Starting at
Starting at
| 375 | Base Horsepower (HP) | 300 |
| 470 | Max Torque (lb-ft) | 415 |
| 104.6 | Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) | 87.8 |
If you find yourself at a Ford dealership and cannot decide on how much SUV you need and you are torn between the full-size and midsize SUVs on the lot, don't worry, you are further along in your search than you realize. Both of Ford’s family-sized SUVs are relatively new and bring exciting technology and engineering to their recent generations. Settling on Ford is the right choice—now we need to take a look at how much SUV your growing family needs. This is the exciting part of your search, a comparison: 2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Ford Explorer. So let’s take a look at how they stack up and see which one is the better fit for your lifestyle.
The Ford Explorer, the most popular SUV ever sold in the United States, is all-new for the 2020 model year and features many exciting new updates. With the Explorer, you’ll find many options to choose from, including a new hybrid model with a range of up to 500 miles, a new ST performance version with 400 horsepower, and two turbocharged engines. The Explorer seats up to 7 passengers, though the third row can be a little tight for adults, as with most midsize offerings, which is why consumers often turn to a full-size SUV, like the Expedition, if they require more space for their family. Traditionally, the downfall of full-size SUVs has been their poor fuel efficiency, especially when considering it as a daily driver or family hauler.
The Ford Expedition’s fourth generation, however, changes this perception. With up to 23 MPG on the highway and 19 MPG combined, you no longer have to sacrifice efficiency for space. Now you can enjoy the abundance of cargo and passenger space without having to worry about how much money you are spending on gas. The 2020 Ford Expedition comfortably seats up to 8 passengers. Adding to the comparison, the 2020 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds while the Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds. There are a lot of things to consider when deciding between these two cutting-edge SUVs, so let’s take a closer look and see which one makes the most sense for you and your family.
The 2020 Ford Expedition offers only one choice of powertrain, and it’s a good one. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 makes 375 hp (400 hp on Platinum models) and 470 lb-ft of torque (480 lb-ft Platinum) while returning impressive fuel economy at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
That’s a lot of power, and with a 10-speed automatic transmission and independent rear suspension, you can expect a smooth, even ride. With an engine this powerful and efficient, you can enjoy the fuel efficiency of a smaller, car-based SUV while towing up to 9,300 pounds with eight passengers on board, as you head out to the lake with your boat or cross-country with your new travel trailer.
The 2020 Ford Explorer does not make this decision easy. With three engine choices, there is something for everyone. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4, which comes standard on the Base, XLT, and Limited trims, and makes an impressive 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is also impressive for this powerful standard engine at 21/28 MPG. This might be the best standard engine in its class.
If you need more power, there’s also a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (standard on the Platinum trim) with 365 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque, and fuel efficiency of up to 20 MPG combined city/highway. Those are serious performance numbers, and the excellent efficiency makes this engine a great option. The ST trim features the same engine—the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6—tuned to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both the Platinum and ST come with all-wheel drive and feature the same impressive fuel economy rating of 18/24 MPG. This is more power and muscle than you will find just about anywhere else in the segment, and nowhere will you find this combination of power and efficiency.
If you are looking for a truly efficient powertrain, you should consider the Explorer’s new hybrid model. The 3.3-liter V6/electric motor makes 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, which are impressive performance numbers for a hybrid model. And with a range of 500 miles and fuel economy of 27/29 MPG, this hybrid powertrain is a great value. If you are looking for this type of excellent fuel economy, the Explorer is for you - but if you need some significant max towing capabilities, take another look at the Expedition.
The interior might be the most vital to deciding between the Explorer and Expedition. Both SUVs feature sharp designs and stylish cabins with premium materials and a plethora of convenience features. Both are also loaded with the latest technology. And both come standard with many features.
The 2020 Ford Explorer includes as standard: a power liftgate, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, Sync connectivity, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 safety suite, and an 8-inch touch screen. The Expedition counters with: Ford Co-Pilot360, power-folding 3rd-row seats, keyless entry, Bluetooth, four USB ports, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch touch screen.
You know, even with the standard trim, both SUVs come well-equipped with many features. So, let’s take a look at where these SUVs differ. What you will need to determine is how much space your family needs, and if moving up to a full-size SUV makes sense, or if downsizing to a midsize SUV makes more sense. The Ford Expedition features some of the largest cargo volumes in its class, while the Explorer is also above average for its class in cargo space.
Behind the third-row seats, the Explorer features 18.2 cu.ft. of space, 47.9 cu.ft. behind the second row, and 87.8 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded. The Expedition, on the other hand, has much more space to offer with 19.3 cu.ft. behind the rear seats, 57.5 cu.ft. behind the second row, and 104.6 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded down. The Expedition Max further expands to: 36 cu.ft., 79.6 cu.ft., and 121.5 cu.ft., respectively. Both SUVs feature ample space for your family and many exciting features, making this a difficult decision. But when push comes to shove, if you need a lot of space, the Expedition is likely for you.
With the 2020 Ford Explorer being in the first year of its most recent generation, safety features are abundant. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite is standard and extensive, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support. It also includes a blind-spot system with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, and a rearview camera with a lens cleaner. Rearview cameras are now required on new vehicles, but this one comes with a cleaner for those days you find yourself in the mud.
Also available is the Assist+ system, which features dynamic safety systems such as active cruise control, voice-activated touch-screen navigation, evasive steering assist, and post-impact braking. There is also an available speed sign recognition system, which can read speed-limit signs when cruise control is activated, and automatically slow you down to the posted speed limit. And if you set the cruise control a few mph above the speed limit, it will slow you down to the desired speed above the posted limit.
The 2020 Ford Expedition also features many safety features and comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite. This includes forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams, as well as a rearview camera with a washer. If you opt for the FX4 package, you’ll definitely appreciate the washer. Another great standard feature of the Expedition is Ford MyKey. This system allows you to control settings such as stereo volume, seatbelt use, and the maximum speed for other drivers. If you have kids, this will give you peace of mind when you let them drive on their own.
Both the 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Ford Expedition come loaded with safety features. It is obvious that both SUVs prioritize your family’s safety, and are great choices if you are looking for a safe family SUV. No matter which you choose, you will have peace of mind when it comes to safety.
Whether you are looking for a midsize or full-size SUV, a half-ton or one-ton truck, or a compact or subcompact sedan, DePaula Ford is the place to start your search for your next vehicle. We have the expertise to help you sort through all of the features and options to help you make an informed decision. We understand that purchasing a vehicle is a significant decision, and we’re here to make sure you find the perfect car, SUV, or truck for your lifestyle. Our goal is to create a completely transparent environment so that you are confident in your decision, and are sure you found the best deal. Our extensive inventory ensures you will find the model that fits your lifestyle, and once you’ve found the perfect vehicle, our online shopping tools can help you finalize your budget. Try our payment calculator to run the numbers on a car you see online, check out our online shopper to compare options and get an estimate on a trade-in vehicle, and visit our finance page to get pre-approved for financing. Explore our website for a truly convenient shopping experience, or visit us in person and take a test drive.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
