F150 XLT or Explorer for a work and family vehicle?

Seeking Advice
1

So I’ve got a choice to make. My new job is offering either a 2024 F150 XLT or a Ford Explorer as a work vehicle. I’ll be driving a lot for work (roof sales), but they also allow us to use the vehicle for personal stuff too.

I’ve got a 15-month-old and a newborn on the way, so I want to choose the best option for comfort on long trips and something that works well with two car seats.

What would you pick? Any advice or tips from those who’ve driven either (or both)?

2

My wife drives a 2016 Explorer Platinum, and I daily a 2018 F150 XLT SuperCrew with the 6.5 bed. For family stuff and road trips, the Explorer is our go-to. It’s just better for that. But the Explorer isn’t great for hauling firewood or off-roading. If family trips are the priority, I’d say go with the Explorer.

3

I’ve got both—an F150 and an Explorer. We use the truck for road trips and the Explorer for daily errands around town. You can’t go wrong either way.

4

Uma said:
I’ve got both—an F150 and an Explorer. We use the truck for road trips and the Explorer for daily errands around town. You can’t go wrong either way.

Thanks for the input!

5

@Jace
No problem! Just to add, my truck is a 5.0, and the Explorer is a 3.5 non-EcoBoost. The truck is a lot more fun to drive, though.

6

Uma said:
@Jace
No problem! Just to add, my truck is a 5.0, and the Explorer is a 3.5 non-EcoBoost. The truck is a lot more fun to drive, though.

I’ve had both the 3.5 EcoBoost and the 5.0 F150. My wife’s Explorer is a 3.5 EcoBoost, but I find the trucks generally get better fuel mileage. The Explorer eats gas, especially in the city.

7

We’ve got an Explorer and an F150. Believe it or not, it’s easier to get kids in and out of car seats in the SuperCrew F150. The Explorer is pretty tight, and we rarely use the third row. The truck’s bed is super useful for road trips, and it’s just more comfortable overall.

8

@Rey
How’s the comfort? Which one would you take on a solo long trip?

9

Jace said:
@Rey
How’s the comfort? Which one would you take on a solo long trip?

Definitely the F150. Once you get used to the space, it’s hard to go back. My 3-year-old can climb into the truck but struggles with the Explorer. We thought the Explorer would be a great family vehicle, but we’ve done way more road trips in the truck.

10

@Rey
Good to know! I’ve never driven anything that big, so it’s a little intimidating, but I’ll probably get used to it. I live in the suburbs, so parking shouldn’t be too bad.

11

Jace said:
@Rey
Good to know! I’ve never driven anything that big, so it’s a little intimidating, but I’ll probably get used to it. I live in the suburbs, so parking shouldn’t be too bad.

You’ll get the hang of it. I’ve had four F150s in the last decade. The 5.5 bed is much easier to maneuver than the 6.5, so if you go with the truck, that’s a good choice.

12

@Rey
I’d definitely go for the 5.5 bed with the crew cab.

13

We had both—an F150 and an Explorer Sport—at one point. With three kids in car seats, the F150 was much easier. The Explorer’s third row is a pain to access with car seats in the second row. However, the Explorer’s AC vents above the seats were a lifesaver during hot summers.

14

@Miller
Thanks for the detailed input!

15

I’ve got a ‘23 F150 PowerBoost, and my wife just got a ‘23 Explorer ST-Line. Both are great. The truck can do everything the Explorer can but not the other way around. If you need to do truck stuff (off-roading, hauling, towing), go with the F150. For road trips, both are super comfy, though.

16

@Ming
Thanks for sharing! Drive safe on your trip.

17

Jace said:
@Ming
Thanks for sharing! Drive safe on your trip.

Will do! Oh, and if you’re looking at the Explorer, test drive the AWD ST—it’s a rocket. My wife got the ST-Line for the look without the extra power since she drives like a grandma.

18

It really comes down to whether you need more options or more space.

19

Grayson said:
It really comes down to whether you need more options or more space.

Exactly! I’ve got a week or two to decide, so hopefully, I make the right call. At least it’s only a three-year vehicle cycle if I mess up.

20

Both are solid choices. If the F150 is a crew cab, the back seat has a ton of room. The truck is super comfy on highway trips, so I’d probably go that route.