6 Popular Ford SUVs You’ll Want to Check Out Now

When it’s time to look for a used Ford SUV dealer, don’t be surprised by how many Ford SUV models there are on the market. This brand has technically been dealing in SUVs since the Model T Depot Hack back in 1908. As an American leader in SUV production, Ford offers several different options for many different types of drivers. We’re here to give you an overview of the 6 current, most popular SUV models and help you decide which one’s the best fit for you. Whether you’re looking for space, capability, or a little bit of both, you’re sure to find your match with Ford. Before we dive into the models, let’s look at your commuting expectations.

What Kind of Ford Driver Are You?

Before making a large purchase, it’s important for you to figure out which type of driver you are. While it’s tempting to choose a model based on looks alone, that’s definitely not how you want to make your final decision. Take a moment to ponder on the following questions and statements.

Are you single or someone with a small family who’s only looking for a small, simple commuter model? Then you’ll want a smaller SUV like the EcoSport. Do you need something family-friendly that offers reasonable space and tow capacity? Then the Escape is a great option for you. Do you like to spend time out in the wilderness? Wanderlusters will love the Bronco Sport, as it offers a nice balance between family-friendliness and off-road capability. Similarly, the full-sized Bronco is great for families but is designed more for off-road enthusiasts.

Have a decent amount of family? Then the Explorer is the best bet for midsize SUV space and capability. How about those folks who need to carry the ultimate passenger capacity? You’ll need something bigger, stronger, and more spacious if you’ve got a very large family, like the Ford Expedition.

6. The Ford EcoSport

Looking for something that’s compact and affordable yet still offers seating for up to 5 passengers? The Ford EcoSport is for you. This model has been in the American Ford lineup for several years now, offering both FWD (front-wheel drive) and 4WD (four-wheel drive) options, along with the ability to tow between 1,400 and 2,000 pounds, depending upon model year. No matter which model year you choose, you’ll get 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and up to 50 cubic feet with the seats folded down. When it comes to tow capacity and space, this vehicle is a great option for couples, single drivers, and city commuters.

5. The Ford Escape

Ready to take the family on a little getaway weekend? The Ford Escape lets you do just that, offering plenty of cargo space despite its compact size. This model has been around since 2000, but it has improved greatly over the past several years, adding more cargo space and better technology features. A newer 4th-generation Escape will provide you with over 65 cubic feet of cargo space, including easy-to-fold seats for cargo and sliding rear seats for additional passenger space.

Even though the Escape is larger than the EcoSport, it’s actually more fuel-efficient thanks to its I3 and I4 engine options. Plus, it can tow more as well. The 4th-generation Escape (2020 – present) offers a max tow capacity of 3,500 pounds. This is enough to handle small campers, boats, a loaded trailer, and the like.

4. The Bronco Sport

Now, this is your best bet at choosing a family-friendly getaway vehicle. The Bronco Sport is made for outdoorsy folks who like to spend the weekend camping, kayaking, and hiking. This model is a smaller version of the full-sized Bronco that is more fuel-efficient and designed for daily commuting. This model was recently released in 2021, making this model year the only currently available used model on the market. The 2021 Bronco Sport comes with standard FordPass Connect, meaning that you can remotely start your car from any location. You can even set the Bronco Sport up for a remote start schedule at no additional cost.

We especially love the Bronco Sport because it includes off-roading performance features such as HOSS suspension, 5 to 7 different standard GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes (a terrain management system), and advanced 4×4 technology. While this model is not as powerful off-road as the full-size Bronco, the Sport will give you the best of both worlds—practicality and capability in one Bronco-styled package.

3. The Bronco

This is the model that has had the Jeep Wrangler shaking in its wheels. Originally, the Bronco was released back in 1966 and has been on hiatus since 1977. But Ford has brought this iconic SUV back and better than ever. The full-size Bronco is made to traverse the roughest pavement, offering a best-in-class breakover angle, ground clearance, and water fording rating. The 2-door Bronco can cross over up to 11.6 inches without bottoming out and can push through as much as 33.5 inches of water when equipped with the Sasquatch package. Just like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco offers a removable top, windshield, and even removable doors.

It’s easy to see that this is not your everyday SUV. Overall, the Bronco is made to hit the trails. You can certainly use the Bronco as a daily driver, but keep in mind that it has a 4-person max seating capacity. So, while it’s great for smaller families, this is not the type of model you need if you have a large family.

2. The Ford Explorer

This is a Ford model that has been around since 1991 and hasn’t stopped since. From the beginning, the Explorer has been a powerful and spacious midsize SUV without falling into the large SUV classification. Although you can certainly buy any Explorer model you want, we still recommend sticking with the 6th-generation models (2020 and on). These models include more technological features and likely have much less wear and tear than previous generations.

The 6th-generation Explorer can tow as much as 5,600 pounds when properly equipped while maintaining reasonable fuel economy ratings. In fact, this generation’s Explorer even comes with a hybrid engine option that can get 27 mpg (miles per gallon) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway while still towing as much as 5,000 pounds. This third-row SUV can also carry up to 7 passengers, making it a great family option. While it doesn’t offer as much space as the Expedition, the Explorer is the best family-friendly midsize Ford SUV.

1. The Expedition

When we talk about family-friendly vehicles, we typically mean models that carry roughly 5 passengers; however, a large family-friendly SUV is a whole other story. If you need seating and space for as many as 8 family members, then the Expedition is what you’re looking for. This model has been around since 1997 but has only gone through 4 different generational changes. The most current generation is the 4th-generation which covers model years 2018 through 2022. We recommend these used model years if you’re looking for an Expedition.

When you choose the 4th-generation Expedition, you’ll get up to 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, while 2021 models and up can max out at as much as 121.5 cubic feet. It’s got third-row power reclining seating, standard safety features, and up to 10 different trim levels to choose from. Newer Expedition models include additional, optional technologies, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance and much more. Whether you have a large family or your kids have a lot of friends, the Expedition offers the perks of a minivan with the coolness of an SUV.