2022 Ford Escape vs. Ford Explorer: Whatā€™s the Difference?

Are you looking for an SUV with a stellar reputation and the latest features and technology? You may be looking at the 2022 Ford Escape and the 2022 Ford Explorer as options. But what are the differences between these two models? The team at Hawk Ford of St. Charles has put together this 2022 Ford Escape vs. Ford Explorer comparison to help you decide which SUV is right for you.

If youā€™re interested in learning more, you can find the 2022 Ford Escape for sale at our Ford dealership in St. Charles, IL. We also have multiple models of the 2022 Ford Explorer for sale, and you can get a great deal with a 2022 Ford Escape lease deal or a 2022 Ford Explorer lease deal. If you have any questions, visit us in person, call us at (630) 5843-1800, or reach out to us online.

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2022 Ford Escape vs. Explorer

2022 Ford Escape vs. Explorer Summary

The 2022 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV designed for ultimate capability and offers three rows of seats for up to seven passengers. The 2022 Ford Escape is a compact SUV with a two-row, five-seat configuration and plenty of in-cabin amenities to keep the everyday drive comfortable and connected. The Escape starts at $26,510 MSRP, while the larger Explorer starts at $33,745 MSRP.

2022 Ford Escape vs. Explorer Performance

Youā€™ll find energetic performance and available all-wheel drive (AWD) options with both the 2022 Ford Escape and 2022 Ford Explorer. The sporty Escape features two gas engine options, a hybrid powertrain, and a plug-in hybrid option, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD available depending on powertrain. The Explorer offers two powerful gas powertrains, a capable hybrid option with up to 400 horsepower, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. Information on available powertrains can be found in the table.

2022 Ford Escape

Engine Horsepower Torque MPG
1.5L EcoBoostĀ® I3 181 HP 190 lb.-ft. of torque 28 city/34 hwy
2.0L EcoBoost I4 250 HP 280 lb.-ft. of torque 22 city/31 hwy
2.5L iVCT Hybrid I4 200 system HP 155 lb.-ft. of torque 43 city/37 hwy
2.5L iVCT Plug-in Hybrid I4 221 system HP 155 lb.-ft. of torque 105 combined MPGe

2022 Ford Explorer

Engine Horsepower Torque MPG
2.3L EcoBoost I4 300 HP 310 lb-ft. of torque 21 city/28 hwy
3.0L EcoBoost V6 400 HP 415 lb-ft. of torque 18 city/26 hwy
3.3L Hybrid V6 318 HP 322 lb-ft. of torque 27 city/28 hwy
2022 Ford Escape towing a boat

2022 Ford Escape

2022 Ford Explorer towing a boat

2022 Ford Explorer

2022 Ford Escape vs. Explorer Interior

Both the 2022 Ford Escape or 2022 Ford Explorer offer a range of amenities within a refined interior. The Explorer, with its larger size, offers heated second-row captainā€™s chairs, PowerFoldĀ® third-row seats, and tri-zone automatic temperature control in addition to 12- or 14-speaker B&OĀ® sound systems by Bang & OlufsenĀ® and a wireless charging pad thatā€™s optional on the Escape. Del Rio leather-trimmed seating is available on the Explorer, with cloth or ActiveXā„¢ upholstery also available on both models. Youā€™ll find these features available on both the Escape and Explorer:

  • Heated front-row seats and heated steering wheel
  • Power-adjustable front seats
  • Remote start
  • Intelligent access with push button start
  • USB and 12V power outlets
  • Ambient lighting
2022 Ford Escape interior front

2022 Ford Escape

2022 Ford Explorer interior front

2022 Ford Explorer

2022 Ford Escape vs. Explorer Exterior

The arresting, stylish design of the 2022 Ford Escape and 2022 Ford Explorer will turn heads on the highway, and both sport an array of practical convenience features. The Explorer uniquely offers PowerFold side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and memory, while youā€™ll find all of these available features on both models:

  • Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
  • LED headlamps and fog lamps
  • LED signature lighting
  • Configurable daytime running lamps
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Rain-sensing wipers
2022 Ford Escape parked by modern building

2022 Ford Escape

2022 Ford Explorer parked by cabin

2022 Ford Explorer

2022 Ford Escape vs. Explorer Technology

Both the 2022 Ford Escape and 2022 Ford Explorer feature the latest in on-the-road connectivity and infotainment technologies. Stay engaged and entertained with these tech features, available on both models:

  • SYNC® 3 infotainment system
  • FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-fi® hotspot capability
  • Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
  • MyKey® configurable key system
  • SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad

2022 Ford Escape vs. Explorer Safety

Safety is paramount for you and your family, and the cutting-edge driver assistance and safety technology youā€™ll find on both the 2022 Ford Escape and 2022 Ford Explorer is engineered to make you feel confident like never before. Youā€™ll find the following available features to help keep you safe and in control when youā€™re driving these models:

  • Ford Co-Pilot 360™ driver assistance suite
  • AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)
  • Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane keeping system
  • Curve control
  • BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition
  • Co-Pilot360 Assist+ (optional on Escape)
  • Trailer sway control (Explorer only)
  • Terrain Management System™ (Explorer only)
2022 Ford Escape infotainment sysem

2022 Ford Escape

2022 Ford Explorer high beams

2022 Ford Explorer

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2525 East Main Street, Saint Charles, IL, 60174
Hawk Ford of St. Charles 41.920943, -088.284530.