Ford Explorer vs Expedition
Explore the Different Ford SUVs For Sale in Downers Grove, IL
Selecting the ideal three-row family vehicle is a major milestone for growing suburban households. At Packey Webb Ford, we know that choosing between the agile midsize 2026 Ford Explorer and the full-size 2026 Ford Expedition comes down to your daily routine, passenger needs, and towing demands. This comprehensive comparison put together by the team at our Ford dealership in Downers Grove, IL will evaluate both of these popular utility vehicles side-by-side to help you make the right choice for your driveway.
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer or Expedition Right For Me?
Performance and Fuel Economy
| Specification | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Ford Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Engine | 2.3L | 3.5L |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
Each of these SUVs have distinct driving personalities, largely shaped by their powertrains and chassis designs. The 2026 Explorer is remarkably nimble, making it easy to park and maneuver through local school zones. The Active and Platinum trims are powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth ten-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking sports-car performance in a family wrapper, the Explorer ST features a potent 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 pumping out 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The heavy-duty Expedition relies on pure muscle, with every trim coming standard with a robust 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine generating a commanding 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. This truck-based powertrain allows the Expedition to tow up to 6,000 lbs in its base configuration, and up to a massive 9,600 lbs on properly equipped 4WD models like the King Ranch or Platinum.
While the Explorer offers a car-like ride and an impressive miles per gallon rating of 20 in the city, 29 on the highway, and 24 combined, the larger Expedition sacrifices some efficiency for its brute strength, returning 16 in the city, 24 on the highway, and 19 combined.
Space
| Specification | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Ford Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo | 16.3 cu ft | 22.9 cu ft |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Seating | 7 | 8 |
| Curb weight | 4,312 lbs | 5,404 lbs |
| Payload | 1,519 lbs | 1,971 lbs |
| MPG | 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined | 16 city / 24 hwy / 19 combined |
The midsize Explorer comes standard with a six-passenger seating configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs, though an optional second-row bench seat can expand total capacity to seven passengers. Behind its third row, the Explorer provides about 16 cu ft of cargo space, which is plenty of room for school backpacks or a weekly grocery run, but it can feel tight when the vehicle is fully loaded for a long family road trip.
The full-size Expedition increases the cabin volume dramatically, as the Expedition comes standard with an eight-passenger seating configuration, utilizing a second-row bench and a spacious third row, and higher trims like the King Ranch and Platinum offer a seven-passenger layout with ultra-premium Del Rio or Sanctuary leather captain’s chairs. Behind the third row, the Expedition boasts roughly 23 cu ft of cargo space, which expands even further on trims like the Platinum to around 32 cu ft of usable space.
Safety
The 2026 Explorer comes standard with the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite. This package includes vital active safety technologies such as:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane-Keeping System
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and trailer coverage
Passive safety is equally robust, featuring eight standard airbags, including dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, and Safety Canopy side curtains covering all three rows.
The 2026 Expedition matches this high standard of protection with its own Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 suite. Because the Expedition is frequently used for heavy-duty hauling, it adds specialized trailering safety features like:
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist
- Pro Trailer Hitch Assist as standard equipment
- 360-degree camera system
Both vehicles can be equipped with Ford BlueCruise, allowing for hands-free highway driving on pre-mapped divided highways, which significantly reduces driver fatigue during long road trips.
Technology
The technology inside both of these SUVs turns the cabin into a modern, connected workspace, with the Explorer featuring a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen center display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Powered by the Ford Digital Experience, it features built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, audiophiles will appreciate the available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with up to 14 speakers on the Platinum trim.
The Expedition takes cabin technology in a more futuristic direction, featuring a breathtaking 24-inch panoramic instrument panel display that sits high on the dashboard, working in tandem with a 13.2-inch center stack touchscreen. This dual-screen layout allows the driver to keep navigation maps directly in their line of sight while passengers manage media on the lower screen. For the ultimate audio experience, the Expedition King Ranch and Platinum trims offer the available B&O Unleashed Sound System featuring an astonishing 22 speakers and a dedicated subwoofer.
Visit Our Downers Grove Ford Dealership
The Explorer and Expedition are each Ford SUVs that provide incredible power and usefulness, with the former acting as an excellent daily driver while the latter is incredible for longer trips that require more space. Get a closer look at either vehicle by scheduling a test drive at our Ford dealership in Downers Grove, IL. If you have any other questions about these models or how they compared to other vehicles in our lineup, just contact us online at Packey Webb Ford.
