Want to find the perfect Ford SUV that matches your lifestyle?
SUVs now capture 58% of all vehicle transactions in 2024—a record high. With 7 different Ford SUV models to choose from, each designed for completely different needs and budgets, picking the right one has never been more important.
Here’s the problem:
Most people walk into a Ford Focus Brisbane dealership without knowing what they actually need. They get overwhelmed by all the options and end up making the wrong choice.
That’s where this guide comes in…
What you’ll discover:
- Understanding Your SUV Needs
- Ford’s Complete SUV Lineup Breakdown
- Key Features That Actually Matter
- Making The Smart Choice
Understanding Your SUV Needs
Before looking at any Ford SUV, you need to ask yourself some hard questions.
Here’s why this matters: Ford SUV sales grew 4% in Q2 2024, reaching 47,833 deliveries. Thousands of people are choosing Ford SUVs every month, but many are choosing the wrong model for their needs.
Here’s what most people don’t realize…
The difference between choosing the right SUV and the wrong one can cost thousands in fuel, maintenance, and depreciation over 5 years. Getting this decision right the first time is absolutely crucial.
Start by answering these questions:
- How many people do you need to seat regularly?
- What’s your realistic budget including insurance and fuel?
- Do you actually need off-road capability or just think it’s cool?
- How important is fuel economy for your daily driving?
Most people skip this step. Don’t be like most people.
Ford’s Complete SUV Lineup Breakdown
Ford offers seven distinct SUV models in 2024. Each one serves a completely different purpose…
Let me break down exactly what each model does best.
Ford Escape: The Efficiency Champion
The Escape is Ford’s compact SUV that prioritizes fuel economy over everything else.
Here’s what makes it special: The hybrid version delivers up to 42 MPG combined—making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs you can buy. The plug-in hybrid variant goes even further with 39 MPG combined rating.
Perfect for: Urban commuters, small families, and anyone who values efficiency over size.
Starting price: Around $28,000
The Escape has limited cargo space at 33.5 cubic feet. If you haul a lot of stuff regularly, this isn’t your SUV.
Ford Bronco Sport: Adventure-Ready Compact
Want off-road capability in a smaller package? The Bronco Sport delivers.
What sets it apart: Standard all-wheel drive, terrain management modes, and surprising off-road abilities for its size. It gets 25 MPG combined while still being trail-ready.
Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts who need daily drivability with weekend adventure capability.
The reality: It’s more rugged than refined. The ride quality isn’t as smooth as the Escape’s.
Ford Edge: The Stylish Middle Ground
The Edge sits between compact and full-size SUVs, offering a sophisticated driving experience.
Key strengths: Elegant design, quiet cabin, and available all-wheel drive. It gets 23 MPG combined with AWD—pretty impressive for its size.
Perfect for: Buyers who want SUV practicality with car-like handling and a premium feel.
The catch: Ford is discontinuing the Edge after 2024, so resale value might take a hit.
Ford Explorer: The Family Favorite
Ford Explorer sales totaled 194,094 SUVs in 2024, making it America’s best-selling three-row SUV.
There’s a reason for that popularity.
Why it’s popular: Seats up to 7 people, 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and available hybrid powertrain. The hybrid version gets 28 MPG highway—excellent for a three-row SUV.
Perfect for: Growing families who need space but don’t want a massive truck-based SUV.
The truth: Third-row seating is tight for adults. It’s really a 5-seater with emergency seating for two more.
Ford Expedition: Maximum Space and Capability
Need serious towing power? The Expedition can haul up to 9,000 pounds.
What makes it special: True three-row seating for 8 adults, massive cargo capacity, and truck-like capability. It’s Ford’s answer to the Chevy Tahoe.
Perfect for: Large families, frequent travelers, and maximum space needs.
The trade-off: Fuel economy suffers at 19 MPG combined. You’ll feel it at the gas pump every single week.
Ford Bronco: The Off-Road Icon
The Bronco is built for one thing: conquering trails that would stop other SUVs dead.
Core strengths: Removable doors and roof, advanced 4WD systems, and trail-focused features. It gets 20 MPG combined, which is reasonable for its capability.
Perfect for: Serious off-road enthusiasts who want maximum capability.
Here’s the thing: Daily drivability is compromised for off-road prowess. The ride is rough on pavement.
Ford Mustang Mach-E: Electric Performance
The Mach-E proves electric SUVs can be thrilling.
Key advantages: Up to 320 miles of electric range, instant torque, and sports car-like handling. Plus, zero emissions and lower operating costs.
Perfect for: Tech-savvy buyers ready to embrace electric driving.
The challenge: Charging infrastructure and higher upfront costs might be barriers for some buyers.
Key Features That Actually Matter
When comparing Ford SUVs, focus on these critical factors…
Most people get distracted by flashy features that don’t matter. Here’s what actually does.
Fuel Economy Reality Check
SUVs now make up 75% of total U.S. car sales, so fuel efficiency matters more than ever.
Here’s the truth: A 5 MPG difference costs roughly $500 annually at current gas prices. Over 5 years of ownership, that’s $2,500.
Ford’s fuel economy leaders:
- Escape Hybrid: 42 MPG combined
- Explorer Hybrid: 28 MPG combined
- Bronco Sport: 25 MPG combined
- Edge: 23 MPG combined
Don’t just look at the sticker price. Calculate the total cost of ownership.
Safety Features You Can’t Ignore
Ford equips most SUVs with standard safety tech, but the details matter.
Standard across most models:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Rearview cameras
Expedition-specific features: Additional off-road safety systems for trail driving.
The good news? Ford has stepped up their safety game significantly across the entire lineup.
Technology That Enhances Daily Driving
Ford’s SYNC infotainment system comes standard, but screen sizes and features vary by model.
What to prioritize:
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility
- USB-C charging ports (especially in rear seats)
- Available wireless phone charging
- Premium audio systems in higher trims
Pretty cool, right? But don’t get distracted by tech features you’ll never use.
Making The Smart Choice
Choosing the perfect Ford SUV comes down to honest self-assessment.
Most people buy with their hearts, not their heads. That’s a mistake.
Here’s the process that works:
Start with your budget—not just purchase price, but total monthly costs including fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
Then match your actual needs (not wants) to the right model:
Choose the Escape if: You prioritize fuel economy and don’t need three rows.
Choose the Bronco Sport if: You want off-road capability in a manageable size.
Choose the Explorer if: You need three rows occasionally and want the best balance of features.
Choose the Expedition if: You regularly haul people or trailers.
Choose the Bronco if: Off-road capability trumps everything else.
Choose the Mach-E if: You’re ready for electric and want performance.
Here’s something most people don’t consider…
Test drive in your actual conditions. Don’t just drive around the dealership lot. Take it on the highway, in traffic, and to regular destinations.
That’s the only way to know if it’s right for you.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Choosing the perfect Ford SUV isn’t about getting the biggest or most expensive model. It’s about finding the one that fits your real-world needs and budget.
Here’s the bottom line:
Most buyers are happiest when they match their actual needs to the right model rather than buying based on emotions or what looks cool.
Take your time. Do the math on ownership costs. Test multiple models.
The perfect Ford SUV is waiting for you. You need to be honest about what you actually need versus what you think you want.
