What Is the Best Ford SUV?
Ford has quite a range of vehicles to choose from, but the Expedition is the best and most versatile SUV in the lineup.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- The best Ford SUV overall: Expedition
- The best Ford SUV to buy used: 2019 Expedition
- The best Ford SUV for families: Explorer
- The best Ford SUV for off-roading: Bronco
- The best Ford SUV for fuel economy: Escape Hybrid PHEV
- The best way to shop for Ford insurance
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From its powerful towing capacity, off-roading ability, and family-hauling capabilities, the Expedition holds the spot for best Ford SUV—but it’s got some worthy competitors.
Ford is known for their all-American vehicles, and they’ve got a vehicle for just about any occasion or lifestyle—including a decent range of SUVs. Whether your priority is space for your family or power for your backroad adventures, Ford has an SUV for it.
Here to break down all the best SUVs Ford has to offer is
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The best Ford SUV overall: Expedition
Starting price: $54,315
Number of seats: 5 to 8
J.D. Power rating: 78
They’re heavy-duty SUVs in more ways than one: they’re reliable family haulers, hefty tow machines, and capable off-roaders. Where else can you get all of that in one package? All of this is made possible by
the Expedition’s three rows of seats
and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine making 380 horsepower at a minimum.Paired with all of this muscle, the Expedition has exceptional style, inside and out. The exterior got a chic new look with the 2022 model, and the interior boasts upscale materials, a high-tech dashboard design, and top-notch infotainment features.
What about those
off-roading specs
? The Expedition has them all. From a 9.8-inch ground clearance to ideal torque and angles, the Expedition is the perfect ride for any and all adventures—especially with a 9,300-pound maximum towing capacity
.The downside? All of these incredible uses come at a cost—and the Expedition isn’t exactly cheap, especially if you upgrade to higher trims. That being said, compared to its competitors, the Expedition’s price tag lands somewhere in the middle.
The best Ford SUV to buy used: 2019 Expedition
Price range: $50,915 to $70,214
Number of seats: 8
J.D. Power rating: 83
It stands to reason that if the Expedition is the best Ford SUV, it’ll also be the best used Ford SUV—and the 2019 model is your best option. The 2019 Expedition was ranked as the best large SUV, especially when it comes to affordability—and buying a used model is a good way to pay less for a higher trim.
The 2019 Expedition is set with all the best features, including its hauling and off-roading abilities. Even the base model comes with the necessary safety and tech features, so opting for a slightly older model won’t mean missing out on much.
The best Ford SUV for families: Explorer
Starting price: $35,505
Number of seats: 6 to 7
J.D. Power rating: 81
The Expedition is the top dog when it comes to overall versatility, but if you don’t need a massive towing capacity, the
Ford Explorer
may be what you need—especially if you still need the passenger space for your family.The Explorer is the go-to SUV for big families—and all the equipment that comes with them. Even the cargo space behind the
Explorer's third row
is plentiful, making it ideal for even longer trips...as long as the kids sit in the back row. With ten different trims—including two hybrid versions—the Explorer can be customized for whatever priorities you may have, from fuel efficiency to off-roading.
Not only is the Explorer capable of hauling your family, but it’ll also keep them as safe as possible. In fact, the 2022 Explorer earned the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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The best Ford SUV for off-roading: Bronco
Price range: $32,395
Number of seats: 4 to 5
J.D. Power rating: N/A
The iconic
Ford Bronco
is back and better than ever—for everyday driving or off-roading. Just like Ford’s other SUVs, the Bronco is wildly versatile, but it’s uniquely suited for tackling the trails in a way no other Ford sport-utility vehicle can do. For those looking for light off-road thrills, the Bronco comes set with standard all-wheel drive, independent front suspension, and a minimum of 8.3 inches of
ground clearance
. If you’re hitting more serious terrain, though, you’ll have tons of options to customize—from 35-inch mud-terrain tires and a 330-hp twin-turbo V6 engine to electronic locking front and rear differentials and 11.6 inches of ground clearance.The Bronco won’t let you hit the backroads without style, either. You’ll have the choice between two or four doors, soft or hard top, and removable body panels. From bigger innovations like frameless and easy-to-remove doors to smaller details like a GoPro mount for the dashboard, the Bronco was made with adventure in mind.
The best Ford SUV for fuel economy: Escape Hybrid PHEV
Starting price: $36,950
Number of seats: 5
J.D. Power rating: N/A (xx look up 2021)
Ford has a wide array of fuel-efficient hybrid SUV options, as it turns out—but the
Ford Escape SE Plug-In Hybrid
takes the cake. The Escape PHEV was rated as one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs of 2022 by
U.S. News
, and that’s because it gets 40 mpg when running on gas alone—but that’s bumped up to 105 MPGe with fuel and electricity combined. This beats out Ford’s other SUVs, even the hybrid options:- 2022 Ford Explorer: 18 city/26 highway/21 combined mpg
- 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid: 23 city/26 highway/25 combined mpg
- 2022 Ford Escape: 27 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg
- 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid: 44 city/37 highway/41 combined mpg
- 2022 Ford Escape PHEV: 40 combined mpg/105 combined MPGe
The Ford Escape PHEV is the perfect option for those looking to save on fuel costs while still enjoying the versatility of an SUV.
The best way to shop for Ford insurance
Between all of Ford’s SUV options, you’ll be sure to find whatever you’re looking for—whether it’s a sturdy family hauler or a mountain-traversing off-roader. Before you hit the road—or the trails—with your new (or used) Ford SUV, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected with a solid car insurance policy.
Shopping for an affordable policy won’t slow you down too much—as long as you use the
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