Detroit Dominance: Ford SUVs – Cincinnati, OH

If you somehow haven’t noticed, SUVs are now the dominant form of transportation across the country. It’s pretty easy to see why – for every sedan or hatchback, there is an SUV that can do the same job while also holding more people and cargo. With advancements in engine technology providing more and more efficient motors, SUVs are no longer fuel sucking beasts either, destroying one of the last arguments used by the sedan faithful. Furthermore, most mainstream brands now offer an SUV line-up that nearly replicates or outnumbers their car line-up, meaning that you can stick with a brand as your lifestyle or needs change. From the tiny EcoSport to the big and burly Expedition, there are Ford SUVs for every taste. With such a diverse set of vehicles, there is sure to be a Ford SUV with your name written all over it.

The State of Ford

Car manufacturers have been pulled in a thousand different directions recently. The push for electric vehicles and autonomous technology has forced them to play catch-up while also keeping current. It’s certainly hard to produce a modern line-up, which means filling tons of niches, while also pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into R&D for a future that has yet to be fully realized. It was not exactly surprising, then, to see the two largest domestic automakers make a hard pivot towards SUVs.

With the SUV takeover complete, it simply seems like smart business for Ford to trim down their sedan line-up to focus more on SUVs and the future. Making this difficult decision a little bit easier was the fact that Ford already had such a strong stable of SUVs ready to shoulder the burden.

Ford SUVs

EcoSport

It’s no coincidence that the smallest member of the SUV family is also the newest. The subcompact SUV class barely existed 10 years ago; now, almost every brand has a bite-sized SUV vying for your attention. The EcoSport was a success abroad before coming to the US, dating as far back as 2003 in Brazil.

One of the more unique features that the EcoSport offers is the choice of two different engines; most subcompacts skimp on engine options in the interest of keeping margins high. Both the base 1.0L EcoBoost Engine and more powerful 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 engine offer start/stop technology, which improves fuel efficiency by turning the engine off when the car is at idle. The battery will keep your music and A/C running and the engine will kick back on as soon as you take your foot off of the brake.

Edge

It took a while for other car manufacturers to catch up to the Ford Edge. At first, the Edge looks like it might compete directly with the compact Escape – the two look fairly similar and both seat five. A closer examination reveals that the Edge slides in right between the Escape and Explorer. It’s bigger than the Escape, but not so much bigger that it encroaches on the three-row Explorer. It also offers a level of refinement and sportiness not found in the Escape. It’s the perfect vehicle for sedan converts not quite ready to admit they really want that spacious cargo area and more commanding ride height. For lack of a better term, it’s the textbook crossover. The Nissan Murano has been the Edge’s only competition for years. The Chevy Blazer and Honda Passport finally arrive to challenge it this year.

For 2019, the Edge got a little edgier. The brand-new Edge ST brings performance to the crossover class. It starts with a 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine that pumps out a thrilling 335 horsepower. Settle into the sport seats and put the Edge into sport mode to feel the rush. The ST is louder, more powerful, and more refined than anything else on the market.

Escape

The compact Escape is one of America’s best-selling SUVs. Weekend warriors will enjoy the available intelligent four-wheel drive and 68 cu.ft. of cargo space with the second-row seats down. Drivers can use the foot sensor in the back bumper to open the hatch when their hands are full.

As a car aimed squarely at millennials with growing families, the Escape offers awesome connectivity. With FordPass Connect, Escape drivers can turn their vehicle into a 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot perfect for keeping drivers connected to the world and any backseat passengers entertained. Furthering the connectivity is the FordPass smartphone app. Link your car to the app to unlock the ability to:

• Receive key vehicle info and schedule service
• Use FordPay to conveniently pay for service
• Compare fuel prices at stations along your route
• Find, reserve and pay for parking ahead of time

The Escape offers the capability of going off the grid while still remaining connected.

Explorer

The mid-sized Explorer SUV is perfect for families, with seating for seven. Fold down the two back rows and to take advantage of 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The Explorer also makes switching from seating to cargo space a cinch. Simply press a button to make the third-row fold into useable space. Worried about the Explorer being too much of a mom-mobile? Opt for the Platinum trim to experience European-grade luxury in this functional SUV.

Families will also appreciate the Explorer’s extensive suite of safety features. The Explorer was designed knowing that a lot of its miles may be spent in suburban sprawl – available active park assist takes over all the intricacies of parallel and perpendicular parking. As long as you provide acceleration and braking when prompted, the Explorer will take over the maneuvering. If you’re nervous about fitting into a spot or simply don’t like parking, this SUV is perfect for you. Those with driveways on blind corners or busy streets will love the 180-degree camera in the front grille. It uses a unique lens perspective to show you what’s coming before it appears in the driver’s sight lines.

Expedition

The Expedition is the SUV in its final and best form. It embodies the word utility to a tee. Few vehicles today can match its ability to transport eight people and all of their cargo in complete comfort. A Kelly Blue Book “Best Buy” award winner and the 2018 J.D. Power highest-ranked large SUV in initial quality, the Expedition is built to last. As one might expect for a range-topping SUV, the Expedition contains every feature offered throughout the Ford line-up. A full suite of safety features guide you down the road while trailer technology developed in tandem with the F-150 keeps everything behind you in order. The Expedition Platinum offers European luxury sedan quality, with leather and wood grain as far as the eye can see and four captain’s chairs making the two front rows feel like thrones. There is driving, and then there is driving an Expedition.

The Kings Ford Difference

Kings Ford is the place to shop for any of the new Ford SUVs described above. Our sales staff will make sure they find the perfect SUV for your needs, whether that be a spartan EcoSport or a loaded Expedition. Our highly-trained and well-respected staff members will be able to assist you and will provide you with exemplary customer service. If you’re someone who has had a poor car-buying experience, don’t let that sway you from stopping by Kings Ford. We will show you the respect that you deserve and provide you with an inventory that will leave you speechless. We truly value every customer and recognize how stressful car shopping can be. Even if you’re just window shopping, head over to our convenient dealership today. We know that you’ll be glad you did.