Ford is widely known for its Explorer and Expedition models, but there is a growing family of SUVs to choose from when it comes to style, size, economy, and even hybrid options. The range is so wide; a buyer may find it tough to choose. Everyone knows Ford SUVs can take a licking and keep on ticking, but Ford has made sure their models also offer up a high-end comfort and style to appeal to drivers who want to enjoy a smooth ride. Whether you need a travel vehicle that can tow, a rugged off-road cargo hauler, or a responsive and trustworthy car to handle rough weather, drivers will have lots of options to suit their needs. Take a look at the many unique and versatile utility vehicles on the Ford line-up to see how they stack up, starting with a surprise come-back of an old favorite.
Bronco
Remember the Bronco of the past? You can forget it when you see the new styling of what Ford is cooking up for buyers in 2020. A new boxier look is going to give Jeep lovers a run for their money, because not only does the Bronco have more off-road coolness to the exterior, it’s going to have the option of removable doors and a hard-top roof. The Bronco may have a starting MSRP estimated at $30,000, but all the details are still to be revealed. What’s certain is that the Bronco will be the SUV that lives more in the truck family, with a truck frame and engine capability, but an SUV style to the body and performance. Intrigued buyers will need to stay tuned for the full reveal.
EcoSport
With an MSRP starting at $19,995, the EcoSport is one of Ford’s most affordable SUVs. It also has one of the best fuel efficiencies at an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. This SUV comes standard with front-wheel drive, but has the option of intelligent four-wheel drive. The upcoming 2020 EcoSport comes equipped with a great infotainment system and is an excellent cross-over for those who want a little more space than a hatchback, but don’t need a full-sized SUV. If you need a vehicle that gets you around town with the convenience of extra cargo space, this is a great option for the price.
Escape
Here’s where Ford gets a little more beefy under the hood but accommodates style. The Escape’s MSRP starts at $24,885, and has fairly good efficiency with 27 mpg in the city, and 33 mpg when you hit the highway. Ford has redesigned the interior for 2020 models and has a suite of electronics perfect for the modern family. This SUV also has several powertrain options, including a couple of hybrids. The option to go with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive is a plus when considering how to build the Escape a buyer needs.
Edge
The Edge is where Ford gets a little more luxurious. First, you get more power with a 2.7-liter V-6 engine, and the option of all-wheel drive. Starting at $31,100, this is a pricier model, but the interior is quiet, comfy, and covers all the bases with tech like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, adaptive steering, and plenty of other extras to make the driving experience more convenient and fun. Fuel efficiency is fairly good at 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, and the Edge makes a great vehicle for either errands or long drives.
Explorer
With a starting MSRP of $36,675, the Explorer is in the mid-range of Ford’s line of SUVs and offers the seating capability of a mini-van with the power of a truck. This model originally replaced the Bronco when it first retired, so the Explorer offers the durability of a truck body and a V6 engine to match. Drivers who don’t need as much horsepower as the V6 can opt for the four-cylinder, but when Explorer is fully equipped it can tow 5,600 pounds. You also get 10-speed automatic transmission, while still being able to enjoy a smooth, luxurious ride.
Fuel efficiency is variable depending on the choice of engine, and rear-wheel drive comes standard with the option of all-wheel drive. Ford adds the tech to boost the experience by including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Another perk: Ford offers the Explorer as a hybrid that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Expedition
Getting into the higher range of Ford’s SUVs, the Expedition has an MSRP of $52,130. Gas mileage is what you expect for a truck-based model, with 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Ford offers its Ecoboost V-6 engine with enough power to tow 9,300 pounds, an independent rear suspension that delivers a smoother ride, and has the option of going for all-wheel drive. This SUV will provide plenty of space for group travel with the touch of leather seats and trim, power-folding rear seats large enough for adults, 15 cup-holders, and plenty of cubby storage to tuck away travel items. Tech available is similar to the Explorer, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. For a premium ride, the option to add a rear-seat entertainment system is available, as well as adaptive cruise control. This is Ford’s biggest SUV, for those who love their trucks but need a family car.
Flex
For our final model overview, the Flex brings us back into the mid-range at a starting MSRP of $30,575. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, and the Flex comes with plenty of punch with its V6 engine that can reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. If you love your wagon but need a vehicle that can haul, the Flex has all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. This vehicle handles more like a car with its lower profile, but still delivers the performance of a lesser SUV to tow campers or trailers.
Ford’s Flex makes a great family car with all the best safety features like side airbags for all three rows of seats, inflatable safety belts, rear-view camera, and driver-assist features like forward collision warning. Onboard tech features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and the infotainment system are all options the Flex can accommodate for drivers who want all the extras.
Ford SUVs
Ford SUVs are known for toughness over the many generations of models and designs. Every modern Ford SUV offers style, versatility, cargo space, and dependable power when it comes to unique driver needs, no matter what the terrain. From off-roading to city driving, Ford has a wide range of models to suit any situation, and drivers can count on having plenty of options to build each model to handle whatever cargo they need to haul, from precious little ones to heavy trailers. Every SUV lover will find something to love when it comes to Ford SUVs.
