Foundation Models: XL & XLT Trims

F-150 XL

The XL trim serves as the cornerstone of the F-150 lineup, delivering exceptional value for fleet managers and work-oriented buyers. The 2025 F-150 XL includes:

• Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology
• 12-inch Capacitive Touchscreen with SYNC® 4 and Enhanced Voice Recognition
• Class IV Trailer Hitch
• Available 36-gallon Fuel Tank
• 5G LTE Modem

Perfect for businesses, contractors, and buyers who value utility and durability over luxury amenities. The available STX appearance package allows you to add style points without significantly increasing your investment.

F-150 XLT

As the most popular choice for personal use, the XLT achieves an excellent balance between affordability and comfort. The F-150 XLT adds:

• Available 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6
• Available Black Appearance Package
• BlueCruise127 Hands-Free Highway Driving Optional Hardware
• Available ProTrailer Backup Assist™ & Hitch Assist™
• Available 360-Degree Camera

The XLT is ideal for drivers who use their trucks for both work responsibilities and family activities. The available XLT Sport Appearance Package lets you personalize the aesthetics to match your individual style.

Elevated Options: Lariat & Tremor

F-150 LARIAT

The Lariat represents the entry into the F-150’s premium territory, offering sophisticated features while maintaining a competitive price point:

• Heated and Ventilated ActiveX™ Seats
• LED Projector with Dynamic Bending Headlamps with LED Taillamps
• Available 14-Speaker B&O® Audio System by Bang & Olufsen®
• Available Pro-Access Tailgate Equipped with Bed Utility Package
• Available Head-Up Display

For buyers seeking equal parts comfort, technology, and capability, the Lariat delivers exceptional value. It’s perfect for professionals who regularly entertain clients or families who appreciate premium features.

F-150 TREMOR

The Tremor transforms the F-150 into a serious off-road machine without compromising on-road comfort:

• 33-Inch All Terrain Tires
• Increased Ride Height with Improved Approach and Departure Angles
• Trail Control with Trail 1-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist
• Available Modular Front Bumper
• Available Front Axle with Torsen® Differential

If your adventures frequently take you beyond paved roads, the Tremor offers capabilities similar to the Raptor at a more accessible price point. It’s the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need their truck to perform exceptionally in challenging terrain.

Luxury Leaders: King Ranch & Platinum

F-150 King Ranch

The iconic King Ranch trim brings distinctive western-inspired luxury to the F-150 lineup:

• King Ranch Exterior Theme with Darkened Bronze Lower Accent Paint
• Multicontour Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
• Twin Panel Moonroof
• Available 7.2kW Pro-Power Onboard
• Power Deployable Running Boards

The King Ranch blends luxury with authentic western heritage, appealing to buyers who value distinctive styling and premium comfort.

F-150 Platinum

The Platinum trim elevates the F-150 with sophisticated styling and cutting-edge technology:

• Available Platinum Plus® Model
• 20-Inch Painted Gloss Black Wheels
• Available Pro Power Onboard 7.2kW
• Power Deployable Running Boards
• BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving Equipped

For buyers seeking a truck that functions as a luxury vehicle, the Platinum delivers with its refined aesthetics and advanced comfort features.

Performance Leader: Raptor

F-150 Raptor

The Raptor transforms the F-150 into a high-performance off-road powerhouse:

• 3.5L V6 EcoBoost® High Output Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology
• Available 5.2L Supercharged V8 Engine
• 4×4 with Hi-Lock Transfer Case
• Heavy-Duty Skid Plates
• Raptor Off-Road Style Running Boards & Unique Raptor Graphics

For dedicated off-road enthusiasts, the Raptor offers unmatched performance capabilities in desert terrain or on challenging trails.

The Future of Trucks: F-150 Lightning

F-150 Lightning

The F-150 Lightning brings electric performance and innovative features to America’s favorite truck:

• Up to 320 miles of range (Extended Range battery)
• Up to 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of instant torque
• 9.6kW Pro Power Onboard system
• Mega Power Frunk (front trunk) with 400L of storage
• Home backup power capability

Available in XLT, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum trims, the Lightning offers multiple configurations to match different needs and budgets while delivering a truly revolutionary truck experience.

Powertrain Options: Performance for Every Need

All engines pair with Ford’s refined 10-speed automatic transmission (except Lightning), offering smooth shifting and optimal power delivery across all driving conditions.

Find Your Perfect 2025 F-150

With such a comprehensive lineup, selecting the ideal F-150 depends on your specific needs:

• For Work/Business Use: The XL and XLT provide excellent value and durability for commercial applications.
• For Family-Focused Buyers: The Lariat balances premium features with value, while the XLT with added packages offers excellent everyday utility.
• For Luxury Seekers: The King Ranch and Platinum deliver premium experiences with distinctive styling differences.
• For Off-Road Enthusiasts: The Tremor offers capable trail performance, while the Raptor provides unmatched off-road capability.
• For Tech-Forward Buyers: The Lightning revolutionizes the truck experience with electric performance and innovative features.

Experience the 2025 Ford F-150 at Cloninger Ford of Hickory

The 2025 Ford F-150 lineup demonstrates why it continues to be America’s favorite truck year after year. By understanding the key differences between each 2025 Ford F-150 trim level, you can confidently choose the version that best fits your lifestyle, work requirements, and personal preferences.

