Ford Escape vs. Explorer
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Escape - What’s the Difference?
What do you need from your new SUV? Two or three rows of seats? Thrilling power or exciting efficiency? Space, style, and smarts? Your answers to these questions will help determine whether the 2022 Ford Explorer or 2022 Ford Escape is the right choice for you. The team at Imlay City Ford compiled the key differences between these two SUVs for you in the following comparison so you can focus your shopping efforts.
Once you preview the key differences, schedule a test drive with your preferred Escape or Explorer from the new vehicle inventory at our Imlay City, MI, Ford dealership. See whether our Escape lease offer or Explorer lease offer is a fit for you, and contact our team online or by calling (810) 724-5900 with any questions.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Escape Summary
From various engine options to interior space considerations, there are some significant differences to consider in the 2022 Ford Explorer vs. the 2022 Ford Escape. Preview some of the key differences below, then keep reading to get more specifics.
Pricing
The 2022 Ford Escape starts at $26,510 MSRP, while the 2022 Ford Explorer starts at $33,745 MSRP.
Performance
The Explorer offers significantly more power, but you get better fuel economy in the Ford Escape.
Size
Fit more people and cargo inside the Explorer.
Unique Trims
The Explorer is available in unique trims like the rugged Timberline, bold ST, and southwest styled King Ranch®.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Escape Power & Handling
Both the 2022 Explorer and Escape are available with EcoBoost gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain, but the Explorer makes up to 400 horsepower and the plug-in hybrid Escape offers tremendous fuel efficiency.
If you foresee some off-road adventures in your future, consider the Explorer Timberline with features like steel skid plates and 3.58 TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential. Load up the family for your next vacation with the camper in tow with either SUV — the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds while the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds. Learn more on our Ford SUV towing capacity page.
2022 Ford Escape
1.5L EcoBoost I3
Horsepower: 181 HP
Torque: 190 lb.-ft.
Drivetrains: RWD or Intelligent 4WD
2.0L EcoBoost I4
Horsepower: 250 HP
Torque: 280 lb.-ft.
Drivetrains: RWD or Intelligent 4WD
2.5L iVCT Atkinson cycle hybrid
Horsepower: 200 total system HP
Drivetrains: RWD or Intelligent 4WD
2.5L iVCT Atkinson cycle I4 plug-in hybrid
Horsepower: 221 total system HP
Drivetrains: RWD or Intelligent 4WD
2022 Ford Explorer
2.3L EcoBoost I4
Horsepower: 300 HP
Torque: 310 lb.-ft.
Drivetrains: FWD or AWD
3.0L EcoBoost V6
Horsepower: 400 HP
Torque: 410 lb.-ft.
Drivetrains: FWD or AWD
3.3L Hybrid
Horsepower: 318 total system HP
Torque: 322 lb.-ft. of total system torque
Drivetrains: FWD or AWD
Fuel Economy
The Explorer hybrid gets up to 27 city and 28 highway MPG, while the Escape hybrid gets up to 44 city and 37 highway MPG. The Escape plug-in hybrid powertrain gets up to 105 combined gas and electric MPGe.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Escape Exterior Design
The Explorer is over 18 inches longer than the Escape and offers up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance in the Timberline trim. To accommodate its larger size, the Explorer rolls on 18- to 21-inch aluminum wheels, while the Escape has standard 17-inch steel wheels and up to 19-inch aluminum wheels. You’ll get LED headlights on the Escape Titanium and standard automatic LED low beams on the Explorer or available adaptive headlamps with LED signature lighting.
2022 Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Escape
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Escape Interior Options
For its two-row size, the Escape offers a spacious cargo area — up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. However, the three-row Explorer gives you up to 87.8 cubic feet of space with all the seats folded down or 18.2 cubic feet with all three rows in use. That extra row allows you to seat up to seven people inside the Explorer, versus five total in the Escape.
Treat your passengers to road-trip-ready heated second-row captain’s chairs and tri-zone automatic climate control in the Explorer. The Escape Titanium gives you a comfortable cabin with ActiveX™ or available leather seat upholstery. Upper-level Explorer trims deliver luxurious interior experiences. Enjoy the journey seated on Del Rio leather in the King Ranch. Or relax with the tri-diamond perforated leather upholstery and available Active Motion® seats of the Explorer Limited.
Refer to our 2022 Explorer trims page or 2022 Escape trims page for details on feature availability.
2022 Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Escape
2022 Ford Escape
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Escape Technology
SYNC® 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen is standard in the Explorer, while the same system is included in the Escape SEL trim and up. You can upgrade the tech in your Explorer with the available Premium Technology Package, which includes a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen among other features. A head-up display is available in the Escape via the Titanium Elite Package.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Escape Safety
Drive with confidence no matter which SUV you choose. Both are equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology, including BLIS® (blind spot information system) and a lane-keeping system, as standard equipment plus Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ in higher trims. The Escape offers torque vectoring control and a 360-degree camera is included with select Explorer trims.
2022 Ford Explorer
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)