Today’s SUVs are powerful yet fuel-efficient. This year’s Ford Expedition and Ford Explorer are fantastic examples of modern SUVs equipped with beefy engines and significant towing capacity, as well as modern upgrades. These two popular Ford SUVs are very similar, but they have a few slight differences.
Are you in the market for a quality SUV? Here’s what you need to know about the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Ford Explorer.
Size
Let’s start with the most obvious difference — size. Both the Expedition and the Explorer are powerful SUVs with robust towing capacities, but the Expedition is the larger vehicle. The right choice for your lifestyle depends on the size of the load you need to carry and how many passengers you want to fit in your car.
The Expedition seats eight people, while the Explorer seats seven. The number for both vehicles drops by one If you opt for second-row captain’s chairs.
When you compare the two vehicle’s towing capacities, the size difference becomes even more apparent. The Ford Expedition sets the standard in its class. Fully equipped, it can tow up to 9,300 pounds. The Ford Explorer, by contrast, can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
Performance
The 2021 Ford Explorer’s exterior looks the same as in previous years. However, 2021 Explorers do look different underneath their hoods.
These SUVs are both equipped with powerhouse engines. The 2021 Ford Expedition base model carries a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 capable of producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. If you need more muscle, you can look at the Platinum trim, where those numbers become 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
You have a few options for your engine with the 2021 Ford Explorer. Drivers who stick with the standard model will sit behind the wheel of a vehicle boasting a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 300 horsepower. Stray from the standard model, and you can choose between two twin-turbocharged V-6 engines and a hybrid. One V-6 puts out 365 horsepower, while the other puts out 400. If you’re interested in the hybrid model, you’re looking at an electric motor with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that puts out 318 horsepower.
Both SUVs have meaty powertrains. The Ford Expedition has more power overall, but the Ford Explorer provides more options. The SUV’s graceful handling is particularly pronounced when you’re towing cargo because of the improved rear-wheel-drive platform Ford introduced in 2020.
Interior Upgrades
Your vehicle’s interior isn’t the first thing you notice, but it plays a big role in your comfort level inside the car. A stellar infotainment system or state-the-art speakers can turn driving into a joy.
Having enough space is critical as well. Ford SUVs have lots of cargo space, and the Explorer and the Expedition are no exceptions to this rule. The Expedition is larger than the Explorer, but clever Ford design means that both SUVs take advantage of all of the interior space available. The non-MAX models of the 2021 Ford Expedition boast a maximum cargo space of 104.6 cubic feet behind the front row seats. The 2021 Ford Explorer’s cargo capacity, meanwhile, hits 87.8 cubic feet. Store your children’s sports gear, luggage for your road trip, or furniture pieces for your home. There’s a good chance that you can make all of it fit.
Inside the standard Explorer, you’ll find an 8-inch touch-screen display and Ford’s SYNC 3 interface. Switch to a flashier trim, and you’ll see a 10.1-inch vertically integrated screen. Easily sync your phone and play your own media with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Ford Expedition has all the same entertainment technology as the Explorer, as well as a few extra features, such as keyless ignition and a panoramic sunroof.
You can deck out the interior of either SUV in premium leather if you decide to spring for an upgrade. Otherwise, you can enjoy the easy upkeep of cloth upholstery.
Safety
Both Ford SUVs received stellar safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with each vehicle earning five out of five stars in overall safety. Another reason why you might like either vehicle is that they can both be outfitted with the Ford Safety Canopy system, which features ceiling airbags that provide extra protection for backseat passengers. It’s the perfect feature for large families.
Ford Co-Pilot360 is also standard. This package includes myriad additional features, such as automatic high-beam headlights, lane keep assist, a pre-collision system, and post-collision braking. The pre-collision system helps you and your passengers stay safe by alerting you when a collision is about to occur and implementing automatic emergency braking to mitigate damages. You’re in control of the car every step of the way, but these aids help you operate the vehicle safely.
The Expedition is packed with a few more extra features than the Explorer offers. Rear backup cameras and parking sensors are standard with every model of the Expedition.
Off-Roading
Anyone who plans to go off-roading should seriously think about the 2021 Ford Expedition. It’s perfect for outdoor adventure enthusiasts because of its optional four-wheel-drive package and tall ground clearance. It’s not the best vehicle to take into extreme wilderness environments, but it’s ideal for cruising to dusty campsites and traversing some challenging terrain. The 2021 Ford Explorer is better suited for city adventures and fun drives to the beach. Its spacious interior and strong engine will have you covered, whether you’re transporting a group of friends or a personal watercraft or two. Choosing the right SUV will make exploring the outdoors or hauling gear much more manageable.
The 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Ford Expedition have a lot of similarities. They’re both reliable, well-made SUVs with powerful engines under the hood. The Ford Expedition impresses by its size, but the Ford Explorer offers many of the same advantages and comes in at a lower price point. Can’t decide which SUV is the right fit for your household? Stop by Wendle Ford for a test drive and let us answer any questions you have to help you make this important decision for your next vehicle purchase. You can also give us a call or visit our website to check out our expansive inventory.
Featured images via Ford
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