2021 Ford Edge vs. Explorer | Ellsworth, WI
If you’re searching for a dynamic SUV designed to haul your gear or your family, either the 2021 Ford Edge or 2021 Ford Explorer are up to the task. The key difference between the 2021 Ford Edge and 2021 Ford Explorer is that the Edge can seat a maximum of five people, while the Explorer seats up to seven passengers when the second-row is equipped with a bench seat. For more detailed information about the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer, read through the following Edge vs. Explorer comparison crafted by the Ellsworth Ford team.
Ready to test drive a Ford SUV? Check out our 2021 Ford Edge for sale and 2021 Ford Explorer for sale in our online inventory, then couple your favorite model with a finance or lease offer. Questions? Call our Ford dealership in Ellsworth, WI, at (888) 281-7206.

2021 Ford Edge vs. Explorer Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
Take your commute to the next level when you drive either a 2021 Ford Edge or 2021 Ford Explorer. Both Ford SUVs have a variety of powertrains to choose from, but only the Explorer includes a hybrid engine option. Full Edge and Explorer engine specs are shown in the following chart.
2021 Ford Edge: 2.0L twin-scroll EcoBoost®
- 250 HP
- 275 lb.-ft. torque
- 21 city/29 hwy MPG
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- FWD or AWD
2021 Ford Edge: 2.7L EcoBoost V6
- 335 HP
- 380 lb.-ft. torque
- 19 city/25 hwy MPG
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- AWD
2021 Ford Explorer: 2.3L EcoBoost I4
- 300 HP
- 310 lb.-ft. torque
- 21 city/28 hwy MPG
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- RWD or 4WD
2021 Ford Explorer: 3.3L hybrid V6
- 318 HP
- 322 lb.-ft. torque
- 27 city/28 hwy MPG
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- RWD or 4WD
2021 Ford Explorer: 3.0L EcoBoost V6
- ST
- 400 HP
- 415 lb.-ft. torque
- 18 city/24 hwy MPG
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- 4WD only
- Platinum
- 365 HP
- 380 lb.-ft. torque
- 18 city/24 hwy MPG
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- RWD or 4WD

2021 Ford Edge vs. Explorer Exterior Design
There’s lots to love about the 2021 Ford Edge and Explorer exteriors. From distinctive profiles to LED headlamps, fog lamps, and tail lamps, you’ll find your eye traveling from top to bottom. Both offer wheels between 18, 19, 20, and 21 inches in size.
2021 Ford Edge vs. Explorer Interior Design & Technology
Regardless of which SUV you pick, you and your passengers will find pleasing accommodations. Both have available heated front and rear seats to combat winter’s chill. Entertain your family with the available B&O™ Bang and Olufsen sound system on either SUV. If you’re trying to lower your rear seats for extra cargo space, the Edge comes with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat, while the Explorer includes E-Z Entry second-row and PowerFold® third-row. And you and your passengers will be able to utilize the FordPass Connect™ with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot, reducing your cellular data usage. Only the Explorer has available second-row captain’s chairs.

2021 Ford Edge vs. Explorer Size & Cargo Space
You’ll find that both the 2021 Ford Edge and 2021 Ford Explorer are spacious SUVs with clever storage solutions. Although the Edge can only seat five, you can expect to store up to 73.4 cubic feet behind the first-row and 39.2 cubic feet behind the second-row. The Explorer can seat up to seven and haul 87.8 cubic feet behind the first-row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second-row, and 18.2 cubic feet behind the third-row. The Edge boasts a smart cargo management system that helps you configure your storage to meet your needs. The Explorer includes cargo hooks and a front floor console with a storage bin.
2021 Ford Edge vs. Explorer Safety Options & Features
Maintain your confidence and sense of purpose in both the 2021 Ford Edge and 2021 Ford Explorer. Both Ford SUVs offer Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology, a suite of driver assistance features designed to aid you in avoiding obstacles. Features included with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite:
- BLIS® (blind spot information system)
- Rear view camera
- Lane keeping system
- Automatic emergency braking
- Auto high beam headlamps

Ford Edge vs. Explorer: Which is Right for You?
Whether you’re running daily errands, commuting to and from work, or heading out on that much-anticipated road trip getaway, these two midsize SUVS from Ford both offer great utility and an exceptional driving experience. The 2020 Ford Explorer offers seven passenger seating, with a desirable third row, while the 2020 Ford Edge seats five people comfortably in two rows.
Take a look at what each model has to offer and when you determine which one is right for you, search our Ford Edge inventory or Ford Explorer inventory at Ellsworth Ford in Ellsworth, WI, to locate your favorite trim. Don’t forget to check out our current Ford Edge incentives or Ford Explorer incentives for a great deal. Give us a call at (888) 281-7206 or contact us online if you have questions or would like to schedule a test drive.
2020 Ford Edge vs ExplorerPerformance
You’ll find two capable engine options on the 2020 Edge that each deliver respectable horsepower and torque to power you through your day. Three powertrains are offered on the 2020 Explorer that include a hybrid option. When it comes to fuel economy, both the Edge and Explorer are nearly equal ― with the Explorer hybrid delivering the best city MPG.
2020 Ford Edge Engines
Twin-scroll 2.0L EcoBoost
2.7L V6 EcoBoost
2020 Ford Explorer Engines
2.3L EcoBoost
3.0L EcoBoost V6
3.3L Hybrid V6
2020 Ford Edge vs ExplorerInterior
The main difference between the interiors in the 2020 Edge and 2020 Explorer is seating. The Edge features two rows for up to five passengers while the Explorer comes with three rows for up to seven passengers. All trims on the Explorer, except the base-level trim, come equipped with captain’s chairs in the second row. A bench seat can be added for extra seating. Cargo capacity in the Edge is 73.4 cu.-ft. while the Explorer extends that number to 87.8 cu.-ft.
Multi-contour seating with Active Motion® is available in the front seats on higher level Explorer trims.
Features available on both models include:
- Cloth or leather-trimmed seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Push button start
- Ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
2020 Ford Edge vs ExplorerSafety
Your safety is a top priority with all Ford vehicles. With the Co-Pilot360™ suite of driver assist technologies, both the 2020 Edge and 2020 Explorer feature:
- Lane keeping system
- Rearview camera
- Hill start assist
- BLIS® with cross traffic alert
- Reverse sensing system
- AdvanceTrac® with RSC® and curve control

2020 Ford Edge vs ExplorerTechnology
Staying connected to your world while you’re inside your vehicle is a breeze with both the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer. Expect to be entertained, too. Both vehicles offer:
- SYNC® infotainment system and FordPass Connect™
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- B&O® sound system by Bang & Olufsen with 12 speakers
- Available wireless charging pad