69.9 inches | 68.3 inches |
| turning diameter | 38.8 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Front headroom | 40.7 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd row | 40.5 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd row | 38.2 inches | N/A |
| Front legroom | 43.0 inches | 42.6 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 39.0 inches | 40.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd row | 32.2 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder room at the front | 61.8 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Shoulder room, 2nd row | 61.9 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Shoulder room, 3rd row | 54.6 inches | N/A |
| Loading volume (up to 3rd, 2nd, front row) | 18.2/47.9/87.8 cubic feet | NA/39.2/73.4 cubic feet |