The American Obsession with Ford SUVs

Ask anyone’s opinion on the best SUV ever made, and you’re probably going to get a wide range of responses. Some think of a simple, bare-bones mud-covered SUV effortlessly bouncing and trudging over treacherous mountainous terrain, and others eye a valet-ready, souped-up, ultra-luxury ride filled with top-of-the-line comforts like buttery leather seats, cutting-edge tech, and automatic everything. Whatever category you fit into, there is one truism you can rely on: SUVs are here to stay, and automakers will continue investing time into developing vehicles with the choices today’s drivers demand.

No other company personifies a relentless commitment to the SUV category better than the Ford Motor Company. Ford is a pioneer in this category, and many of its sport utility vehicles have easily earned their place on the list of greatest Ford SUVs of all time. These are vehicles with household names––like the Bronco and Explorer––that many aspire to one day own.

We may not all crave a rig that can tackle backroads terrain, but the ownership benefits of the SUV have evolved to include other more currently sought after benefits, like accommodating several passengers, providing ample cargo space, and navigating inclement weather with the confidence that a smaller vehicle cannot provide. Some say they feel just a little bit safer in a larger vehicle, and families find them roomier and more convenient than a sedan when carpooling the kids. Ford agrees, and that’s why they’ve built a brand around their ultra-successful family of SUVs. So what are the greatest Ford SUVs of all time?

Where It All Began

The Bronco, Ford’s first-ever SUV, made its big debut in 1965 as an answer to the Jeep CJ-5 and the rugged but basic International Scout. This new Bronco offered a two-door body style and was introduced with a 170-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder motor. Later, a larger, full-size Bronco would try its hand competing against the Jeep Cherokee and Chevy’s popular Blazer. This larger Bronco, built on Ford’s F-Series chassis, continued to be manufactured until 1996 when consumer demand for a four-door SUV option booted it from buyers’ consideration sets. The engine remained the same, but Ford added an optional 289 cubic-inch V8 in 1966, which was increased in size to 302 cubic-inches a couple of years later. All models came standard with 4WD and locking hubs. Ford’s first Bronco carried an MSRP of just $2,194, and while it contained few extras, the Bronco easily earned its spot on the best of Ford SUVs list.

The Evolution: Escape, Edge, Explorer and Expedition

Ford’s next evolution of SUVs came as an answer to the demand for four-door models with room for families and lots of cargo. The Escape, Edge, Explorer, and Expedition were designed with on-the-road utility in mind. Even with a family-friendly list of amenities, these vehicles retained 4WD performance capability, blending the best of both worlds at all price points to the delight of SUV consumers everywhere.

The Escape, Ford’s crossover SUV, has received a few dramatic facelifts since its launch in 2000. Typical of early crossover models, the Escape’s smaller size and chassis was designed to handle in a more car-like fashion, but full-time AWD was an available option. Although some manufacturers refer to vehicles in this class as crossovers, Ford chose to seat the Escape in its SUV lineup. Today’s newly redesigned 2020 Escape is offered at a starting MSRP of $24,885 in four trim lines: the base S, SE, SE Sport Hybrid, and the all-electric SE Plug-in Hybrid.

The crossover Ford Edge debuted in 2007 and represents the next step up in size after the Escape. Starting at an MSRP of $31,100, the 2020 Edge offers great estimated fuel economy at 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway and seating for five. For the 2007 model year, the Edge was available as one of 3 trims, the SE, SEL, and SEL Plus. For 2020, the Edge is available in four trims, the base SE, SEL, ST, and top-of-the-line Titanium, and the Edge earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2020, making it an extremely safe and practical choice.

Depending on your chosen trim, you’ll have the option of two motors: the standard 2.7L EcoBoost V6 or the direct-injection twin-turbo 2.0L EcoBoost. The turbo motor is offered on the Edge ST and provides a whopping 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, making the Edge ST an elite performance SUV. All-wheel drive comes standard on the ST and is available as an option on all other Edge models. With 39.2 cu.ft. of cargo room, the Edge is roomy, powerful, and stylish.

The Explorer, a perennial favorite, was released in 1990 to replace the Bronco II, offering both a two and four-door body style. The two-door model, the Explorer Sport, was discontinued in 2003. The Explorer is now in its sixth generation, and the current lineup includes a high-performance ST model and a Hybrid.

Launched in 2007, the Expedition also offered four doors, but this time it sat on the F-Series chassis, offering a much longer wheelbase for expanded seating and interior room. The expedition seats eight passengers in three rows of seats. One of Ford’s best selling large SUVs, the Expedition has sold roughly 1.5 million units. Currently, in its fourth generation, the Expedition is offered with a fuel-efficient 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. With a wheelbase of 122.5” and an overall length of 210”, the Expedition is a big SUV with tons of space, but still maintains respectable fuel economy at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Ford also offers plenty of luxury options, including an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated and ventilated seats, and several packages to dial in the exact features you’re seeking.

SUVs: Here to Stay

America’s love affair with the SUV is sure to continue long into the future, with growing families becoming busier and requiring additional space and seating options to accommodate their lifestyles and personal needs. Nowadays, you don’t have to compromise fuel economy to receive the benefits of a larger AWD or 4WD SUV. Buyers expect to check all the boxes when choosing which vehicle they will purchase, and Ford’s SUV lineup certainly offers a wide range of choices for all different tastes and needs. Utility, luxury, cargo space, and towing capacity, are just a few things to consider when shopping for your next sport utility vehicle. While the question of who makes the best SUV may continue to be a heated debate, there is no denying Ford’s long history of building solid, dependable vehicles that will continue to win them admiration for years to come.

Next time you’re in the market for a new SUV, dig in to Ford’s extensive SUV vehicle lineup and – like millions of Americans before you – maybe you’ll drive off the lot with one of the greatest Ford SUVs of all time. Given the number of vehicles and trims, your only problem will be trying to choose between them.