An SUV is an excellent vehicle for growing families and adventurers alike. It boasts spacious interiors designed for optimal passenger and cargo capacity while being equipped with powerful engines that deliver a dynamic drive on city streets or rough terrain. It’s understood that an SUV is great, but narrowing it down to which one to purchase is challenging.
Consider getting an SUV from Ford, a highly valued automaker with a good reputation for over 100 years. The Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition stand out as worthy competitors, each with distinctive features that will appeal to your specific needs. See how they compare in this side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right SUV.
The Eight-Passenger Ford Expedition SUV
The Ford Expedition is a full-size three-row SUV available in 10 trims, each varying in exclusive body styling and available features like a 15.5-inch touchscreen display or 22-speaker sound system. These SUVs’ different trims also offer various seating configurations to suit your travel needs. Select the XLT, XLT MAX, or Timberline trims for an incredibly accommodating eight-passenger capacity.
If you appreciate the feel of a luxury vehicle interior with a bold exterior, you’ll love the look of the new Ford Expedition. Interior upholstery options include mahogany interiors or Del Rio leather. Exterior wheel options include a head-turning platinum or gloss black for a sleek, sophisticated look. The MAX models have a wheelbase that’s a foot longer than the regular models, elevating the cabin’s spaciousness. Select trims offer a sound-proofed interior for a quiet, comfortable ride.
Whether you need your SUV to handle heavy-duty workloads or carry your travel essentials like luggage and camping gear, the Expedition’s cargo capacity is your perfect match. This Ford SUV offers a maximum cargo volume of 104.6 cubic feet behind the first row. Choose any Expedition MAX trim for an impressive 121.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row.
The Three-Row Ford Explorer SUV
The Ford Explorer is an affordable seven-passenger, three-row midsize SUV with eight exciting trims. It offers an ideal style and configuration that meets your lifestyle needs. Its power-fold third-row seats fold flat with the touch of a button, offering a maximum cargo volume of 87.8 cubic feet. Elevate the interior with the available twin-panel moonroof for extra natural light during the day and stargazing at night. Set the mood for the first and second rows with available multi-color ambient lighting.
Upgrade to the 10.1-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen infotainment system for a vivid, intuitive display offering seamless connection to your smart devices via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This ensures you and your passengers stay connected and entertained on the road. Plus, internet access is always at your fingertips with the FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot and a paid subscription.
Ford Explorer vs. Expedition: Side-By-Side Comparison
Both Ford SUVs offer spacious yet capable interiors that will keep you and your passengers cozy and content no matter how long you drive. But how do they compare price, powertrain, and towing capabilities? In this side-by-side comparison, discover whether the Ford Explorer or Expedition is better.
Price Options
Consider your budget when buying a new SUV in Conshohocken. Are you in the market for a luxury SUV decked out with top-level features, or will you be content with the base model with standard features? The Ford Explorer is the most affordable SUV, with its base model priced at $36,860 starting MSRP. The Ford Expedition base model pricing begins at $55,630, starting with MSRP.
You could still get the deluxe version of the Explorer at a significantly lower price than the Expedition, with a starting MSRP of $54,770 compared to $83,800. However, if you enjoy the lap of luxury and want an SUV to match your lifestyle, the Expedition will satisfy your needs.
Engine Specs
Are you searching for the most powerful Ford SUV? The new Ford Expedition beats the Explorer in this category. It comes equipped with a robust 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Although the same engine is used across all trims, the output varies based on the trims’ varying sizes.
Get the XL-STX or XLT trim for 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Bump to the Limited, King Ranch, or Platinum models for 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not enough power, the Expedition can outperform these specs with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost High-Output engine on the Limited Stealth Performance and Timberline trims, generating a whopping 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Explorer offers two engine options on select trims: a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6. The 2.3-liter engine generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power from the Explorer, purchase the ST, King Ranch, or Platinum trims for its V-6 engine that produces a powerful 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
Towing Capacity
A perk of owning an SUV is being able to tow a trailer with your favorite watercraft to traverse the Delaware River or a camping trailer for a fun weekend getaway to a nearby state forest. When properly equipped, the new four-wheel-drive Explorer has a towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds. If this towing capacity is just what you need, ensure your Explorer has the 3.0-liter V-6 engine and the Class IV Trailer Tow Package.
Need more towing power? You’re in luck. The 4×2 Ford Expedition, with its available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, can tow up to 9,300 pounds, providing you with the power and confidence you need for your towing tasks. Engage the Expedition’s Tow/Haul drive mode for enhanced towing and hauling performance, ensuring a safe and secure journey through the Philadelphia area.
Choose the Right SUV for Your Lifestyle
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and Expedition comes down to what you need. The Expedition SUV is ideal if you need the largest passenger and towing capacity. However, if you want the most affordable midsize SUV, go for the Explorer. At John Kenedy Ford Conshohocken, we’re confident we can help you find the right SUV that matches your budget and lifestyle. Contact our sales professionals and see how we can help you get into a new SUV today.
Connect with us
