Ford Escape vs Ford Explorer
Ford Escape
Ford Explorer
Compare New Ford SUVs: How the Efficient Escape Stacks Up Against the Beloved Explorer
Which new Ford SUV is made for life in Missouri? The Ford Explorer and Ford Escape are both fantastic choices for active individuals and growing families, but each SUV brings unique traits to the table. Comparing new Ford SUVs is essential before upgrading. You can learn more about the new Ford SUVs for sale in Bowling Green, MO, at Poage Ford by diving into our comparative analysis. Our team has put together a comprehensive comparison of the fuel-efficient Ford Escape and the family-friendly Ford Explorer.
What's New for 2026?
This is the last hurrah for the Ford Escape. The beloved compact SUV enters its final model year, as Escape production will halt following 2026. This means this is the last chance for Louisiana, MO, motorists to drive off in a new Ford Escape. The 2026 Ford Explorer adds the off-road Tremor model to the lineup. Ford Explorer SUVs equipped with BlueCruise now include an Automatic Lane Change feature to help you spend more time driving hands-free through traffic in St. Louis, MO.
Which Ford SUV Should You Choose?
Performance
Hauling a trailer on a family trip? Consider the Ford Explorer, which has a higher maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Ford Escape has a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The new Ford Explorer SUVs for sale in Bowling Green, MO, are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford Escape models work with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while hybrid models operate with an eCVT.
Ford Escape Hybrid models earn 42 city mpg on the streets of St. Louis, MO. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a 101 MPGe rating and offers nearly 40 miles of electric range, so you can make it to St. Louis without any fuel consumption. The Ford Explorer delivers an additional 120 standard horsepower and has a more powerful EcoBoost® V6 engine.
Ford Escape Engines
- 1.5-liter EcoBoost® inline-three engine: 180 horsepower, 199 pound-feet of torque
- 2.0-liter EcoBoost® turbocharged four-cylinder engine: 250 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque
- 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson Cycle inline-four hybrid engine: 192 total system horsepower
- 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson Cycle inline-four plug-in hybrid engine: 210 total system horsepower
Ford Explorer Engines
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost® turbocharged four-cylinder engine: 300 horsepower, 310 pound-feet of torque
- 3.0-liter EcoBoost® twin-turbocharged V6 engine: 385 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque
Interior and Practicality
The Ford Escape is a five-passenger SUV. The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV with seating for six or seven. As you shop for new Ford Explorer SUVs near Pittsfield, IL, you can find models with second-row captain's chairs and seating for six. Made for family road trips, the new Ford Explorer expands from 16 to 86 cubic feet of cargo space. Enjoy shopping sprees in St. Louis, MO, with the Ford Escape, which offers 38 to 65 cubic feet of cargo space. Parents will appreciate the 43 inches of front-row legroom in the Ford Explorer, which has 150 cubic feet of passenger volume.
Technology
New Ford Escape models feature SYNC® 4 and wireless Apple CarPlay®. Families from Vandalia, MO, can experience a new wave of technology in the Ford Explorer, which now features the Ford Digital Experience. You have access to everything you love about your digital life while you're on the road. The new Ford Explorer comes with a standard 13.2-inch center display. Select Ford Escape models, including the PHEV model, feature a 13.2-inch center display. Many choose the new Ford Explorer for the SUV's exclusive BlueCruise setup.
VEHICLE COMPARISON
| Ford Escape | Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| City/Hwy/Combined MPG | 27 / 34 / 30 MPG | 20 / 27 / 23 MPG |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive | All wheel drive |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Cargo Space | 37.5 cu. ft. | 16.3 cu. ft. |
| Starting MSRP | $31,845 | $42,260 |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Only the Ford Explorer offers third-row seating and captain's chairs.
The Ford Explorer offers considerably more cargo space. You have access to an additional 21 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the seats of the Ford Explorer.
Yes, there are hybrid powertrains for the Escape. Thanks to its unique hybrid engine, the Ford Escape is the more fuel-efficient SUV.
The Ford Explorer caters to family life, much to the delight of Louisiana, MO, households. A Ford Explorer offers more interior space and family entertainment.
Yes. The Escape has FWD and AWD options, while the Explorer has RWD and 4WD options. The Ford Escape offers available All-Wheel Drive if you need a compact SUV with extra traction control. Choose a Ford Explorer equipped with Intelligent 4WD for all-weather confidence.
Final Verdict: Escape vs Explorer
The Ford Escape is a more efficient and maneuverable SUV, but time is running out on the compact marvel. The Ford Explorer has three rows of seats and is more geared toward family travel.
Test Drive New Ford SUVs at Poage Ford - Proudly Celebrating 66 Years in Business
Poage Ford is celebrating 66 years in business, and we invite you to visit our showroom to get seated in the Escape and Explorer. Pick out a new Escape or Explorer from Poage Ford. Then explore financing and leasing options. You can buy or lease a new Ford SUV and travel in the fuel-efficient Escape or roomy Explorer. Don't forget to value your trade to make a bigger down payment on your next Ford Escape or Ford Explorer SUV. Want to gain additional insight? Visit our Ford dealership in Bowling Green, MO, to test drive both the Escape and the Explorer.
How can we help?
* Indicates a required field
-
Poage Ford
1110 Bus. Hwy 61 South
Bowling Green, MO 63334
- Sales: (573) 324-5130
Loading Map...