Shop New Ford SUVs Shop Used Ford SUVs New Ford Special Offers Table of Contents: Ford SUV Size Overview Subcompact & Compact Models Midsize Models Full-Size Models Finding the right SUV comes down to one simple question: how much vehicle do you actually need? Ford's SUV lineup runs the full range, from the trail-ready Bronco Sport to the road-trip-ready Expedition MAX, so there's a genuinely useful answer for almost every type of driver. At Cloninger Ford of Hickory, we work with buyers across western North Carolina every day and know how much difference it makes to be in the right-sized vehicle. This guide walks through Ford's current SUV lineup from smallest to largest, covering cargo space, passenger capacity, and what each model is best suited for. Whether you're navigating Hickory's streets solo or hauling the whole family plus gear to the mountains, the right Ford SUV is in here somewhere. Ford SUV Lineup at a Glance Here's a quick-reference chart of Ford's SUV models organized from smallest to largest: Model SUV Category Passenger Capacity Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Up) Maximum Cargo Volume Ford Bronco Sport Subcompact 5 32.5 cu ft 65.2 cu ft Ford Escape Compact 5 37.5 cu ft 65.4 cu ft Ford Bronco (4-Door) Midsize 5 35.6 cu ft 77.6 cu ft Ford Explorer Midsize 7 18.2 cu ft (3rd row up) 87.8 cu ft Ford Expedition Full-Size 8 20.9 cu ft (3rd row up) 104.6 cu ft Ford Expedition MAX Full-Size (Extended) 8 35.6 cu ft (3rd row up) 121.5 cu ft Now let's take a closer look at each model, starting with the smallest and working our way up. Subcompact & Compact SUVs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport The Ford Bronco Sport is Ford's smallest SUV, and it punches well above its weight class when it comes to off-road ability. Built on a unibody platform with genuine off-road capability, it's the go-to choice for drivers who want something compact enough for city parking but capable enough for a weekend in the Blue Ridge foothills. Key Highlights: Standard all-wheel drive across the entire lineup, with higher trims offering real off-road modes like Mud/Ruts and Sand Available 2.0L EcoBoost engine on Badlands trim producing 250 horsepower GOAT Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) for confident driving across varied surfaces Cargo floor designed with an easy-clean coating and a hands-free liftgate for when your hands are full of trail gear With 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 65.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Bronco Sport packs a surprising amount of utility into a small footprint. Singles, couples, and small families who spend weekends outdoors consistently find this one lands right where they need it. 2026 Ford Escape The Ford Escape takes a different approach in the compact segment, prioritizing everyday comfort, fuel economy, and a refined ride over off-road ability. It's a practical, well-rounded vehicle that handles commutes, school runs, and weekend trips without asking much in return. Key Highlights: Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option with up to 37 miles of all-electric range for daily errands Standard hybrid trim available for buyers who want better fuel economy without plugging in Available all-wheel drive for confident handling in North Carolina's variable weather Co-Pilot360 driver assistance technology included as standard equipment The Escape's 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats edges it slightly ahead of the Bronco Sport in raw hauling capacity, and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded covers most practical needs with room to spare. Its comfortable ride, practical interior, and available electrified powertrains make it a popular choice for commuters and small families alike. Midsize SUVs 2026 Ford Bronco (4-Door) The Ford Bronco 4-Door sits in its own category. It's a body-on-frame SUV built specifically for serious off-road use, and Ford didn't cut corners. With removable doors and roof panels, an advanced independent front suspension, and available locking front and rear differentials, it's one of the most capable off-road SUVs Ford has ever produced. Key Highlights: Available Sasquatch Package with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, wide-track Dana axles, and available locking front and rear differentials Capable available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 330 horsepower Removable doors and roof panels for an open-air experience on the trail or around town High ground clearance (up to 11.6 inches) and water fording depth up to 33.5 inches The 4-Door Bronco seats five adults with usable rear legroom, and 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats handles gear for serious outdoor trips. At 77.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, it covers almost any hauling scenario. Buyers who want an adventure-first vehicle that also functions as a daily driver consistently land on this one. 2026 Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is one of the most recognized nameplates in the segment, and for good reason. This three-row midsize SUV balances everyday family practicality with enough towing capability and technology to make it genuinely versatile across a wide range of use cases. Key Highlights: Three-row seating for up to seven passengers, with available captain's chairs in the second row Towing capacity up to 5,600 pounds, useful for boats, campers, and utility trailers Available ST performance trim with a turbocharged 3.0L V6 producing 400 horsepower Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto With 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded, the Explorer handles the reality of busy family life well. It's the right choice for buyers who need a true third row on a regular basis but aren't ready to step up to a full-size body-on-frame SUV. 2026 Ford Expedition The Ford Expedition steps up to a truck-based platform and delivers the kind of capability that families and work-oriented buyers can actually feel. Eight-passenger seating, a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and impressive towing capability put this vehicle in a different league from the crossover-based Explorer. Key Highlights: Twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivering strong performance for towing and highway travel Available towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped (verify based on model year) Available technology and utility features designed for work sites, road trips, and outdoor adventures Available Stealth Performance Package with a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes Twenty-point-nine cubic feet behind the third row is enough for grocery runs with a full load of passengers, and 104.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded gives contractors, coaches, and road-tripping families serious hauling room. The Expedition handles long highway miles particularly well, with a quiet cabin and a smooth-riding suspension that larger groups appreciate on extended trips. 2026 Ford Expedition MAX The Ford Expedition MAX is Ford's largest production SUV, adding a stretched wheelbase and extended body to everything the standard Expedition already does well. When space is the top priority and you're not willing to compromise, this is the one. Key Highlights: Same twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 as the standard Expedition, with comparable towing capability 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, providing significantly more storage than the standard Expedition Eight-passenger seating with generous space for passengers and gear Extended wheelbase designed for families, travel, and hauling larger loads with confidence At 121.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, the Expedition MAX offers exceptional cargo capacity among full-size SUVs while still seating up to eight people comfortably. Large families, shuttle operators, sports teams, and anyone who regularly moves a lot of people and gear find this the most practical vehicle Ford makes. The extended length is worth noting for parking in tighter urban spots, but for most western North Carolina roads and driveways, it's a worthwhile tradeoff for the additional storage space. Find Your Ford SUV at Cloninger Ford of Hickory Ford's SUV lineup gives you a lot of room to land in exactly the right spot. The Bronco Sport and Escape cover the small-and-efficient end of the spectrum. The Bronco 4-Door and Explorer handle the midsize segment from two very different angles. The Expedition and Expedition MAX bring full-size capability for buyers who need the most space, the most towing, and the most confidence on any road. At Cloninger Ford of Hickory, our team knows these vehicles inside and out. We can walk you through the differences between trims, arrange back-to-back test drives across models you're considering, and help you find the right fit for your budget and your lifestyle. Stop by our Hickory dealership to see Ford's full SUV lineup in person, or give us a call at (828) 374-9538 to schedule your test drive. We're here to help Hickory-area drivers get into the right vehicle the first time.
