Comparing the Used Ford Escape vs Used Ford Explorer

When shopping for used cars, you must visit a used car dealer with a variety of options from reputable brands. At DePaula Ford, we carry a wide selection of pre-owned vehicles that can fit the type of car you’re looking for. These days, SUVs have become one of the most popular vehicles on the market, which is why we make sure to stock used models like the Ford Escape and Ford Explorer. If you are deciding between those two vehicles, it can be seemingly impossible to decide which one to pick. So here, we are going to help you by going over the differences between these two great Ford vehicles when buying used.

Late-model Advantage

For used cars, getting a deal on a late-model vehicle is a terrific way to make sure you save money and get a vehicle you want. Today, a new 2020 Ford Escape starts at $24,885, and a 2020 Ford Explorer will run at least $32,765. Compared to some vehicles, that’s quite reasonable, but those prices drop a lot when you start looking into used cars. You can find pre-owned 2017 Ford Escapes for around $15,000, which is a considerable dip in that initial starting price. And that’s with relatively low mileage in the 30,000 – 40,000 miles range. Pre-owned 2017 Ford Explorers will have a similar drop in price, which would put them in the $20,000s instead of the $30,000s or $40,000s. The advantage of purchasing used late-models is that you will see that price chop while also still getting a car with the features and low mileage you are looking for.

2017 Ford Escape

For the 2017 Ford Escape, you’re looking at a 5-passenger compact SUV that’s popular for its performance and versatility. Like most SUVs, the Ford Escape is billed as a vehicle that can do it all. You’ll have great mileage on the highway, but if you want to hit the trail for an adventure, the Escape can take you there.

It comes in three trim levels, starting with the Escape S, then the SE, and at the top, you have the Titanium. As you move up the trim levels, you’ll notice the options and standard features changing, of course. The Escape S comes with a standard 2.5L I-4 engine that’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with an output of 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The Escape SE and Titanium have a standard 1.5L EcoBoost I-4 engine with an output of 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. There’s also the optional 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 engine with an output of 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

As you can see, the Escape may be compact, but it can put out some power if it needs to. This can be useful in many driving situations, including on non-pavement surfaces. With up to 68 cu.ft. of cargo space (with rear seat folded) and optional Intelligent 4WD, there’s no easier way to escape from everyday life.

While pre-owned vehicles certainly don’t have every single updated technology and safety feature like newer models, they can still get by very well. Pre-owned 2017 Ford Escape models can still come with features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping System, and Blind Spot Information System. It’s surprising because even some 2020-model vehicles don’t have these features. And even more surprising, the technology doesn’t stop there. With the SYNC 3 system, there’s enhanced voice recognition technology in place to input different commands easily. You can control music from your devices, navigate and answer calls, and even control some of your favorite compatible mobile apps with SYNC AppLink.

2017 Ford Explorer

If you’re looking for something a little bigger and more robust, the 2017 Ford Explorer could be an ideal fit for you. The 2017 Ford Escape is an excellent choice for individuals, couples, and small families, but for those that need a little more space, cargo storage, or power, the Explorer would be the better option.

With a 2017 Ford Explorer, there are five different trims. You have the base Explorer, the XLT, the Limited, the Sport, and the Platinum. The Explorer and XLT models come standard with a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 engine with an output of 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. On the Limited, you’ll find a 2.3L EcoBoost engine with an output of 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The highest trim levels, the Sport and Platinum, come equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with an output of 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

If you’re looking to max out the towing capacity (5,000 lbs), you’ll need one of the V6 engines. These engines will offer this maximum towing capacity and the higher horsepower ratings, although the 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine still performs admirably and can tow up to 3,000 lbs.

Passenger capacity rises from five on the Ford Escape to seven on the Ford Explorer, so there’s plenty of room to fit everyone in for an adventure. Certain configurations can fit up to six passengers to help you find the perfect balance between passenger space and cargo space. The total passenger volume is 151.5 cu.ft. and the cargo volume (behind the first row) is 81.7 cu.ft., which should allow for plenty of gear to be stowed.

If your Ford Explorer has the optional Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System, you can expect some amazing versatility. This 4WD system allows you to easily switch between different driving modes, including Normal, Mud/Rut, Sand, and Snow/Gravel/Grass. As you switch between these modes, the system will automatically adjust the torque and throttle progression accordingly. You can also press the Hill Descent Control button in the middle of the dial wheel to regulate your speed on steep declines.

Bottom Line

Overall, both the 2017 Ford Escape and 2017 Ford Explorer provide consumers with great options and are versatile SUVs with plenty of features. It’s no wonder these are two of Ford’s most popular SUVs.

For many, the Ford Escape provides the perfect blend of fuel economy, versatility, and power. You can easily use the Escape as your commuter vehicle, but it will always be ready for a weekend adventure as well. Or, it can be your full-time adventure vehicle. The choice is yours, which is part of the Escape’s appeal.

For a bigger version of the Escape, look into the Explorer. It basically does everything the Escape does, but with more power and space. Bigger families simply can’t choose compact SUVs for their go-to vehicles, so something like the Ford Explorer provides an ideal fit for them. It’s also the perfect pairing for any family that needs a comfortable commuter but wants to get away on the weekends.

You can’t go wrong with either of these vehicles, but the better one will be whichever of the two more closely fits your lifestyle and needs. Keep in mind; this is only one model year for both the Ford Escape and Ford Explorer. You can find older models and newer models, although about two to three years off the latest model will give you a great blend of reduced price and updated features.

DePaula Ford

If you want to check out a pre-owned Ford SUV today, come on down to DePaula Ford today in Albany, NY. We pride ourselves on putting the customer first, so we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have while providing you with the best possible car-buying experience. Feel free to check out our inventory online and call when you’re ready to test drive a new or pre-owned vehicle. We look forward to hearing from you!