
2020 Ford Edge Vs Escape Vs Explorer - Ford SUV Differences
There's no doubt that today's roads are dominated by the versatile, family-friendly SUV. Smart shoppers near Louisville, KY will want to compare the top three Ford SUV models to find their best fit. While the 2020 Ford Edge, Escape, and Explorer models all offer the quality and affordability you've come to expect from Ford, their performance, capacity, and technology offer a range of choices.
View Inventory Call Us
Edge Vs Escape Vs Explorer Performance
The performance options available across these three Ford models provides a wide enough range to suit every driving need. Drivers who don't need extra power for highway overtaking can do well with the base Escape engine, but those looking for a more peppy acceleration may turn to the Ford Edge. The Ford Explorer provides the most horsepower, making it the best for hauling and towing lots of weight. The absolute highest fuel efficiency is found in the Escape hybrid model.
Ford Edge | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|
Midsize SUV | Compact SUV | Midsize SUV |
Base four cylinder engine | Hybrid option | Base four cylinder engine |
Optional twin-turbo V6 engine | Base three cylinder engine | Optional twin-turbo V6 engine |
250-355 horsepower | 180-250 horsepower | 400 horsepower |
Standard front wheel drive | Optional four cylinder engine | Standard rear wheel drive |
19-21 mpg city / 26-29 mpg highway | 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway | 18-21 mpg city / 24-28 mpg highway |
Tows up to 3,500 lbs | Tows up to 3,500 lbs | Tows up to 5,600 lbs |
Edge Vs Escape Vs Explorer Exterior
The newest model year Escape and Explorer have undergone complete redesigns, including their exterior aesthetic. The Escape redesign paid particular attention to efficiency with new materials.
Ford Edge | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|
Six new color options | Complete redesign for 2020 | Complete redesign for 2020 |
Optional grille upgrade | Rounded features | Boxier features |
Eight wheel options | Increase length | Updated grille |
Available black roof rails | Lighter materials for improved fuel economy | New color options |


Edge Vs Escape Vs Explorer Seating/Storage/Cargo
The most important distinction between these three models is the seating capacity. The compact Escape and midsize Edge both seat five passengers. The Explorer is three rows and seats six to seven, depending whether you choose the second row as a bench seat or a captain's chairs configuration.
The next major difference is cargo space. The compact Escape, of course, has the lower maximum at 65.4 cubic feet. The midsize Explorer has the most at 87.8 cubic feet. However, comparing the two midsize options, the Edge and Explorer have a unique difference—without folding its two rear rows down, the Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The two-row Edge, with all rows up, has 39.2 cubic feet.
Ford Edge | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|
Five seats | Five seats | Six or seven seats |
Two rows | Two rows | Three rows |
Reclining rear seats | Standard cloth seats, option for synthetic or genuine leather | Standard cloth seats, optional tri-diamond leather |
Standard cloth seats, option for synthetic or genuine leather | Optional power-adjusting, heated, ventilated seats | Standard power adjusting front seats |
Standard 10-way power adjusting driver's seat | Cargo space of 33.5 to 65.4 cubic feet | Optional massaging seats |
Optional heated/ventilated seats | Cargo space 18.2 cubic feet to 87.8 cubic feet | |
Cargo space of 39.2 cubic feet to 73.4 cubic feet | Optional under-floor storage |

Edge Vs Escape Vs Explorer Technology
The midsize 2020 Ford Edge beats out the compact 2020 Ford Escape for standard technology features. The Explorer follows the Edge's leads with the addition of features throughout the cabin that assist rear-seat passengers, like more USB ports and rear seat entertainment.
Ford Edge | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|
Standard SYNC 3 system | Standard SYNC system | Two USB ports in front, two in second row |
8” touchscreen | Standard 4.3” touchscreen | Optional 10.1” portrait touchscreen |
Apple CarPlay | One USB port | Optional household outlet |
Android Auto | Available SYNC 3 system | Optional 12” driver display |
Amazon Alexa | Available 8” touchscreen | Optional rear seat entertainment |
Two USB ports | Available Apple CarPlay | |
Standard Wi-Fi | Available Android Auto | |
Standard satellite radio | Available satellite radio | |
Available rear seat entertainment | Available 10-speaker premium audio | |
Available 12-speaker premium audio | ||
Available voice commands |

Edge Vs Escape Vs Explorer Safety
All Fords are exceptionally safe vehicles for drivers in Louisville, KY. Each of these 2020 Ford SUVs comes with the CoPilot360 suite of advanced safety features. However, the Explorer adds in a few more features to help compensate for its larger size, such as side wind stabilization and hill descent assistance.
Ford Edge | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|
Adaptive cruise control | The Edge's features plus | The Escape's features plus |
Auto high-beam headlights | Active park assist 2.0 | 360-degree camera with washer |
Blind spot monitoring | Adaptive headlights | |
Cross-traffic alert | Reverse brake assist | |
Evasive steering assist | Forward & reverse sensing | |
Park assistance | Hill descent control | |
Lane keep assistance | Intelligent adaptive cruise control | |
Post collision braking | Side wind stabilization | |
Automatic wipers | ||
Reverse sensing | ||
Automatic emergency braking | ||
Rear view camera | ||
Trailer sway control |
Which Is Right For You?
Each of these 2020 Ford models is ideal for different priorities. If saving at the pump is important to you, the Ford Escape hybrid model may be the right choice. Overall savings are best with the low starting price of the compact Ford Escape.
Need to seat more than five? A six- or seven-passenger Ford Explorer will fit the bill. Towing more than 3,500 lbs? The hefty midsize Explorer allows the highest towing capacity. The Explorer provides the highest end luxury finishings, as well.
If you're okay with less tech to save more upfront, a base model Escape can work for you. Techies who want all the latest bells and whistles will need an upgraded Escape trim or a base Edge or Explorer model.
View Inventory
Why Buy From Heritage Ford?
Heritage Ford is the leading dealership near Louisville, KY for quality vehicles at affordable prices. The Ford legacy of well-built vehicles is combined with our unique ability to combine discounts, specials, and rebates for the lowest possible price. Our experienced sales, finance, and service teams work together to give you a true Ford experience worth bragging about.
View Inventory Call Us