2022 Ford Explorer vs. Edge - What’s the Difference?

The 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Ford Edge are both great choices for your next SUV — but what is the difference between the two? Our team at Spirit Ford compiled the following comparison guide to help with your research. 

Find the Ford Explorer for sale and Ford Edge for sale at our dealership in Dundee, MI. Plus, we have a Ford Explorer lease deal or Ford Edge lease deal to accompany your choice SUV. If you’d like to set up a test drive or have any questions, give us a call at (734) 529-5521 or send us a message. 

Summary

The 2022 Ford Explorer is a three-row, mid-size SUV that has three engine options, including a hybrid powertrain.

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Off-road amenities
• Upscale cabin
• Standard driver assistance features

The 2022 Ford Edge is a two-row, mid-size SUV that has two engine options.

• Standard intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Tech-focused interior
• Wireless smartphone connectivity
• Standard driver assistance features

Power & Handling

The power of choice is yours when it comes to which engine you’d like to equip within your Ford Edge or Ford Explorer. The Edge has two engine options, and the Explorer has three options — including a hybrid option. If you’re looking for maximum towing capacity, opt for the Explorer, as you’ll receive between 5,000 and 6,500 pounds towing capacity. Don’t need to tow heavier items? The Edge has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which will suffice for lighter items such as jet skis or ATVs. Take a look at the following table to learn more about the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer engine options. 

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy you receive will depend on which engine you choose to equip with your Ford Edge or Explorer. The 2022 Ford Edge has between 21 and 23 combined MPG ratings. Likewise, the 2022 Ford Explorer has between 19 and 27 combined MPG ratings. 

Exterior Design

Whether you choose the 2022 Ford Explorer or 2022 Ford Edge, you’ll be driving an SUV that has sleek and stylish design. The Explorer boasts a more boxy styling, with prominent headlights and a narrow grille. The Edge is more rounded, with distinct contour lines and a wider grille. Some shared exterior features include: 

• Premium LED lighting
• Power liftgate
• Heated, power side view mirrors
• Available moonroof

Interior Options

Both the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer are in the mid-size SUV segment, but the main difference between the two comes down to seating and cargo space. The Edge is a five-passenger, two-row SUV with a passenger volume of 113.9 cubic-feet and a maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cubic-feet. On the other hand, the Explorer is a seven-passenger, three-row SUV that has a passenger volume of 152.7 cubic-feet and a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic-feet. 

Dual-zone climate control is standard on the Edge, and tri-zone climate control is standard on the Explorer. Both models offer cloth, ActiveX™, or leather upholstery, as well as heated front seats. The Explorer takes it up a notch with standard ventilated front seats and heated rear seats on higher trims, features that are available, but not standard, on the Edge. Other shared amenities include a push button start, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat. 

Technology

A connected drive is a good drive, and you’re sure to stay connected when you drive the 2022 Ford Explorer or 2022 Ford Edge. On both models you’ll be able to blast your music through a six-speaker sound system, and a premium 12-speaker B&O® sound system by Bang & Olufsen on higher trim levels. Enjoy an available wireless charging pad, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, and voice-activated navigation on the Edge and Explorer. 

The base 2022 Ford Explorer trim is standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, as well as the FordPass™ Connect Wi-Fi® hotspot display. Higher Explorer trims receive the SYNC® 3 voice-activated navigation system and an available 10-inch touchscreen display. In comparison, the 2022 Ford Edge is standard with the next-generation SYNC 4A infotainment system with a 12-inch vertical touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and FordPass Connect.  

Safety

Safety is the top priority in the 2022 Ford Edge and 2022 Ford Explorer. Both SUVs are standard with Ford-CoPilot360™, a suite of intelligent driver assistance features that supplement your drive. Additionally, you’ll find traditional safety features such as a tire pressure monitoring system, Belt-Minder® seatbelt reminder, and remote keyless entry. 

Available Ford Co-Pilot360 features include: 

• BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
• Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping system
• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
• Post-collision braking
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
• Auto high-beam headlights
• Rear view camera with washer
• Intelligent adaptive cruise control