Ford Escape vs Ford Explorer: Which Used SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?

In the early 2000s, SUVs zoomed past the sedan as the preferred family automobile. SUVs now dominate U.S. highways. As more and more car buyers demanded a sturdy, roomy vehicle that could take them around suburban streets and unpaved trails, automakers responded by designing ever more SUV models, from subcompact to full-size and beyond.

Count Ford as one of the automakers that has expanded its SUV lineup over the years with a wide range of models, starting with the compact Escape and rising to the full-size Explorer. Let’s take a look at how a used Ford Explorer or a used Ford Escape for sale could benefit you and your family.

Ford Escape: Good Things Come in Small Packages

Launched in 2001, the Ford Escape fits firmly in the compact crossover SUV space and has found a solid following among families who want the generous accommodations and style of an SUV, but in a bit more manageable size. Don’t be fooled by its compact proportions. The Escape overflows with driver amenities and power.

In 2020, Ford introduced the fourth-generation Escape. Although it trimmed its weight by more than 200 pounds, Ford enlarged the 2020 Escape’s interior space to comfortably accommodate five passengers. With sliding second-row seats, the Escape can stow all your belongings, whether they are groceries from a shopping trip or vacation gear for quick getaways.

In the EV segment, the Ford Escape was ahead of its time as the first in its class to offer a hybrid model SUV 20 years ago. Recent model Escapes can be found with a 1.5L to 2.0L turbocharged gas-powered engine or a 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Gas mileage tops out at an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined rating for the Escape plug-in hybrid. The gas-powered versions get 30 MPG combined. With those numbers, the Escape can fuel your commute and long excursions without straining your wallet.

For model years 2015 to 2021, the Ford Escape soars to a maximum horsepower of 250 in the 2.0L turbocharged engine. Whatever recent year you choose, you’ll get an Escape with 190-280 lb-ft of torque. What does that mean to you? It translates into an SUV that accelerates quickly to get you on the highway and keeps you at a steady pace once there.

Also boosting the Escape’s drivability is an eight-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the model year and trim, you can opt for front- or all-wheel drive, making it an ideal vehicle for suburban roads and less-traveled byways.

Abundant driver convenience features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In the 2023 Escape, Ford increased the infotainment screen to a 13.2-inch easy-to-view display, a jump from the eight-inch display on earlier models.

Newer Escape models boast an impressive collection of driver safety and convenience features, chief among them a blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic braking. But that’s not all. A lane-assist system alerts you when you stray off course, and a pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking system prevent you and your family from accidents. All come standard in recent models.

Also standard is the FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot for all your devices in and outside the vehicle. Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control keeps you cool in hot weather and toasty in winter. You’ll love driving an Escape, whether for work or play, and in all seasons.

Move Up into an Explorer

Like its name, the Explorer attracts thrill-seeking drivers who want a full-sized SUV for exploring adventures in the wild. Yet the Explorer has enough polish and space for a family of up to seven when venturing on suburban streets and highways. And all at a great price.

The Explorer came on the scene in 1991 as Ford’s first five-door SUV. In 2020, Ford launched the sixth and most recent generation Explorer, and it continues to amaze drivers with its versatility, comfort, powerful engine, and attractive styling.

Model years 2020 to 2025 come equipped with either a 3.0L or 2.3L turbocharged engine, depending on the trim. You can find the Explorer with rear-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive. Ford has also offered a hybrid engine in the Explorer.

Whether you choose a hybrid Explorer or a traditional gas-powered model, the Explorer’s horsepower rating ranges up to 400 and never goes below 300. The Explorer’s torque also ranges in the vicinity of 310 and 415 lb-ft, making it a perfect vehicle for dashing on the highway for your daily commute. A 10-speed automatic transmission enables easy driving, whether on an open road or crowded streets.

Where the Explorer truly makes its mark is as an off-road vehicle wrapped in a three-row SUV. Want to take along a trailer or small boat? No problem. The Explorer can haul over 5,000 pounds in addition to a minimum of 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row—more than enough for packing what you need for long vacations in faraway places. You’ll have no issue getting your cargo in and out of the Explorer with the help of a standard power liftgate.

Wherever you roam, from city streets or rugged hills, the Explorer surrounds you in comfort. Once inside, your eyes gaze on either an HD 10.1 or 13.2-inch infotainment screen, showing everything you need to know right in front of you. Each newer Explorer connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For safety, a blind spot information system monitors cars behind you, so you can smoothly make lane changes. Adaptive cruise control maintains your speed in all traffic conditions, from stop-and-go to open roads.

For a three-row SUV, the Explorer rates well on fuel efficiency, with an EPA-rated combined rating of 24 MPG. The Explorer won’t cost you a lot, whether you travel long distances from home or a short hop to the school to pick up the kids.

So Which Will It Be? The Escape or the Explorer?

The Ford Escape and Explorer remain popular SUV models and for good reason. Both offer space, comfort, great fuel economy, and top-notch safety features in an affordable package. Neither will look out of place on a city street or a dirt trail. They’re that versatile.

If you want a compact, family-oriented SUV, the Escape is your best bet. It traverses suburban and city streets in style but can venture off-road when called upon. Recent model years contain enough high-end features to make your ride smooth and efficient.

The Explorer fits the bill for those who crave a bit more in their SUV. With its 5,000-pound towing capacity, this SUV allows you to hook up a small trailer or boat for weekend exploits. Yet with seven-passenger, three-row seating, it’s equally adept at escorting your family or large groups around town.

At Pauli Ford, our pre-owned stock features the most recent Escape and Explorer models, along with other Ford SUVs, like the Bronco Sport, Bronco, and large-sized Expedition. Our sales staff will help you decide which one is right for you, and our finance specialists will get you the best deal possible on your purchase. There is no better time to find your used Ford SUV.