To 2-row or not to 2-row? That is the question. Well, it at least serves as the tongue-tying foundation for the two SUVs we’re set to compare. The 2024 Ford Explorer and Ford Edge seem unlikely rivals, considering they both fall under the auspices of the ‘Blue Oval’ brand. Yet many times when shopping for a new vehicle, the question can be, “How much SUV do I really need or want?”
The Ford Explorer is the larger of the two. It is a 3-row midsize SUV with room for up to seven people and has a long reputation for balancing ruggedness with everyday comfort.
Technically speaking, the Ford Edge is also classified as a midsize SUV, yet it’s about 10 inches longer and opts for a 2-row cabin layout. That could be fine for many SUV shoppers, however.
Let’s check out 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 comes in eight trims: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. A 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission serves as the entry-level powertrain. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
A pair of second-row captain’s chairs are fitted to all but the base model. While these drop seating capacity to six, we’ve found them to be supportive, and they make for easier access to the rearmost seats. If you need that extra spot, a bench seat is available.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Outdoorsy Timberline: Explorer shoppers who love the outdoors will gravitate to the Timberline. There’s no need to option all-wheel drive; it’s standard on this model. The Timberline also benefits from all-terrain tires, steel underbody skid plates, stouter shocks, and a limited-slip differential. Visually, it’s identifiable via a gray upper grille, black alloy wheels, and red trim that frames the lower front grille. Act now if you like the Timberline because Ford is chopping it from the 2025 lineup.
Available twin-turbo V6: If you’re constantly late to work or simply like being pushed back into your seat when you punch the gas pedal, allow us to recommend the 400-hp twin-turbo V6. It comes with the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models. You’ll need only about six seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.
Cargo space, three rows of seating: With its third row folded, the longer Ford Explorer takes the lead in cargo space over the Edge with just over 47 cubic feet of space. And, of course, its other most apparent advantage is that having three rows of seating can get more people onboard.
Towing capability: This is an easy one simply by the numbers. The Explorer can tow a maximum of 5,600 pounds versus 3,500 pounds in the Edge.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models near you.
2024 Ford Edge
The 2024 Ford Edge comes in five trims: SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium, and ST. Pricing starts at $39,960, with destination fee. All but the sporty ST model are motivated by a 250-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine coupled with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Like its bigger sibling, the Explorer, the Edge rolls into the 2024 model year with no significant changes.
Ford Edge Highlights
Fun to drive: Credit Ford when it comes to making a family truckster that’s a hoot to drive. The handling is very sharp and precise for a vehicle this size. Even the standard powertrain is punchy enough for everyday driving. Yet those Ford customers who long for a Mustang but need the space of an SUV should consider the Edge ST. It features a 335-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, a sport suspension, and rides on 20-inch alloys.
AWD is standard: Sure, you can get all-wheel drive on the Ford Explorer, but you won’t have to pay extra for it on the Edge. This all-season grip comes along for the ride free of charge.
Posh Titanium model: The Edge Titanium does a commendable impersonation of a luxury-badged SUV. It comes with niceties 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 tech: Leave the cords at home; every Edge has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Strangely, the Ford Explorer still does not. They both offer wireless smartphone charging as an option.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Edge models near you.
Similarities
The badge on their front grilles is the most obvious unifying trait shared by the Ford Explorer and Ford Edge. Each has an intuitive infotainment system, a powerful optional engine, and expansive cargo volume. Ford prices them relatively the same and, of course, backs them with identical warranty coverage.
Conclusion
What might seal the deal for many SUV shoppers is the Ford Explorer’s extra row of seats. To be honest, they’re best used by kids — or shorter adults for similarly short drives.
Yet when the dust settles, the Explorer simply provides more vehicle for your SUV-shopping budget. That being said, we’d 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 hiding the fact that this generation has been around for nearly a decade. If you want something sportier to drive and could care less about 3-row seating, take it for a test drive, too.
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 2024 Ford Edge | |
| Starting Price | $38,455 | $39,960 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 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 | Twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, 7-speed automatic |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 star | 5 star |
| Max 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 |
| Headroom, Front | 40.7 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.5 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.2 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 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, 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 |
| Cargo Volume (to 3rd, 2nd, Front Rows) | 18.2/47.9/87.8 cubic feet | N.A./39.2/73.4 cubic feet |