At Cloninger Ford of Hickory, we’re proud to offer the complete range of 2025 Ford F-150 models. We invite you to visit our showroom to experience these impressive vehicles firsthand. Schedule a test drive today by calling (828) 624-4543 or visiting our dealership at 1241 US Highway 70 East. Our expert sales team is ready to help you navigate the various trim levels and options to find your perfect truck.

New Ford Inventory | New Ford Trucks | New F-150 Lightnight Inventory | New F-150 Raptor Inventory

Ford F-150 Dealership Serving:

Lenoir | Statesville | Valdese | Taylorsville | Wilkesboro

For off-road enthusiasts and weekend warriors alike, the Ford Bronco lineup has become synonymous with adventure. The 2025 models of the full-size Bronco and its smaller sibling, the Bronco Sport, continue to impress with their rugged capabilities and modern comforts. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between these two SUVs to help you determine which one is the perfect companion for your next expedition.

Under the Hood: Performance

When it comes to performance, both the Bronco and Bronco Sport have plenty to offer, but there are some notable distinctions between the two.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offers three robust engine choices:

• 2.3L EcoBoost I-4: Delivers 275-300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: Generates an impressive 315-330 horsepower
• 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Raptor): Boasts a whopping 418 horsepower

The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, comes with two efficient engine options:

• 1.5L EcoBoost I-3: Produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 (optional): Delivers a respectable 250 horsepower

Both SUVs come standard with 4WD for enhanced traction. The Bronco lets you choose between a 10-speed automatic or a 7-speed manual transmission, while the Bronco Sport uses an 8-speed automatic.

If you’re looking for maximum power and towing capability, the full-size Bronco is the clear choice. However, the Bronco Sport’s efficient engines are more than capable for most adventures.

Exploring the Interior

Step inside the 2025 Bronco and Bronco Sport, and you’ll find interiors that seamlessly blend rugged durability with modern conveniences. Both SUVs comfortably seat up to five passengers.

Notable interior features of the 2025 Bronco include:

• Removable doors and roof for an immersive open-air experience
• Durable, washable rubberized flooring (select trims)
• Choice of cloth, marine-grade vinyl, or leather seating
• Cutting-edge tech: 12″ digital gauge cluster, SYNC 4 touchscreen
• Premium 12-speaker B&O sound system (available)

The Bronco Sport’s cabin offers its own set of highlights:

• Soft-touch materials on key touchpoints for added comfort
• Available dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather-trimmed seating options on higher trims
• Versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• SYNC 4 infotainment with advanced voice recognition
• Optional 10-speaker B&O audio system

The Bronco’s interior is designed for maximum versatility and off-road functionality, while the Bronco Sport prioritizes comfort and convenience for daily driving.

Conquering the Trails

As true Broncos, both models excel when the pavement ends, but they are engineered for different levels of off-road capability.

The 2025 Bronco is built for serious off-road adventures with features like:

• Advanced 4×4 system with electronic locking front and rear axles
• High-clearance suspension and available 35″ tires
• Terrain-conquering G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive modes

While not as extreme, the Bronco Sport still impresses off the beaten path:

• Standard 4WD with fully independent suspension
• 7.8″ of ground clearance for navigating obstacles
• Respectable approach (21.7°) and departure (30.4°) angles
• G.O.A.T. modes tailored to various conditions

If tackling the toughest trails is your top priority, the full-size Bronco is the superior choice. For milder off-road excursions and all-weather confidence, the Bronco Sport has you covered.

Keeping You Safe

No matter where your adventures take you, Ford equips both the Bronco and Bronco Sport with a suite of advanced safety technologies for added peace of mind.

The 2025 Bronco comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Lane-Keeping System
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Additional Bronco safety features:

• Comprehensive airbag system with side curtain airbags
• Rollover protection system for added security

The 2025 Bronco Sport takes safety to the next level with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane-Keeping System
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering

Available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 package adds:

• 360-degree camera for improved visibility
• Reverse Brake Assist
• Speed sign recognition

While both Broncos prioritize your safety, the Bronco Sport offers a few additional driver-assist features for enhanced confidence on the road.

2025 Bronco vs Bronco Sport: Which Model Is Best For You?

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport ultimately depends on your specific needs and adventure goals. If ultimate off-road capability and customization are your top priorities, the full-size Bronco is the way to go. Its powerful engines, advanced 4×4 system, and removable doors and roof make it the perfect companion for conquering the toughest trails.

However, if you’re looking for a more balanced approach to adventure, the Bronco Sport is an excellent choice. Its efficient yet capable powertrains, comfortable interior, and practical size make it ideal for both daily driving and weekend getaways. Plus, with its impressive array of safety features, you can explore with confidence.

To truly discover which Bronco model is right for you, visit Cloninger Ford of Hickory for a test drive. Get behind the wheel, experience the capabilities firsthand, and start planning your next unforgettable adventure.

Ford Bronco Research | Ford Bronco Sport Research | New Ford SUVs | New Ford Specials | New Bronco Specials

Ford Bronco Dealership Serving:

Lenoir | Statesville | Valdese | Taylorsville | Wilkesboro

Table of Contents:

• Ford SUV Size Overview
• Subcompact & Compact Models
• Midsize Models
• Full-Size Models

Ford SUV Lineup at a Glance

Here’s a quick-reference chart of Ford’s SUV models organized from smallest to largest:

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.