2026 Ford F-150 Inventory New Ford Special Offers Contact Us Table of Contents: 2026 F-150 Trim Levels at a Glance XL & STX: Built for the Job XLT & Lariat: Where Comfort Meets Capability King Ranch & Platinum: Two Takes on Luxury Tremor & Raptor: Purpose-Built for Off-Road Which Trim Should You Choose? The F-150 isn't a hard sell around Hickory. Most buyers in Catawba County already know they want one. The harder question is figuring out which trim actually fits your life, your budget, and the kind of work you're putting that truck through. The 2026 Ford F-150 is available in eight trim levels, ranging from the work-ready XL at $39,330 to the high-performance Raptor at $79,005 MSRP, giving drivers across Western North Carolina a full spectrum of capability, comfort, and technology. All trims come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system. At Cloninger Ford of Hickory, we've helped drivers from Hickory, Lenoir, Statesville, Newton, and Conover navigate the F-150 lineup for decades. We know the questions that come up, and we know that picking the wrong trim is an expensive mistake in either direction. This guide breaks down every 2026 F-150 trim in plain terms so you can walk in with a clear picture and spend less time on the lot and more time behind the wheel. Key Points: 2026 Ford F-150 Trim Levels Near Hickory, NC Eight trims, one platform, zero wasted capability. Every 2026 F-150, from XL to Raptor, includes a 10-speed automatic transmission and Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite as standard equipment. The foundation is strong across the board. The biggest pricing jump in the lineup is between XLT and Lariat. Going from the XLT ($44,695) to the Lariat ($59,560) adds leather seats, heated fronts, and real luxury. Beyond Lariat, you're paying for premium audio, BlueCruise hands-free driving, and specialized off-road performance. The 2026 F-150 can tow up to an estimated 13,500 lbs when properly equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, making it a class-leading hauler for the farms, job sites, and mountain roads throughout Catawba County and Western NC. 2026 Ford F-150 Trim Levels at a Glance: All Eight Options Not every truck buyer needs the same thing. Here's a quick-reference look at the full 2026 F-150 lineup before we get into the details. Trim Best For Key Feature Starting MSRP XL Work trucks, fleet, commercial SYNC 4 12" touchscreen, Co-Pilot360 $39,330 STX Sport-styled work trucks 18" gloss black wheels, zone lighting $41,855 XLT Best overall value Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 12" productivity screen $44,695 Lariat Comfort upgrade from XLT Leather seats, heated/ventilated fronts, wireless charging $59,560 Tremor Serious off-road capability Off-road suspension, e-locking rear diff, skid plates $64,915 King Ranch Traditional luxury B&O sound, BlueCruise, Del Rio leather $65,825 Platinum Modern luxury Active Motion seats, Pro Power Onboard, ambient lighting $68,800 Raptor High-performance off-road FOX shocks, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist $79,005 All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail and exclude taxes, title, fees, and dealer charges. Contact Cloninger Ford of Hickory for current availability and pricing. A few things worth noting from this lineup. Every 2026 F-150 comes standard with a 12-inch touchscreen and Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite, including the base XL — that's not a given in this segment. The jump from XLT to Lariat is $14,865, but it delivers a meaningful interior upgrade, not just badge changes. And for buyers who tow anything substantial, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, available on XLT and above, unlocks up to an estimated 13,500 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped. The F-150 XL and STX: Built for the Job XL Ford F-150 XL The F-150 XL is the trim built to work without distraction. It carries a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with built-in Wi-Fi. Ford Co-Pilot360 — which includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist — comes standard. "Base" doesn't mean bare on the F-150 XL. This is a capable, connected truck from the ground up, and the right choice for fleet applications, contractors, and budget-conscious buyers who need proven Ford toughness. Standard Features: 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine with 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torque 10-speed automatic transmission 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with built-in Wi-Fi Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite (automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist) Up to 8,400 lbs maximum towing