For some people, shopping for a used vehicle consists of figuring out a budget and then finding something that fits that budget as well as possible with only a few basic needs in mind. But for many of us, beyond our budget, we’re looking for some specific features or options as we shop for the right used model. Before you look for a used Ford for sale, it’s a good idea to have a sense of what you need from your next SUV since that will help ensure you actually find it. The Ford lineup has an incredible selection of vehicles, including fantastic crossover and SUV models, giving you the freedom to consider different options and find what you need.
Looking at the entire Ford lineup at once can be a bit overwhelming, so we’re going to start by narrowing things down a little just to simplify things. Today, we’ll compare three of our favorite Ford models: the Escape, the Edge, and the Explorer—these are all SUVs, though there are some important differences between them. There’s no clear winner in terms of features or design; instead, the right SUV for you comes down to which of these three delivers what you need from your next vehicle. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll compare 2020 models as we look at them, so be sure to consider the specifics of any used Ford you’re interested in.
The 2020 Ford Escape
We’ll go in ascending order based on size today, starting with the Ford Escape, which is a compact crossover SUV that has a wide range of fantastic options available. For one thing, the Escape has four engines available for 2020, which means you’ll find a fantastic number of different pre-owned vehicles when looking at it. Part of the reason we chose the 2020 model as our example is because Ford redesigned the 2020 Escape for an all-new generation, so this is a great place to start as you look at different used models.
The standard engine on the 2020 Escape is a 1.5L Turbo I-3 that offers 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, which is great performance for a small model like this. Having such a terrific standard engine means you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything, and you’ll have a fantastic time driving any 2020 Ford Escape. If you want something with exhilarating performance, look for a model with the 2.0L Turbo I-4 engine that delivers 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. For something with greater efficiency, there’s a hybrid and plug-in hybrid available, so keep that in mind as you look at different Escape models.
These different engine options give you the freedom to get exactly the kind of performance you want in your compact crossover while the interior ensures you have plenty of room to bring everyone along with you. This is a two-row model with seating for up to five passengers, and while it’s the smallest of the three we’re looking at today, everyone will still be comfortable inside. Its small size makes it easy for you to fit this crossover into your life, no matter what sort of lifestyle you have, and it still has more than 37 cu.ft. of rear cargo volume and more than 65 cu.ft. of total cargo space behind the front seats for you to utilize.
In terms of features and options to look for, the 2020 Escape has an available 8-inch infotainment display that’s a great choice as you consider different used models. Cloth seating is standard, though you can find models with leather upholstery inside if you’re interested in a more luxurious driving experience. You can also find an available 12.3-inch digital gauge display plus a 10-speaker B&O sound system; if these kinds of features are important to you, then you should look for a 2020 Ford Escape Platinum. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features is standard, so every Escape you find will help keep you and your family safe.
The 2020 Ford Edge
Next up, we have the Ford Edge: a midsize SUV that gives you more room inside without getting so big that it can threaten to take over your life. Two engines are available here, without any hybrid options—so if a hybrid vehicle is important to you, then one of the other two Ford models might be a better choice. The standard engine is a 250-hp 2.0L Turbo I-4 that is a lot of fun to drive and plenty of power for such a great midsize SUV. If you want boosted performance, however, look for a used 2020 Ford Edge with the 2.7L Turbo V6 that offers 335 hp and a fantastic time on the road.
With its midsize design, this is a larger SUV than the Ford Escape, but you’ll still find two rows of seating inside for up to five passengers. Everyone gets a bit more room to stretch out in, so if you have numerous adults with you, they might appreciate the roomier rear seating of the Edge. In terms of cargo, you also get more space inside this model for loading up with everything you need to bring along with you: nearly 40 cu.ft. of rear cargo volume and more than 73 cu.ft. of total cargo space behind the front seats of the Edge.
While the 2020 Ford Escape (and the Explorer we’ll look at in a moment) is all-new, the Edge received a refresh from Ford for the 2019 model, which carries over into this one. You’ll find Dual-Zone Climate Control and an 8-inch infotainment display standard in every Edge model, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on something by going with the starting options. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is also standard, though higher trims will get you available features to take comfort and luxury further. Much like the Escape, every Edge model comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 to help protect you on the road.
The 2020 Ford Explorer
Finally, we have the Ford Explorer: a three-row SUV that was also updated for 2020 for the launch of an all-new generation. The Explorer has four engines available, starting with a 300-hp 2.3L I-4 that’s a lot of fun to drive, though the available Turbo V6 with 365 hp takes things a step further. One of our favorite trims for the 2020 Explorer is the incredible ST model that features a 400-hp Turbo V6 engine for a great time that’s sure to put a smile on your face whenever you get behind the wheel. A hybrid engine is also available, so keep that in mind as you look at different pre-owned Explorers.
Unlike the previous two we looked at, this is a three-row SUV that gives you a lot more room inside for a growing family—up to seven passengers can fit inside the Explorer. As you might expect, this larger size also gives you more room for everything you need to bring with you, making the Explorer a great choice for a day of shopping or loading up with camping supplies before you hit the road. You get more than 18 cu.ft. of rear cargo space behind the third row, with nearly 48 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the second row and more than 87 cu.ft. of total cargo space inside the Explorer.
Much like the Ford Edge, the Explorer comes with a standard 8-inch infotainment display, though you can find a 10.1-inch screen in some models. An available rear-seat entertainment system is perfect for keeping kids occupied on long road trips, plus you’ll find a 12-speaker B&O sound system standard in all but the starting model. Once again, we find the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance technologies standard on the 2020 Explorer, so every model is designed to help keep you and others safe.
Did You Find What You’re Looking For?
As you can see, all three of these Ford SUVs have a lot to offer; while we specifically looked at 2020 models, many of these similarities and differences between them carry over to other model years, too. One of the easiest ways to choose between them is to consider the size of the crossover or SUV you need. If you’re looking for something small and compact, you can’t beat the Ford Escape; the Ford Edge is the perfect choice if its midsize design will work better for you, while the Explorer has three rows of seating inside to bring more passengers.
Once you have a sense of which model best meets your needs, then you can check out different ones and find a used Ford with the engine, interior features, and safety technology that you’re looking for. No matter where you’re at in the search for your next vehicle, here at Future Ford of Sacramento, we’re ready to help you find it.
