Ford has three midsize SUVs—the Edge, the Explorer, and the Bronco. The first two get decent reviews from experts and the Bronco is a critical darling. The Edge and Explorer are more suited to family- hauling while the Bronco is built to tear open off-road trails, but it can still be suitable for family time as well.

It might be true that many SUV drivers prefer smaller rides these days, such as the subcompact or compact SUV models dominating showrooms. Still, if you want to make your mark—or at least intimidate your old high school rival as they walk their children to school—you’ll want to show off your automotive muscularity with a midsize SUV at the least.

Jerry

, the

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super app, has taken the time to weigh Ford’s best midsize SUVs against one another and with rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Jeep. We’ll pore over the Ford midsize SUVs’ specifics, declare a winner, and compare them to the competition. Of course, we’ll throw in some tips on how to save on

Ford car insurance costs

, too.

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Does Ford have a midsize SUV?

You betcha—Ford has three midsize SUV models. The fuel-efficient and roomy

Ford Edge

, the powerful and classy

Ford Explorer

, and the rugged off-roading beast that is the

Ford Bronco

What makes a midsize SUV?

In the world of SUVs, carmakers seem to play fast-and-loose with definitions of size. A good way to think about it is that a midsize SUV is bigger than a compact or subcompact, but smaller than a full size.

For example, the Ford Edge measures 188 inches long, the Ford Explorer measures 198 inches long, and the four-door Bronco measures 173 inches long. None of them are as big as the full-size Ford Expedition SUV with a total length of 210 inches, so they are kept in the midsize category.

Is the Mustang Mach-E a midsize SUV?

The Mach-E may be in midsize territory with a total length of 186 inches, but Ford classifies it as a crossover. We think that its sloping roofline makes this pony look more coupe-esque than anything, even if still a sports activity coupe at that.

MORE:

Ford common problems

Edge vs. Explorer vs. Bronco: which is the best midsize Ford SUV?

The Edge and Explorer have similarities in terms of their designs, capabilities, and family-friendly dispositions. The Bronco stands apart as it's geared more towards adventure than carpooling, but it can haul the kids to school and soccer practice if needed. Let’s take a look at their specs and see which SUV comes out on top.

2023 Ford Edge

MSRP range: $37,945 to $46,485

MPG: 21 city/28 highway/23 combined

Seating for: 5 passengers

The rather nondescript Ford Edge boasts decent power courtesy of its turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard, as does an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Edge’s steering offers reasonable feedback for solid handling. The Edge’s gas pedal is slightly slow to respond, going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

On the inside, the Edge boasts comfortable and cozy front seats, but rear seat passengers get the shaftwith its flat and uncomfortable bench seat. The Edge’s ride can be a bit bumpy, and doubly uncomfortable for those rear-seat dwellers, but overall the cabin offers a quiet ride. You’ll also get 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

Highlights include:

Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

12-inch infotainment display with Ford Sync 3 software

WiFi hotspot

Excellent built-in navigation system

Two front USB ports

12-volt outlets

5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA

Weaknesses include:

Dated interior design

Unexciting 23 MPG combined fuel efficiency rating

Stiff suspension and bumpy ride

Thick roof pillars and blind spots hamper visibility

Transmission could be quicker to respond

2023 Ford Explorer

MSRP range: $36,760 to $56,275

MPG: 21 city/28 highway/23 combined

Seating for: Up to 7 passengers

The Ford Explorer comes standard with a four-cylinder engine boasting 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available. A monstrous V6 engine is available on the ST for even more power, although the base is no slouch—going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6 seconds flat.

On the inside, the Explorer suffers from the same fate as the Edge—a comfortable and cozy set of front seats with much stiffer seating for backseat passengers and considerably small space in the Explorer’s third row of seats. Even in the second row, both knee and legroom are lacking.

The NHTSA gives the 2023 Explorer 5 stars overall, though it does get 4 stars for rollover with a 14.7% chance of tipping over. The IIHS hasn’t yet rated the 2023 Explorer, but the 2022 version was rated as a Top Safety Pick+.