capacity LED headlamps and taillamps Available Regular Cab, SuperCab, or SuperCrew configurations STX Ford F-150 STX The STX steps up the XL foundation with 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, sport-styled exterior accents, zone lighting for around-the-truck visibility, and rear privacy glass. If you want a work truck that carries a sharper look to the job site without moving into daily-driver territory, the STX is the bridge between the two. The available STX Lobo Package adds 22-inch wheels and a lowered suspension for buyers who want an even more aggressive street-performance stance straight from the factory. Key Upgrades Over XL: 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels Sport-styled exterior accents Zone lighting for around-the-truck visibility Rear privacy glass SiriusXM radio capability Available STX Lobo Package with 22-inch wheels and lowered suspension Feature XL STX Starting MSRP $39,330 $41,855 Wheels 17-inch steel 18-inch gloss black aluminum Zone Lighting Not Available Standard Sport Appearance Standard STX Sport Styling The F-150 XLT and Lariat: Where Comfort Meets Capability XLT Ford F-150 XLT The XLT is the sweet spot of the lineup for most Hickory-area buyers. It adds LED fog lamps with cornering lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 12-inch digital productivity screen for the instrument cluster. Pro Trailer Backup Assist comes standard, which makes backing a trailer into tight spots significantly easier. FordPass Connect also enables remote access and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. This is America's most popular F-150 trim, and for good reason. Notable Features: 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless connectivity 12-inch digital productivity instrument cluster Leather-wrapped steering wheel LED fog lamps with cornering lights Pro Trailer Backup Assist (standard) FordPass Connect with mobile Wi-Fi hotspot Available BlueCruise 1.3 hands-free driving technology Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Lariat Ford F-150 Lariat The Lariat moves the F-150 into genuine daily-driver comfort territory. It adds leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The standard engine steps up to the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 at this level. For drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel on job sites, client visits, or highway hauls across Western NC, the Lariat is where comfort becomes a real productivity tool. Premium Amenities: Leather-trimmed seating with heated and ventilated front seats Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go Wireless charging pad Dual-zone automatic climate control 3.5L EcoBoost V6 standard engine Pro Trailer Backup Assist Available 360-degree camera system Available B&O Sound System Comfort Feature XLT Lariat Starting MSRP $44,695 $59,560 Seating Material Cloth / Available Leather Leather Standard Ventilated Seats Not Available Standard Wireless Charging Not Available Standard Adaptive Cruise Not Available Standard The F-150 King Ranch and Platinum: Two Takes on Luxury Both the King Ranch and Platinum sit near the top of the 2026 F-150 lineup, and both include BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving capability on thousands of pre-mapped North American roads. The difference between them is style, not quality. King Ranch Ford F-150 King Ranch The King Ranch delivers a warm, Western-inspired interior with Del Rio leather upholstery, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. King Ranch buyers tend to value craftsmanship and tradition over flash. The two-tone exterior color options and distinctive stitching carry that identity outside the cab. Named after the legendary Texas ranch, this trim celebrates authentic heritage while delivering modern luxury and full F-150 capability. Distinctive Western Features: Del Rio leather upholstery with unique perforation patterns and stitching Bang & Olufsen premium sound system BlueCruise hands-free highway driving (standard) 12-inch digital gauge cluster Signature King Ranch badging and two-tone exterior paint options Multi-contour massaging front seats with heating and ventilation Available twin-panel panoramic moonroof Available 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid with Pro Power Onboard Platinum Ford F-150 Platinum The Platinum swings modern. Multicontour seats with Active Motion keep long-distance drivers comfortable. Pro Power Onboard — Ford's built-in generator capability — makes the Platinum a serious option for contractors who need exportable power at the job site. If your truck doubles as a mobile office and power station, the Platinum earns its price in practical ways alongside its premium comfort and ambient