This guide is continuously updated for relevancy, accuracy, and the most recent info.
Ford pioneered SUVs with the Explorer (1991), Escape (20+ years old), and Expedition (late 1990s). Alongside classics, newer models include the Mach-E EV and the revived Bronco in compact and full-size versions. Here’s a guide to Ford’s SUV lineup, from smallest to largest.
Ford Escape (Compact Crossover SUV)
Key features:
2.0L Ti-VCT engine with 166-hp and Auto StartStop
Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive
ST-Line new for 2023 with 1.5L, 180-hp EcoBoost engine
The Escape has been going strong for over two decades, and along with the F-150 pickup, it’s the Blue Oval’s top-selling vehicle. It gained a complete redesign for 2020, entering its fourth generation, followed by a hefty refresh for 2023 alongside the first-ever Escape ST-Line with an athletic exterior, black mesh grille, rear skid plate, and an optional “coast to coast” LED light bar. The 2023 Escape’s interior has notable features, including Alexa Built-In, SYNC 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition, Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology, Intersection Assist 2.0, and Blind Spot Assist for safety. With powertrain options including EcoBoost, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid, drivers can tailor their experience. Across the lineup, each model targets an EPA-estimated range of at least 400 miles per tank, with the full hybrid model exceeding 550 miles in EPA-estimated range with front-wheel drive.
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Ford Bronco Sport (Compact Crossover SUV)
Key features:
4×4 off-road capability in a small SUV
Smart storage and cargo solutions designed for adventure-seekers
Over 100 factory-backed standalone accessories
When Ford put together its plan for the Bronco’s comeback, it identified the need for a smaller model below the main 2- and 4-door off-roader – something more of an everyday vehicle for a customer base evenly split between male and female buyers. And while the Bronco Sport may share DNA with compact SUV sibling Ford Escape, the similarities end there. For 2023, Ford introduces the Bronco Sport Heritage models, paying homage to the iconic Bronco style. These models showcase distinctive Oxford White accents, including a specially painted roof that echoes the original Bronco design. The Bronco Sport Badlands – the most off-road focused grade available, much like Jeep’s Trailhawk trim – gets the 2.0L EcoBoost with 250 hp at 5,500 rpm, 8.8 inches of ground clearance, which is an inch more than the Escape and contributes to competitive departure, approach and breakover angles. All other Bronco Sports (Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks) get the base 1.5L engine making 181 hp at 6,000 rpm, and 4×4 off-road capability.
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- The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Special Edition
- Ford Bronco Vs. Bronco Sport: Brothers From Different Mothers?
- First Drive: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Review
Ford Mustang Mach-E (Compact EV SUV)
Key features:
Ford Co-Pilot360 now standard across all trims
Latest Mach-E Premium gains a lot of upgrades including improved electric range
A long list of trim choices with different battery options
Whether you’re a Mustang enthusiast expanding your collection or in the market for a new battery electric compact crossover SUV offering cargo space, sporty aesthetics, and instant torque, the Mach-E presents an all-encompassing choice. Despite its relatively short existence, the latest Mach-E models introduce notable upgrades. The updated Premium grade now boasts a 13-mile increase in electric range with the Extended Range battery, reaching 290 miles. Ford Co-Pilot360 is now a standard feature across all models, and the 2022/2023 color palette welcomes Carbonized Gray Metallic and Vapor Blue Metallic. Specific enhancements include the Mach-E California Route 1 transitioning to AWD only, the inclusion of a panoramic fixed-glass roof as standard for GT and GT Performance Edition, and Premium models with Extended Range Battery and GT Performance Edition featuring Ford’s new Nite Pony Package, featuring stylish upgrades like 19-inch gloss wheels, blacked-out front and rear lower fascia, new door-cladding, and stealthier dark mirror caps.
