The Ultimate Family Showdown: Comparing the 2023 Ford Edge, Escape, and Explorer

Welcome to the heart of Motor City, Colorado Springs! At Phil Long Ford, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best knowledge to help them choose the perfect family vehicle. Today, we comprehensively compare three fantastic options from the 2023 Ford lineup - the Ford Edge, the Ford Escape, and the Ford Explorer. Each model offers unique features, performance capabilities, and comfort options. However, understanding which fits your family's needs best can seem daunting. Our goal in this review is to explore the strengths and subtleties of each model, ultimately simplifying your decision-making process. 

A profile view of a red 2023 Ford Edge driving across a city bridge

2023 Ford Edge

The 2023 Ford Edge, available at Phil Long Ford Motor City in Colorado Springs, provides a spacious and high-capability family SUV at an affordable starting price of under $40,000. There are five trims to choose from, including SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium, and ST, offering a variety of features to fit different preferences. With 189" L x 76" W x 68" H dimensions, the Edge is a mid-size SUV that comfortably seats five people across two rows.

The interior boasts a suite of high-tech features such as a 12" touch screen, a six-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and four USB ports, providing convenience and entertainment for all passengers. Cargo space is ample, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 73.4 cubic feet when these seats are folded down.

The 2023 Edge is well-equipped in the performance department, coming standard with all-wheel drive and a 250-horsepower turbo-four engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. An option for a more powerful 335-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine is available. The EPA estimates fuel economy to be 21/28 mpg for the standard configuration. Despite its family-friendly interior, the Edge doesn't shy away from heavy tasks, providing a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety is a top priority for the Edge as it includes a standard MyKey system, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist, among other safety features. Its commitment to safety has earned it the IIHS Top Safety Pick. Car and Driver praised the Edge for performing the basics adequately in a competitive class.

A profile view of a blue 2023 Ford Escape

2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape, available at Phil Long Ford Motor City in Colorado Springs, is an excellent choice for those seeking a fun and practical family SUV. With a starting price of $28,995, the Escape offers a selection of four trim levels: Base, Active, ST-Line, and Platinum.

The dimensions of the Escape remain the same as the previous year at 181" L x 74" W x 66" H, with a notable update to the grille design. The interior space is optimized with two rows of seating accommodating up to five people. Standard infotainment features include the SYNC 4 system, an eight-inch display, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker stereo, and USB ports even at the base level.

With 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and up to 65.4 cubic feet with the row folded down, the 2023 Escape offers plenty of storage space. While front-wheel drive is standard, there is an available all-wheel drive option to handle challenging weather conditions.

Powering the Escape, is an eight-speed automatic transmission paired with either a 181-hp turbo-three engine or a 250-hp turbo-four, with a hybrid option also available. The Escape's fuel efficiency is impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27/33 mpg for the base model. Despite its compact size, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the appropriate equipment.

Safety was a priority in the design of the Escape, offering standard features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver drowsiness monitoring, pedestrian detection, and more. Its safety commitment has been recognized with good safety ratings from the IIHS. Car and Driver encapsulate the 2023 Ford Escape by stating it "provides a lot of SUV practicality within its compact shape," reinforcing its value as a family SUV.

A forest green 2023 Ford Explorer

2023 Ford Explorer

The 2023 Ford Explorer, available at Phil Long Ford Motor City in Colorado Springs offers an extensive array of features that cater to families. With a starting price under $40,000 and a diverse range of trim levels, it accommodates varying budget ranges and preferences. The trim levels include Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.

The Explorer's dimensions stand at 199" L x 79" W x 70" H, and it can be customized with wheels ranging from 18" to 21", along with a choice of eight exterior paints. The Explorer is versatile in seating, with configurations that can accommodate six or seven people across three rows.

This SUV also offers a host of infotainment features. The base model is equipped with an 8" touch screen, a six-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and four USB ports. It offers 18.2 cubic feet of space for cargo capacity, which expands to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded down and a generous 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, with the option for all-wheel drive and further upgrades for off-road capabilities. It's powered by a 2.3L four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower as standard, with an optional 400-horsepower 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or a hybrid setup that delivers 318 horsepower. All engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel efficiency is rated at an EPA-estimated 21/28 mpg for the base model. Additionally, the Explorer offers a substantial towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds.

Safety has not been compromised with the 2023 Explorer, providing features such as lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and more. It has been recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Car and Driver describes the Ford Explorer as a "perfectly adequate mid-size SUV," reinforcing its suitability as a family vehicle.

Buy Your Next Family SUV from Phil Long Ford in Motor City



In conclusion, the 2023 Ford Edge, Escape, and Explorer each have distinctive qualities that make them exceptional choices for family vehicles. While the Escape offers compact convenience, the Edge provides a blend of performance and luxury, and the Explorer reigns supreme in space and capability. However, no single vehicle is one-size-fits-all. Therefore, we invite you to visit us at Phil Long Ford in Motor City, Colorado Springs, to experience these models and find the one that feels like an extension of your family.

Remember, our goal at Phil Long Ford is to provide you with more than just a car-we're here to offer you an automotive solution that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Stop by today to discover the Ford difference, where innovation meets family-friendly functionality. Your dream vehicle awaits!
  1. Phil Long Ford of Motor City

    1212 Motor City Drive
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 855-349-0694
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