For many people, Ford defines the sport utility vehicle market. This line can essentially be thought of as pioneers of what we appreciate in SUVs today. Anyone old enough to remember the Ford Bronco will certainly agree! Even though nearly every manufacturer competes in the SUV market now, Ford never gets lost in the crowd.
Starting the Ford SUV family is the Escape, competing in the small crossover segment against Kia Sportage, Mazda CX5, Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V. With a starti... (full review continues below)
For many people, Ford defines the sport utility vehicle market. This line can essentially be thought of as pioneers of what we appreciate in SUVs today. Anyone old enough to remember the Ford Bronco will certainly agree! Even though nearly every manufacturer competes in the SUV market now, Ford never gets lost in the crowd.
Starting the Ford SUV family is the Escape, competing in the small crossover segment against Kia Sportage, Mazda CX5, Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V. With a starting MSRP of $22,470 and two fuel-efficient engines, there is a lot to love about this vehicle. Escape offers five passenger-seating on generously padded and supportive seats. Flipping the rear seat down to take advantage of the 68.1 cubic feet of cargo space is easily done with a one-touch lever. Escape is available in S, SE, SEL and Titanium trims, with the Titanium boasting 19-inch wheels, upgraded leather and ambient lighting.
Next up is the 2013 Ford Edge which remains a top choice in the midsize crossover segment. Composed handling, a quiet cabin and an unbelievably comfortable ride are complemented by stunning exterior styling, generous seating and an abundance of features. Edge is available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport trims, with a starting MSRP of $27,525, which is loaded pretty nicely. All-wheel drive is available on all trims.
Edge offers plenty of room for customization with options and packages, such as the Leather Comfort Package, Driver Entry Package, Vision Package and Touring Package. All models except the SE can also be equipped with a rear seat entertainment, panoramic sunroof, voice-activated navigation and blind spot warning system. Nissan Murano and Jeep Grand Cherokee are primary competitors.
The Explorer has always been and likely always will be one of the most popular SUVs on the market. It emerged on the scene in the 1990s and has managed to get better every year. It offers an upscale cabin, sporty exterior, two fantastic engines, top-safety crash scores and phenomenal handling, and only has a starting MSRP of $29,135. For 2013, all Explorers get a heated steering wheel and front passenger knee bag.
With fantastic accessories, super towing capabilities and a long list of options and packages, it’s easy to see why this vehicle remains a number one pick. Base, XLT, Limited and Sport trims all bring something unique to the table, and although Explorer falls in the same segment as Mazda CX-9, Dodge Durango and Chevrolet Traverse, none are really worthy competitors.
The 2013 Ford Flex Wagon is a super family pick. The cabin is spacious and versatile, with a very generous third row. The vehicle receives a significant update this year with bolder exterior styling, a more powerful base V6 and plenty of optional features, like an improved MyFord Touch, ventilated front seats, blind spot monitoring and automated parallel parking assist.
Last in the lineup is the reliable Expedition; a vehicle that has become the name to turn to for exceptional towing and passenger-hauling capabilities. With a starting MSRP of $40,030, Expedition has a lot to offer. Three rows of comfortable seating, a smooth and quiet ride, V8 power and the ability to tow 9,200 pounds are just a few reasons why this vehicle dominates this segment. If that’s not enough, Expedition offers innovative features you just don’t see every day, such as a 110V AC power outlet, second-row CenterSlide™ Seat, PowerFold® third-row seat, power adjustable pedals, cooled front seats and a forward and reverse sensing system.