The Ford Explorer is all-new in 2020. Its redesign has prioritized comfort in a way that other smaller midsize SUVs will have a hard time competing with. Still a relatively small car, the 2020 Ford Explorer is one of the few cars in the mid-size category that comfortably seats up to seven people. The Ford Edge is a strong contender for those who might not need full 7-seat capability however and might prefer a 5-seater with a more responsive driving experience. Both of these cars offer competitive fuel economy for the class, with both cars maintaining an impressive 21 mpg in the city. The Ford Edge is 400 pounds lighter than the standard Ford Explorer, which might contribute to this SUV getting one mile per gallon better on the highway. All things considered, that one mile per gallon might seem like a small price to pay when it comes to having space for two additional passengers. One difference you’ll notice behind the wheel of these cars is their standard powertrain offerings. The Explorer offers the best specs in terms of power, with its base 2.3L EcoBoost engine offering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The standard Ford Edge is sporting a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve EcoBoost engine that yields 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.
All of the trims available on the Ford Edge seat two people in the front, and three in the second row. The 2020 Ford Explorer has shifted away from sheer volume when it comes to passenger experience, with the most common seating arrangement across all trims now being a three-row Explorer that seats six, with a captain’s chair configuration in the second row, rather than conventional bench seating. Removing the middle seat on the second row of the Ford Explorer makes the rear two seats easier to reach. Many drivers might find that they seat four or six more often than they seat five, which makes the six-seater Explorer the most convenient and comfortable when it comes to those configurations.
The 2020 Ford Edge is available as an SE, SEL, Titanium, or ST variant. The SE is the most affordable option, and it includes cloth upholstery, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and proximity keyless entry. If you’d like a rear-seat entertainment system, that’s an available option, which is rare for a 5-seater SUV. The SEL upgrades your interior to synthetic leather, adds power to the passenger seat adjustments, and offers heated front seats as well. The Titanium trim package includes genuine leather upholstery, a heated and power-tilt-and telescoping steering wheel, along a 12-Speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system. The ST is the Edge’s powertrain upgrade, swapping the car’s four-cylinder out for a 2.7L V6. This kicks horsepower up to 335. The ST is the most premium option, offering much of the same standard and optional features that are available on the Titanium trim. While the SEL might be the best value overall, unique features like a hands-free power liftgate and front parking sensors might make the Titanium trim the most appealing out of all the options.
The 2020 Ford Explorer has four trims available to the public: the XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. The XLT offers stellar entry value, with features like second-row captain’s chairs with power-assist fold, push-button start, remote start, and a power liftgate. Premium features get heaped on with the Ford Explorer Limited, which is outfitted with leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, a household-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. The ST is the sport-oriented trim, offering the standard features of the Limited with a Powertrain upgrade that includes four-wheel drive, perforated leather upholstery, rear brake assist, and active park assist for parallel and perpendicular parking. The ST is a beast, with 100-more horsepower than the standard Explorer powertrain option. If you’re looking for total value overall, when it comes to style, features, and performance, the ST is difficult to surpass. The Platinum edition is the top-of-the-line Explorer, expanding upon the Limited trim with its leather-wrapped interior and a twin-panel moonroof. The Platinum is only available with four-wheel drive, and comes with a full tow package, along with front and rear skid plates. If you’re looking for ultra-luxury features, Platinum is the obvious choice for anyone ready to go all-out. The ST is a candidate for best overall value, however, as it offers the most powerful Powertrain options, with some room for upgrades in key areas.
Both of these SUVs are excellent choices for family-focused Sport Utility Vehicles. The 2020 Ford Edge is a great choice for anyone interested in a high level of SUV functionality at a low price. As 5-seaters go, the Ford Edge offers a high level of power, without hindering its stellar fuel economy. The all-new Ford Explorer might be even more impressive, however, with fuel economy that’s largely unmatched among other 6 and 7-seater SUVs in this segment. If premium materials are what you’re after, the Ford Edge can get you into premium material like leather for a little less, but the Explorer offers a wider range of upgradeable options, with a towing capacity that’s almost double the Ford Edge. If you’ve got a little extra to spend, it’s hard to argue that you could go wrong with the all-new Ford Explorer.
Because we’re Northeast Atlanta’s number-one recommended Ford dealership! We are proud to serve the cities of Stone Mountain, Snellville, Lawrenceville, and we offer services that ensure our customers are satisfied with their choice in Ford dealer. We offer a lifetime warranty on every new car on our lot, at no extra cost to the driver, because we believe in helping you drive your Ford SUV for as long as you’re still in love with it. We also offer 24-hour roadside assistance and free car delivery upon purchase, making us one of the most customer-focused dealerships in Georgia. Come in and test drive a Ford Explorer or a Ford Edge today!
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