Highlights include:

Powerful engines and good acceleration

Lots of cargo space (87.8 cubic feet) with 3rd row folded down

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard

Standard driver assist technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring

Weaknesses include:

Feels big and clunky when driving in the city

Middle and third rows are tight

A/C system can be finicky

Cabin is louder than we’d like on the highway

2023 Ford Bronco

MSRP range: $33,850 to $75,375

MPG: 17 city/17 highway/17 combined

Seating for: 4 passengers for two-door, 5 passengers for four-door

The 2023 Ford Bronco can destroy the most challenging terrain you can throw at it, but it also offers surprisingly civilized road manners. It’s incredibly customizable with two-door or four-door and hardtop or soft-top bodies, as well as the choice between a 300-hp 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder and a 330-hp 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine,not to mention a slew of other configurable features.

All Broncos are equipped with standardfour-wheel drive, offer decent handling and steering, and are exceptional off-roaders. A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard for both engine sizes, but the smaller 2.3 liter is available with a 7-speed manual transmission if you aren’t having enough fun already.

The Bronco’s rigging features removable body panels, which are easily stored in the cargo area (so long as you have the four-door Bronco).The interior of the entry-level Bronco can feel a bit utilitarian, but this thing is a trail warrior first, and kid-hauler second. Both the two-door and four-door Bronco can comfortably seat two adults in the rear passenger area and leather upholstery is available if you like the finer things in life.

Highlights include:

Menacing off-road demeanor, surprisingly pleasant on-road sensibility

Two door or four-door versions available

Endlessly configurable

Powerful and fun to drive

Cool styling both inside and out

Weaknesses include:

Interior isn’t as fancy

Upper trims can get pricey

Interior is loud on the highway

Bronco’s engine growl isn’t as satisfying as you’d expect

Less impressive 4/5-star safety rating from the NHTSA

MORE:

Ford Bronco ground clearance

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2023 Ford Edge vs. 2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Ford Bronco comparison

	2023 Ford Edge	2022 Ford Explorer	2023 Ford Bronco
Starting MSRP	$37,945	$36,760	$33,850
Seating capacity	Five	Seven	Five
Fuel economy	23 combined mpg	24 combined mpg	17 combined mpg
Base engine	2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (250 hp, 281 lb-ft of torque)	2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder (300 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque)	2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder (300 hp, 415 lb-ft of torque)
Total cargo volume	73.4 cubic feet	87.8 cubic feet	77.6 cubic feet
Maximum towing capacity	3,500 lbs	5,300 lbs	3,500 lbs
NHTSA safety rating	Five stars	Five stars	Four stars
Reliability scores	N/A (U.S. News), 76/100 (J.D. Power)	81.0/100 (U.S. News), 82/100 (J.D. Power)	N/A (U.S. News), 85/100 (J.D. Power)

The bottom line

If you’re strictly looking for a domestic SUV for the family, the Ford Explorer will likely win out for its blend of power and spaciousness—even if the rear rows are a bit cramped. But we think the Ford Bronco is the real winner here. It's great both on and off the road, can haul a moderately sized family, and offers a decent amount of cargo space for most domestic needs.

MORE:

The Ford Bronco’s top eight competitors

Best midsize SUV competitors

If you aren’t into Ford’s three midsize SUVs, there are plenty of other options out there to float your boat:

2022

Kia Telluride

($33,390 starting MSRP): Surprisingly fancy, affordable, and very practical, the Kia Telluride will give you plenty of bang for your buck.

2022

Hyundai Palisade

($36,545 starting MSRP): Another value-packed SUV from the Kia/Hyundai family which offers effortless luxury, comfort, and lots of tech features.

2022

Jeep Grand Cherokee

($40,120 starting MSRP): Rugged looks, lots of standard tech features, and capable on- and off-road.

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