Five Options, Endless Possibilities: The 2026 Ford SUV Lineup

When searching for new SUVs for sale, it’s hard to beat America’s homegrown brand: Ford. This brand is a force to be reckoned with thanks to its F-Series pickups and the iconic Mustang, but the company also offers one of the market’s most well-rounded lineups of SUV offerings.

The current roster ranges from efficient SUV hybrid and EV options to versatile midsize models and larger body-on-frame models that truly put the “utility” in “sport utility vehicle.” The return of the Bronco has boosted the brand’s SUV fortunes, with the famous nameplate driving sales of the new body-on-frame and SUV models. 

There’s a lot to keep track of as we enter 2026, including new off-road trims, appearance packages, and some important updates to Ford’s infotainment software. The new year also marks a bittersweet occasion as the Ford Escape ends its 25-year run. Let’s take a quick spin through the 2026 lineup and see which Ford SUV is right for you. 

Ford Bronco Sport 

Category: Subcompact SUV

While the Escape has been discontinued, Ford already offers a suitable replacement in the Bronco Sport. Designed as a lighter-duty version of the readymade adventure rig that is the midsize Bronco, the subcompact SUV can accomplish many of the same off-road antics while delivering a more efficient, comfortable ride on paved surfaces. It’s a winning combination, and one that’s seen the Bronco Sport become one of Ford’s most popular models over the last five years, routinely ranking right alongside the larger Bronco in terms of sales. 

The Bronco Sport returns largely unchanged for the 2026 model year, aside from the addition of a new Bronze Package, but it’s a well-deserved rest after the momentous year that was 2025. 

The Bronco Sport has always offered some level of off-road ability, but Ford gave the SUV a big shot in the arm last year with a new Sasquatch Package that ups the model’s go-anywhere attitude. A twin-clutch rear drive unit ensures consistent traction while steel bumpers, skid plates, and recovery hooks protect the Bronco Sport from the ravages of the off-road lifestyle. The Sasquatch-Package-equipped SUV also adds a set of Bilstein rear dampers and 29-inch all-terrain tires and offers 8.8 inches of ground clearance. 

As one of Ford’s newer models, the Bronco Sport is also equipped with a slick array of modern tech. This includes an available 13.2-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and even an available 400-watt power inverter that’ll keep all of your electronics juiced up when you’re far off the grid. 

Ford Bronco

Category: Midsize SUV

If you’ll settle for nothing but the best in an off-road model, look no further than the midsize Bronco. 

The industry’s first SUV returned in 2021 after a quarter-century hiatus, and has already lived up to its impressive reputation in just the last five years. Lauded for its rugged design and robust HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) system, the Bronco is here to kick up some mud and defy conventional physics with its rock-scaling abilities. 

The Badlands is the go-to trim for those who prefer to take the road less traveled, thanks to its 33-inch all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension with Bilstein dampers, and a GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system with seven dedicated modes. The Ford Bronco’s available Sasquatch Package brings comparable off-road ability to nearly the entire lineup. The package includes 35-inch all-terrain tires, electronically locking front and rear axles, 11.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 4.7 drive ratio that delivers maximum torque when you need it most.   

Of course, it takes more than heavy-duty components to find success in challenging off-road environments. Luckily, Ford has provided the Bronco with all of the power it needs to muscle through, with the base model boasting a 300-hp turbocharged engine with an available seven-speed manual transmission that gives drivers plenty of control. If you’re in the market for more power, the Bronco has you covered with a potent V6 that returns 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. 

Finally, there’s the high-performance beast that is the Bronco Raptor. Inspired by the high-speed desert racing circuit, the Raptor pulls out all of the stops to provide buyers with 418 hp and a zero-to-60-mph time of just 5.6 seconds. It’s also capable of towing as much as 4,500 lbs.  

Ford Explorer

Category: Midsize SUV

Automotive success stories don’t come much larger than the Ford Explorer. This three-row SUV has been one of the segment’s bestselling models for over three decades, and posted a class-leading 223,000 sales in 2025 alone. 

The Explorer has earned a stellar reputation as a reliable family vehicle that isn’t afraid to live on the wild side, especially with the addition of the new-for-2026 Tremor trim. The Explorer’s seven-passenger design and 85.8 cu.ft. of cargo space make it well-prepared for carpool duty and extended road trips. Even the base engine can pull as much as 5,000 lbs. The Explorer is one of the most versatile models in the 2026 lineup, and can be easily customized to fill a specific niche in your automotive quiver. 

Need an efficient daily driver that packs an impressive raft of safety tech? 

