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The classic battle of the SUVs: Ford Edge against the Ford Explorer. Most of the time, you hear of these battles being between two different companies, not one company with two outstanding SUVs.

How do you know which is better? Is the 2020 Ford Edge really better? Read on to find out more about these great SUVs and which wins this battle of the SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Edge is a great overall SUV

A 2020 Ford Edge on display at an auto show
A 2020 Ford Edge on display | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

As far as SUVs go, the Ford Edge isn’t cheap, but it’s also not as pricey as some of the others with a base MSRP of $31,100. The performance of the Edge has been improved, according to Consumer Reports.

For example, this SUV now has a better fuel economy and acceleration. For many drivers, the more important element is the standardization of key safety features across the model range.

Even with its upgrades and improvements, the Edge is pleasant to both drive and ride in, offering a well-rounded vehicle with impeccable handling, a quiet interior, and a steady ride.

Consumer Reports says that you’ll feel like you’re driving a premium, upscale vehicle, with a lower price. That’s a huge bonus for those that want more vehicle for their money.

The Ford Explorer is always a popular choice

The 2020 Explorer is a little more expensive than the Edge, it starts at $32,225 for the base model. Another problem is the 10 recalls on this model (per Consumer Reports). The 2020 model doesn’t look different from the 2019 model, but it’s been redesigned entirely.

It’s got a spacious and quiet cabin, which is great. Drivers will enjoy agile handling in this SUV. However, that’s where the good points seem to end. Consumer Reports said the engine is noisy and the transmission is clunky with a stiff-edged ride.

It isn’t that the Explorer is a bad car, but there just appear to be better options on the market. However, if you’ve got your heart set on a Ford SUV should you pick the Explorer over the Edge?

The 2020 Ford Edge is better than the Explorer if you don’t need all the room

There you have it: the Ford Edge and the Ford Explorer. Which is better? Both are fairly comparable. Even though the Explorer has a third seat option, it’s still not enough to make it better than the Edge.

For one thing, the Edge is cheaper. Although the initial base MSRP price is similar, once you start adding packages, there’s a gap of over $10,000 between the vehicles. That’s almost enough to buy another vehicle! 

There are two distinct differences between the Edge and the Explorer. The Edge made safety a standard across all models. This wasn’t mentioned for the Explorer, which leaves some people concerned.

The other thing is the ride quality. On this, the Edge could drive laps around the Explorer in superiority. Overall, it has been argued that the Edge is a better SUV than the Explorer, even with the optional third-row offered by the Explorer

We’re inclined to agree based on reading the reviews. The Edge seems to offer more, even without a third-row seat, at a lower price tag.

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