Picking the right SUV comes down to an honest look at your daily life. How many passengers do you regularly carry? Do you need serious towing capacity, or is off-road clearance the priority? Are you commuting through Hickory traffic five days a week, or loading up for a weekend trip into the Blue Ridge? Ford's current SUV lineup covers that entire range, from a compact trailblazer that fits into tight parking decks to a full-size hauler that seats eight with room left for cargo. This guide walks through each model in size order so you can see exactly where the options fall and what each one actually does well. Ford SUV Lineup at a Glance Model Category Passengers Cargo (Seats Up) Max Cargo 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 Subcompact & Compact Ford SUVs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport The Bronco Sport is Ford's smallest SUV, and it earns its name. This is not a badge-only situation — it rides on a unibody platform engineered with real off-road hardware, making it a compelling choice for anyone who wants a vehicle they can actually take down a forest service road or through a muddy trailhead. Standard all-wheel drive comes on every single trim, not just the top ones. Higher trims add terrain-specific drive modes including Mud/Ruts and Sand, and the Badlands model picks up a 2.0L EcoBoost engine producing 250 horsepower. The cargo floor has an easy-clean coating that actually holds up to muddy gear, and the hands-free liftgate is a practical touch when you're coming back from a trail with both hands full. Cargo-wise, the Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.2 cubic feet with them folded. That's a lot of usable space for a vehicle this size. It fits comfortably into parking garages and downtown spots while giving you genuine capability when the weekend calls for something more than pavement. Best for: Singles, couples, and small families who spend time outdoors and want something easy to park during the week. 2026 Ford Escape The Escape takes a different angle in the compact segment. Where the Bronco Sport is adventure-forward, the Escape is efficiency-forward, with a practical interior, a smooth ride, and available electrified powertrains that are hard to find in this size class. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version delivers up to 37 miles of all-electric range, enough to cover most daily commutes without burning a drop of gas. A standard hybrid trim is also available for buyers who want better fuel economy without the charging routine. Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver assistance package comes standard, covering automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. Cargo space edges slightly ahead of the Bronco Sport at 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet fully folded. Available all-wheel drive handles wet roads and light winter conditions across western North Carolina without drama. The Escape is a commuter's vehicle at heart, but it handles weekend trips and school runs without any complaints. Best for: Commuters, small families, and eco-conscious buyers who want a polished everyday SUV with hybrid or PHEV capability. Midsize Ford SUVs 2026 Ford Bronco 4-Door The 4-Door Bronco is a genuinely different kind of vehicle. It's body-on-frame, built specifically for serious off-road use, and Ford did not cut corners on capability. If you've spent time comparing it to other mid-size SUVs, you'll notice the difference quickly — this one was designed from the start to go places most vehicles simply cannot. The available Sasquatch Package adds 35-inch mud-terrain tires, wide-track Dana axles, and available locking front and rear differentials. Ground clearance reaches up to 11.6 inches, and the water fording depth hits 33.5 inches. The available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 produces up to 330 horsepower, and the removable doors and roof panels are a feature that genuinely changes the driving experience when you're on a trail or just cruising on a clear day. Four adult passengers fit comfortably in the cabin, and the rear seat legroom is real, not token. Behind those seats, you get 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. That's enough room for a full weekend of camping gear. Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-first buyers who want maximum off-road capability without sacrificing daily drivability. 2026 Ford Explorer The Explorer is one of the most recognized names in the segment, and it stays popular for a simple reason — it gets the family SUV formula right. Three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, enough towing capability to pull a camper or a boat, and a technology package that keeps everyone connected and entertained on longer trips. Available captain's chairs in the second row make the middle section feel more livable on longer trips. Towing capacity reaches up to 5,600 pounds, which covers most recreational trailers and smaller boats. The available ST performance trim brings a turbocharged 3.0L V6 producing 400 horsepower for buyers who want the versatility of a family SUV with noticeably quicker acceleration. Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo space behind the third row checks in at 18.2 cubic feet, which is workable for grocery runs and light hauling when all seven seats are occupied. With all seats folded, that number jumps to 87.8 cubic feet. The Explorer sits in a useful middle ground for buyers who need a real third row on a regular basis but aren't ready for the size and operating costs of a full-size, truck-based SUV. Best for: Families of five to seven who need a reliable third row and appreciate a balance of towing capability, technology, and everyday practicality. Full-Size Ford SUVs 2026 Ford Expedition The Expedition moves to a truck-based, body-on-frame platform, and the difference shows up in towing numbers, interior space, and overall road presence. This is the Ford for buyers who have genuinely outgrown the Explorer or need a vehicle that can handle heavier loads without breaking a sweat. A twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 powers every Expedition, delivering strong performance for highway travel and towing. Maximum towing capacity reaches up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped, which puts boats, larger campers, and equipment trailers well within reach. Eight passengers fit inside, and the available Stealth Performance Package adds a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes for drivers who want a sharper feel from a large vehicle. With the third row up, there's 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for the grocery run even when the whole family is along. Fold everything flat and that opens to 104.6 cubic feet. Highway ride quality in the Expedition is notably smooth for a vehicle this capable, and the cabin quiets down well at speed, which larger groups traveling long distances tend to notice and appreciate. Best for: Large families, coaches, contractors, and buyers who need serious towing capacity alongside eight-passenger seating. 2026 Ford Expedition MAX The Expedition MAX takes everything the standard Expedition does and stretches it, literally. A longer wheelbase and extended body create significantly more room behind the third row and give rear passengers additional space that you feel immediately when climbing in. The powertrain is the same twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 as the standard Expedition, and towing capability carries over at comparable numbers. What changes is space. The Expedition MAX offers 35.6 cubic feet behind the third row, nearly double the standard model's figure, and a maximum cargo volume of 121.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. Eight passengers can ride comfortably without the cargo area feeling like an afterthought. The extended length deserves an honest mention for city parking and tighter lots. For most western North Carolina driveways and roads, it's manageable, and the trade-off is significant storage space that pays off every time you load it up. Large families, airport shuttle operators, sports teams, and anyone who regularly moves lots of people and gear tend to find this is the most practical vehicle in Ford's entire lineup. Best for: Large families, shuttle operators, and buyers where maximum cargo volume and passenger comfort are the top priorities. Find the Right Ford SUV at Cloninger Ford of Hickory Ford's SUV lineup gives you a genuine answer for almost every scenario. The Bronco Sport and Escape cover the compact and efficient end of the range, the Bronco 4-Door and Explorer address midsize needs from two very different angles, and the Expedition and Expedition MAX bring full-size capability for buyers who need the most space and towing. At Cloninger Ford of Hickory, our team knows these vehicles well enough to tell you exactly where each one falls short as well as where it excels. We can set up back-to-back test drives so you can feel the size difference yourself, walk through trim packages, and find the configuration that fits both your needs and your budget. Browse our new Ford SUV inventory to see current availability, or contact us online to schedule a test drive. You can also reach us directly at 828-374-9538. We're here to help Hickory-area drivers find the right vehicle the first time.
