If you're considering a new family SUV in Austintown, the Ford Escape and Ford Explorer are two great contenders. While the Escape promises better gas mileage and easier parking — perfect for solo grocery runs and school pickups — the spacious Explorer offers plenty of room for your growing crew, plus all their gear. Choosing the right car isn't just about the vehicle; it's about finding the right partner for soccer practice carpools, weekend camping trips, and everything in between.
Design and Dimensions
Walk around both SUVs and you'll immediately notice some differences. The Escape is more compact at 180.5 inches long, 74.1 inches wide, and 66.1 inches high. It's great for slipping into those tight parking spots at Giant Eagle or maneuvering through the Idlewild Elementary pickup line. In comparison, the Explorer stretches to 198.8 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 70.7 inches high. It's big on presence and gives you more room to breathe. Take a look inside, and that's when the real differences emerge. Five passengers fit comfortably in the Escape, with 42.4 inches of front legroom and 40.7 inches in the back — perfect for two parents, two kids, and maybe a sleepover friend. The Explorer, however, changes the game entirely. It can easily accommodate seven passengers with 43 inches of legroom up front, 39 inches in the second row, and 32.2 inches in the third row. While the third-row seats work better for kids than teenagers, those extra spots are invaluable for grandparents, teammates, or surprise guests. The numbers tell the story: you get 104 cubic feet of passenger space in the Escape versus 152.9 cubic feet in the Explorer. In terms of cargo space, the Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 65.4 cubic feet when you fold them down. That's plenty of room for weekly groceries, sports bags, and weekend luggage. The Explorer starts smaller, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row — barely enough for a few backpacks. But drop those seats, and you get a cavernous 87.8 cubic feet of space that's perfect for moving your teens to college.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, these two SUVs couldn't be more different. The Escape keeps things efficient with a standard 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine pumping out 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. If you want more pep, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the higher trims delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer, meanwhile, means business with its standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that cranks out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you need even more power, an optional twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 unleashes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is where you'll really notice the difference between these two SUVs. The Escape gets 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the smaller engine and front-wheel drive. Add all-wheel drive and you're looking at 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Explorer? It's less fuel efficient at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the standard engine, dropping to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the V-6. But wait — there's more. An available hybrid engine for the Escape changes the game, delivering an impressive 42 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Escape Plug-in Hybrid takes it even further, achieving 101 MPGe combined and allowing you to run errands around Austintown on pure electric power. Your daily drives could cost practically nothing in fuel. Towing capacity also differs significantly. The Escape can tow up to 1,500 pounds — enough for a small utility trailer or jet ski for those Lake Erie weekends. The Explorer, however, offers an impressive 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. If you're thinking about towing a family camper or boat, the Explorer can handle it effortlessly.
Features and Technology
Safety-wise, both SUVs earn top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and come preloaded with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety technologies. Features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps. In terms of infotainment, the Escape offers an 8-inch color touch screen as standard, stepping up to a massive 13.2-inch display on higher trims. The Explorer keeps it simpler with a standard 13.2-inch screen across the range. Both connect seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your podcasts and playlists stay with you, even on long road trips.
Pricing
These two SUVs offer very different price points. The Escape starts at $29,515 for the base Active trim, making it pretty budget-friendly for young families or anyone watching their pennies. In contrast, the Explorer begins at $40,050, reflecting its larger size and added capabilities. That's over $10,000 more upfront, but you're getting a lot more SUV.
Choosing the Best SUV for Your Family
When choosing between these two SUVs, think about your daily reality. If you've got two kids under 10 and live in town, the Escape makes perfect sense. It's ideal for young families who want the versatility of an SUV without the hefty fuel bills. It's easy to park at the mall, simple to navigate through neighborhoods, and efficient enough that you won't wince at the gas pump. The cargo space is ample for soccer gear, groceries, weekend trips, and more. But if you're managing three kids, frequent carpools, or regular visits from grandparents, the Explorer earns its keep. That third row isn't just extra space. It brings peace of mind that you're always equipped for every eventuality. The Explorer's larger cargo area swallows hockey bags, camping equipment, and college move-in supplies effortlessly. Plus, that towing capacity means weekend adventures aren't limited to what fits inside.
Discover the Escape and the Explorer at #1 Cochran Ford Austintown
Visit #1 Cochran Ford Austintown and take both vehicles for a spin. Sit behind the wheel, and see how your family fits. Sometimes the right choice becomes obvious once you're actually driving around familiar streets. Whether you lean toward the Escape's smart efficiency or the Explorer's spacious capability, both will handle whatever family life in Austintown throws your way.