Active: An efficient daily driver that achieves up to 29 MPG on the highway and comes standard with the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ safety suite.

ST-Line: A style-focused trim featuring eye-catching upgrades such as black exterior trim and a unique cloth with red stitching on synthetic leather upholstery.

ST: The performance-oriented version that backs up its aggressive styling with a 400-hp V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and high-performance front brakes.

Tremor: The dedicated off-road model equipped with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, a limited-slip differential, and grille-mounted auxiliary lights for trail adventures.

Platinum: A refined, range-topping trim featuring a panoramic fixed glass roof, leather seating surfaces, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. It also boasts a premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and unique luxury accents throughout the cabin.

Ford Expedition

Category: Full-size SUV 

Ford’s largest body-on-frame SUV comes in two distinct forms: the standard model and an extended-wheelbase MAX version that offers some of the best cargo capacity in the segment. The base model is certainly no slouch with up to 108.5 cu.ft. of storage, but the MAX’s cavernous dimensions are hard to beat with the larger SUV offering up to 123.1 cu.ft. Throw in the ability to seat as many as eight passengers, and you’ll soon understand why so many drivers have welcomed the Expedition into the family. 

Like many of the models on our list, the Expedition can be equipped with Ford’s industry-leading BlueCruise technology. The autonomous driving system provides drivers with a new way to enjoy life behind the wheel, bringing a true hands-free experience on 97% of controlled-access highways across the US and Canada. The system has won plenty of praise from drivers and critics alike, and was named the best hands-free system on the market by Consumer Reports with an 84/100 score that saw it top competing offerings from GM (75/100), Toyota (65/100), and Hyundai/Kia/Genesis (59/100).

Cutting-edge autonomous driving tech aside, it’s the Expedition’s sheer size and power that really draws most buyers to the three-row Ford. Even the base engine manages to churn out 400 hp, and the available High Output version sees that figure rise to 440 with 510 lb.ft. of torque for good measure. Do drivers really need a full-size SUV that can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds as they cruise through town? Maybe not, but it’ll sure inject a little more excitement into your weekly grocery run. The full-size model can also tow 9,600 lbs, and is equipped with a full suite of modern towing tech.  

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Category: Compact Electric SUV 

Finally, we have Ford’s Mustang-inspired SUV EV in the Mach-E. The model’s efficient, all-electric design is an obvious selling point, but the EV powertrain also allows the SUV to live up to the thoroughbred reputation of its pony car predecessors. Sure, the Mach-E might not be able to match the pure acceleration of the 815-hp high-performance beast that is the 2026 Mustang GTD, but the two models are more evenly matched than you might assume. While the gas-powered GTD posts a zero-to-60-mph time of 2.8 seconds, the EV has been known to reach the achievement in as little as 3.3 seconds when opting for some of the higher trims. 

Customization is key when it comes to the Mach-E, which can be equipped with your choice of five different powertrains, including both single- and dual-motor designs. The entry-level offering is built around a 73-kWh battery and a single motor to offer 264 hp and 260 miles of range, while the 88-kWh, single-motor setup offers the most range at 320 miles. The 88-kWh, dual-motor design is probably the most well-rounded, with 370 hp and 300 miles of range, but the GT and Rally models can be paired with a massive 91-kWh battery that sees the trims produce 480 hp and as much as 700 lb.ft. of torque.     

The Mach-E offers a tech-forward cabin to match its advanced EV powertrain. The dashboard features a 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display that provides plenty of room to navigate through various connectivity and convenience features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while an available 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen offers buyers a high-fidelity listening experience. Voice-activated climate controls make for a seamless driving experience, and go a long way towards reducing the number of distractions you’ll need to deal with when you’re behind the wheel. The EV also offers a wide array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), but the Mach-E really seals the deal amongst safety-conscious drivers thanks to its standard BlueCruise hands-free system. 

A Selection That’s Second To None 

From smaller options like the Bronco Sport to popular three-row models, including the Explorer and Expedition, there’s a Ford SUV that’s sure to fit the needs of every driver. The Mach-E marks the most recent addition to the lineup and proves that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance. The EV also does the Mustang name proud with an engaging ride that’ll leave a lasting impression, and is easy on your wallet with its low operating costs. 

Ford’s SUVs are only improving with age, and are committed to keeping things fresh with new off-road options, equipment packages, and other available add-ons that allow buyers to build a one-of-a-kind.

When you’re ready to welcome a new SUV into the family, Ruge’s Ford is here to help. We carry a wide selection of both new and used Ford models, including a full lineup of 2026 models, and are eager to leverage our considerable experience to help narrow down your options and ensure a satisfying result.  

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