Compare Ford Explorer vs Ford Escape | Lemoyne, PA

A comparison of overall size and space

The Ford Explorer is Ford's most popular SUV because it works so well for families. It's a mid-size SUV that's larger than the Escape, giving you three rows and enough seating for a family of seven. The Ford Escape is a compact SUV with two rows and seating for five. The Explorer has 152.7 cubic feet of total passenger volume compared with 104 cubic feet in the Escape. The Ford Explorer gives Harrisburg, PA families a little more headroom and legroom than the Ford Escape but both have a good amount of interior space.

A comparison of engines and performance

The new Ford Explorer comes with a standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that's rated for 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful option in the Explorer is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that provides 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and you'll have your choice of standard rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as an available upgrade. The maximum towing capacity in a new Ford Escape is 5,000 pounds and all models come with a Class III Towing package.

The Ford Escape also offers Camp Hill, PA buyers a choice of two gas powertrains, beginning with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 181 horsepower that provides either front- or all-wheel drive. The new Escape tops out with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 250 horsepower and comes with standard all-wheel drive. Both gas engines come with a standard eight-speed automatic and the Escape also comes in a hybrid variation that's limited to 192 horsepower as well as a plug-in hybrid that would give you 210 horsepower.

A comparison of interior space

For the latest model year, the Ford Explorer comes with a redesigned dashboard that provides more room for front passengers. It also includes new interior colors and more soft-touch materials on the dashboard, door panels and the center console. The Explorer makes it easy to get into the standard third row with a feature that moves the second-row seat out of the way at the touch of a button.

The new Ford Escape offers an abundance of space for both the front- and rear-seat passengers. Textured cloth seat upholstery comes standard and if you move up to the Platinum level you'll have faux-leather seating surfaces. The Ford Escape can accommodate 21 carry-on suitcases while the Ford Explorer has room for up to 31 suitcases.

A comparison of technology

Standard technology in the new Ford Explorer includes a large 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, eight USB ports and a six-speaker stereo. Other standard features in the new Explorer include tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start and keyless entry. Available tech upgrades in the new Explorer include wireless device charging, remote start, an automatically-dimming rearview mirror, a moonroof and a premium Bang & Olufsen stereo system with up to 16 speakers.

Meanwhile, the new Escape comes with a standard 8-inch touch screen, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, wireless smartphone connectivity, two USB ports send a six-speaker stereo. Other standard technology in the Ford Escape includes dual-zone automatic climate control and proximity keyless entry. Available technology in the new Ford Escape includes a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, a panoramic roof and a premium Bang & Olufsen stereo with 10 speakers.