From the daily work that the Explorer is known for, to the utility duty that the Expedition is capable of, Ford makes a SUV for every family and every need. To understand the most unique and recent differences between the 2023 Explorer and Expedition, continue reading below.
What Are The Explorer and Expedition?
Although each vehicle proudly wears the Ford badge and has the option for three rows of seats, there are still many differences between these two large SUVs.
For those unfamiliar with these models, the Expedition is a noticeably larger and longer vehicle. It comes with 5 trim options: XL STX, XLT, Timberline, King Ranch, and Platinum. A great perk of the Ford Expedition is that it comes with a MAX option for the higher trim levels, which is even longer than the traditional Expedition.
The Ford Explorer is smaller than the Expedition but still can seat 7 passengers. It is also the more customizable SUV with 8 trim options: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. Even the base model has a plethora of standard features, helping customers on a budget stay within a price they feel good about. The higher trim levels each have their own style, from luxury, to sporty, to country, and more.
For customers that are serious about buying their next 3-row Ford and want to know the technical differences between each model, check out our in-depth comparison below.
5 Differences Between The Ford Explorer to the Ford Expedition
1. Different Sizes
As noted before, the Explorer is the smaller and more customizable cousin of the hearty Expedition. Even though the Explorer is smaller, it still has plenty of headroom and legroom for one comfortable ride.
| Section | 2023 Explorer | 2023 Expedition |
| Front row headroom | 38.9 to 40.7 inches | 42 inches |
| Front row legroom | 43 inches | 43.9 inches |
| Second row headroom | 38.2 to 40.5 inches | 40 inches |
| Second row legroom | 39 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Third row headroom | 38.9 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Third row legroom | 32.2 inches | 36.1 inches |
For large families that need extra space for carpooling, luggage, and utility work, check out the Expedition. It has at least 2 more inches of head and legroom compared to the Explorer. As far as passenger volume goes, the Explorer has 152.7 cubic feet of people room, and the Expedition and Expedition MAX have about 172 cubic feet of space.
Some customers don’t necessarily need to worry about passenger space but have a more significant need for cargo storage. Here, Ford does not disappoint. The Explorer has 18.2 inches of storage space behind the third row and the Expedition has 19.3 inches.
The Expedition MAX has an impressive 34.3 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, nearly double that of the Explorer!
2. Different Performance Options
Ford has a plethora of engine options, making a vehicle curated for your needs. Whether you are in need of a large SUV that’s powerful for towing, or a vehicle efficient for daily errands, we have you covered.
| Section | 2023 Explorer | 2023 Expedition |
| Horsepower | 300 horsepower for lower trims | 380 to 400 horsepower (depending on the trim) |
| Drivetrain | RWD, AWD an option | RWD, AWD an option |
| Engine | 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine 3-liter EcoBoost V6 optional 3.3-liter hybrid optional | 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost Twin-turbo vehicle |
| Torque | 310 to 415 lb-ft | 470 to 510 lb-ft |
| Hybrid | Hybrid available | Hybrid unavailable |
| Fuel Economy | Gas: 21 city/28 highwayHybrid: 27 city/28 highway | 19 combined/17 city/ 23 highway |
Family comes first for Ford. The Explorer SUV has a lower horsepower for more efficient fuel economy, along with three engine options: a 2.3-liter Ecoboost, a 3-liter V6, and a 3.3-liter hybrid option. All of Ford’s large SUV models have RWD as standard but have the option for AWD. Plus, the 2023 Explorer has a hybrid option available in higher trim levels. This makes the Explorer the perfect transition vehicle if you are wanting to try out a hybrid.
However, the Expedition is the more powerful vehicle. In higher trim levels, the Expedition hosts 400 horses behind the wheel. This is a twin-turbo vehicle that can have up to 510 lb-ft of torque. Plus, if the correct packages or trim level is chosen, the 2023 Expedition can pull up to 9,000 pounds! If fuel economy is less of a concern for you, and you need cargo and passenger space, check out the Expedition or Expedition MAX.
3. Different Trim Levels
There are so many Expedition and Explorer options to choose from! If you want a luxury vehicle, check out the King Ranch, Timberline, or Platinum trims available for Expedition and Explorer vehicles. If you’re all in for Ford’s reliability but are on a bit of a budget, the Explorer has fantastic standard features for its base model.
The base 2023 Explorer has 8 cloth seats, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Terrain Management System. This feature can switch your vehicle from 2WD to Intelligent 4WD for different terrains. There are also seven drive modes which include Normal, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, Slippery, Sport, Tow, and Eco Mode which help with fuel economy. This model has an MSRP of nearly $37,000.
The Expedition XL STX is the base model and is a bit more pricey than the Explorer thanks to its extra cargo compatibility, 12-inch horizontal touchscreen, and interior gadgets. The base model has 5 passenger seating, perfect for a smaller family ready for adventure. The outside is just as gorgeous as the inside, leaving many buyers feeling no need to elevate to a higher trim.
Like in tailored Ford fashion, the Expedition and Explorer have 14 trim options combined. The King Ranch is one luxury trim available for both vehicle models. It sports a brown leather interior with Western-style details and authentic wood accents. For customers that are off-road enthusiasts, the Timberline trim is also available for both vehicles. The vehicle is equipped with an underbody skid plate to protect the SUV and is available in AWD only. For those looking for true luxury, a Platinum trim is available for the Explorer and Expedition.
4. Different Ways To Organize Interior Room
Both of these vehicles are excellent family rides. The Expedition comes with a cargo storage net to keep your belongings organized, while the Explorer makes great use of its over 150 cubic feet of passenger storage.
Ford has its complementary LATCH attachments for both of these large SUVs. LATCH attachments, which stand for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, allow easy access for car seat installment, making each model great for carpooling or family road trips.
Speaking of family road trips, both the Explorer and Expedition have plenty of Driver Aids as standard. This includes AdvanceTrac Roll Stability Control, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and a Front Passenger Knee Airbag. For your convenience, both vehicles have Belt-Minder which chimes when safety belts are unlocked.
5. Different Towing Options
Family matters, but so does having sufficient power for the activities you love. Ford has combined the two with its impressive towing aids, letting your Expedition or Explorer tow 4-wheel toys, boats, and more.
| Section | 2023 Explorer Towing Maximum | 2023 Expedition Towing Maximum |
| 2.3-liter EcoBoost | 5,300 lbs | n/a |
| 3-liter EcoBoost | 5,600 lbs | n/a |
| 3.3-liter Hybrid | 5,000 lbs | n/a |
| 3.5-liter EcoBoost | n/a | 6,000 lbs standard, 9,300 lbs with towing package |
If your 2023 Explorer is purchased with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package, it can haul up to 5,600 lbs. Conversely, if you add on the Heavy-Duty Tow Package for the Expedition, you can expect your large SUV to haul up an amazing 9,300 lbs! For standard vehicles, the Expedition can still tow 6,000 lbs.
Buy Your Family-Friendly Ford Today
Are you interested in checking out the differences between the Explorer and Expedition in person? Look no further than your local Earnhardt Ford dealership. Here, we can set up a test drive for you to see which vehicle suits your needs.
To set up an appointment or get more details on our inventory, call us. Feel free to use our online chat for more answers to your questions from the comfort of your home.
Isabelle Justice 