lighting. Luxury Appointments: Multicontour seats with Active Motion technology Pro Power Onboard built-in generator capability BlueCruise hands-free highway driving (standard) Ambient interior lighting Heated and cooled front and rear seats 360-degree camera system with split-view display Twin-panel panoramic moonroof Available Satin Platinum Package with 20-inch polished wheels Feature King Ranch Platinum Starting MSRP $65,825 $68,800 Interior Style Western Heritage Modern Luxury Leather Del Rio leather Premium two-tone Pro Power Onboard Available Standard BlueCruise Standard Standard The F-150 Tremor and Raptor: Purpose-Built for Off-Road Tremor Ford F-150 Tremor The Tremor is the trail-focused trim that doesn't require a Raptor budget. It runs a 5.0L V8 engine, an off-road-tuned suspension with upgraded shocks, an electronic-locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and trail-focused drive modes. The Tremor is the right call for Western NC buyers who want serious off-road capability for mountain roads, backcountry trails, and weekend adventures without the full performance price tag of the Raptor. Off-Road Equipment: 5.0L V8 engine standard Off-road-tuned suspension with upgraded shocks Electronic-locking rear differential Underbody skid plates for protection Trail-focused drive modes Hill Descent Control 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels Unique Tremor badging and styling Raptor Ford F-150 Raptor The Raptor takes off-road performance to another level entirely. FOX racing shocks, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, and an aggressive wide-stance body are built for high-speed desert running and technical terrain. For most buyers in the Hickory market, the Tremor delivers everything they'll actually use. The Raptor is for those who want the full performance platform, no compromises — or who plan to take their truck well beyond the bounds of what trail maps can account for. Extreme Performance Features: High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 450 horsepower FOX Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers Trail Control for low-speed off-road cruise control Trail Turn Assist for tighter off-road maneuvering 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires Aggressive wide-stance body with unique grille and fender flares Heavy-duty steel bash plates Recaro sport seats with suede inserts Feature Tremor Raptor Starting MSRP $64,915 $79,005 Engine 5.0L V8 H.O. 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (450 hp) Shocks Upgraded off-road shocks FOX Live Valve Tire Size 33-inch all-terrain 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 Trail Turn Assist Not Available Standard Which 2026 Ford F-150 Trim Is Right for You? The right trim depends on what you're asking the truck to do. Here's a quick way to narrow it down: Trim Best For Starting MSRP Summary XL Work trucks, fleet, commercial $39,330 Full F-150 capability at the lowest entry point STX Sport-styled work trucks $41,855 Sharper look to the job site without leaving work-truck territory XLT Best all-around value $44,695 The trim most buyers land on, and for good reason Lariat Daily driver, comfort priority $59,560 Where the F-150 stops feeling like a work truck and starts feeling like a preference Tremor Off-road, Western NC trails $64,915 Serious off-road capability without the full Raptor investment King Ranch Traditional luxury, heritage style $65,825 Western-inspired craftsmanship with BlueCruise hands-free driving Platinum Modern luxury, tech-forward $68,800 Active Motion seats, Pro Power Onboard, and BlueCruise in a modern package Raptor Maximum performance, no compromises $79,005 The full factory performance platform — FOX shocks, Trail Control, 37-inch tires Test Drive the 2026 F-150 at Cloninger Ford of Hickory Cloninger Ford of Hickory has been serving drivers across Hickory, Lenoir, Statesville, Newton, and Conover since 1960. We carry new F-150 inventory across the full trim lineup, and our team is ready to walk you through the differences in person. Visit us at 1241 Highway 70 East, Hickory, NC 28602, browse our new Ford F-150 inventory online, or contact our team for current availability and pricing. The best way to figure out which trim fits is to get behind the wheel. View F-150 Inventory Current Specials Contact Us All MSRPs are manufacturer's suggested retail prices as of the 2026 model year and exclude taxes, title, license fees, and dealer charges. Towing figures are maximum available ratings when properly equipped. Contact Cloninger Ford of Hickory to confirm current availability and pricing.
Ford SUVs from Smallest to Largest: A Comprehensive Size Guide
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.