Shopping for a new SUV? The best-selling 2021 Ford Explorer is still the longstanding companion on highways across America, but the 2021 Ford Expedition bleeds red, white, and blue with its classic body-on-frame construction and domineering road presence.
You can discover which Ford stable SUV is the best choice for you when we review some of the most important factors buyers consider when cross-shopping the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Ford Explorer lineups. And if you like what you see, you can test drive each side-by-side when you visit the team here at Akins Ford in Atlanta, GA.
2021 Ford Expedition |
vs |
2021 Ford Explorer |
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$49,025 | Starting MSRP | $32,225 |
17 city/23 hwy mpg | Fuel Economy | 21 city/26 hwy mpg |
Up to 8 passengers | Seating Capacity | Up to 7 passengers |
20.9 - 36.0 cubic feet | Cargo Volume | 18.2 cubic feet |
The largest SUV in the Ford stable, the 2021 Ford Expedition offers more legroom and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats. The cargo area is just slightly bigger than what you’ll find in the Explorer—unless you opt for the Expedition MAX. This extended-wheelbase variant has a cargo volume of 36.0 cubic feet. That’s nearly 2x the cargo space of the Explorer. All versions of the 2021 Ford Expedition are motivated by a formidable 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6. On most models this equates to 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, except for the Expedition Platinum, which earns 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. That all leads to an impressive tow rating of up to 9,300 lbs.
The 2021 Ford Explorer is the smaller SUV of the two, which lends to more frugal fuel economy ratings across powertrain options. Though not quite as large as the Expedition, the Ford Explorer is plenty spacious and even more so well equipped thanks to its recent redesign. The 2021 Ford Explorer has three engine choices, including a standard 300-horsepower EcoBoost® and an available 318-horsepower hybrid system that pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor. The top two trim levels feature a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 that delivers 365 horsepower in the Explorer Platinum, 400 horsepower in the performance-tuned Explorer ST.
Our verdict? The 2021 Ford Expedition is a great choice for active families looking for something with lofty towing abilities. If that doesn’t sound like a perfect match, the 2021 Ford Explorer will likely prove a better fit. The SUV’s versatile lineup features variants with hybrid powertrains, luxurious trappings, Ford ST-grade performance, and even more configurations to meet different lifestyles. Perhaps that’s why the Explorer is America’s best-selling SUV of all time.