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- Rallycross-Inspired Mach-E Rally Takes EVs to the Dirt
- Crisp & Clean: Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Ice White Appearance Package
- Mach E reviews and news
Ford Edge (Medium-Sized Crossover SUV)
Key features:
12-inch centre stack screen largest in segment
A large wheel selection with customization options
New ST-Line with the blacked-out ST looks (but without the ST power)
First introduced in 2007, the medium-sized Edge is, in some ways, a larger Escape on steroids yet not quite the family hauler you get with the mid-size Explorer. But this SUV is tech-savvy and sets itself apart with the Edge ST — a 335-hp performance-minded utility vehicle with a burly 2.7L DOHC 24-valve EcoBoost V6 under the hood. For 2023, the Edge gets minor updates, including a new ST Interior Appearance Package. All other Edge trims — the SE, SEL, new ST-Line, and Titanium — get the standard 2.0L DOHC 16-valve twin-scroll EcoBoost putting down a not-too-shabby 250-hp itself, plus Carbonized Gray and Lithium Gray colours added in 2021. For those who love the pricier Edge ST’s fast looks but might not need all that performance, enter the new ST-Line adopting details like the black ST beltline molding, 20-inch gloss black wheels, fog lamps, and black roof rack side rails, to name a few.
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Ford Explorer (Mid-Size SUV)
Key features:
Explorer ST packs 400-hp and 415 lb.-ft of torque
Explorer Timberline is rugged and truly built for adventure
Some 2025 models introduce BlueCruise for the first time
Like the Escape, the Explorer is an OG in the SUV segment. The mid-size hauler is the all-time best-selling SUV across North America, and frankly, it keeps getting better in all the right ways. For 2025, the Explorer gains updated models with redesigned interiors, more tech, tweaked styling updates, and Ford BlueCruise (hands-free driving tech) for the Explorer ST-Line, Platinum, and sporty ST variants.
The Explorer was completely redesigned in 2020, adding the first-ever Explorer ST packing 400-hp 415 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to Ford’s specially tuned 3.0L EcoBoost engine, which, when equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, will tow up to 5,600 pounds — compared to the standard 2.3L EcoBoost’s 5,300 pounds towing capacity. Also new is the Explorer Timberline introduced in 2021 — a more rugged version sporting steel skid plates, higher ground clearance, and improved towing. The Timberline sits on heavier-duty shocks and Bridgestone Dueler 265/65/18-inch all-terrain tires formulated to balance grip and low noise. For 2023, all Explorer content carries over from 2022.
Related:
- Ford Explorer channels rugged roots with burly 2021 Timberline model
- First Drive: 2020 Ford Explorer ST Review
- Explorer reviews and news
Ford Expedition (Full-Size SUV)
Key features:
Powerful new Expedition Stealth Edition Performance Package
Timberline off-road model with F-150 Raptor’s skid plate
New driver-assist and connected technologies
Ford’s flagship SUV is also its largest, and like the Explorer, this full-size 3-row beast keeps getting better. It also now gets the Timberline model making it most off-road-capable Expedition ever, which adds a heavy-duty underbody skid plate taken from the F-150 Raptor, alongside other performance upgrades. Power comes from a 3.5L EcoBoost putting down 380-hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, but jumps up significantly on the Timberline and Stealth models to 440-hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.5L GTDI 4×2 offers 9,300 lbs. towing capacity. In terms of tech, the latest Expedition is packed with new features including Ford BlueCruise, the new SYNC connectivity setup, and Ford Power-Up over-the-air software updates. Plus, an optional 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster levels up the new instrument panel. The more important 2023 Expedition changes include the Iconic Silver colour now for Platinum trim, fog lamp bezels are now black-painted on the Special Edition package, and Trail 1 Pedal Drive is now standard on Timberline.
Related:
- Ford Expedition Goes Stealth Mode & Gets Lifted ‘Timberline’ Treatment for 2022
- Ford’s full-size 2020 Expedition SUV goes upscale country with King Ranch return
- Expedition reviews and news
Ford Bronco (Full-Size SUV)
Key features:
Sasquatch Package now expands 7-speed manual transmission offerings
New dealer-installed options including tube doors
Up to seven driver-selectable modes and two available 4×4 systems
Available in either a 2- or 4-door body style, across several different models, plus the beefed-up Sasquatch Package, there’s pretty much a Ford Bronco for everyone (and we’re not talking the small Bronco Sport here). Add two powertrain options to the full-size Bronco mix, including the base 275-hp 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost or optional 315-hp 2.7L EcoBoost V6 — premium fuel improves power to 300-hp and 330-hp, respectively. The 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, while Ford did the right thing and offers the larger EcoBoost mill with a 7-speed manual stick shift. Nice. The 2023 Bronco adds a couple of colours: Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat and Robin’s Egg Blue; plus, the two-tone Bronco Heritage models with Oxford White accents including the modular hardtop roof.
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