If there is a brand that has left a mark on the U.S. auto market, it is Ford. Sports cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, for the last 120-odd years, Ford has been the backbone of the market, providing models for work sites, farms, off-road, race circuits, street races, everyday driving, and family trips.
In 2025, the all-American marque sold over 2.2 million vehicles in the U.S. alone, marking a six percent increase in 2024 sales, making it still one of the best-selling vehicle brands we have. The reason? They build vehicles for every occasion, budget, and lifestyle. We have provided a guide on which Ford suits each budget and lifestyle.
Practicality With Innovation: Ford Maverick
Maverick Models That Mix Utility, Efficiency, And Smart Design
When the Ford Maverick pickup truck was released in 2022, it took the truck world by storm by offering an easy-to-drive and handy model, putting compact pickups well and truly back on the map. Today, the 2026 Ford Maverick continues with this ethos; it is available at low prices (from $28,145), it only measures in at 200.9 inches in length by 72.6 inches in width, and it can still tow 4,000 pounds.
If you don’t need a pickup truck that can tow tens of thousands of pounds, but can still carry up to 33.3 cubic feet of stuff in the bed, and be driven around a city easily, the Ford Maverick is the best Ford for you. On top of the compact dimensions and decent work rate, two available engine options make the Maverick a relatively fuel-efficient vehicle for its class.
|
Spec |
2026 Ford Maverick XL/XLT/Lariat |
2026 Ford Maverick XL/XLT/Lariat/Tremor/Lobo |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four Hybrid |
2.0-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four |
|
Horsepower |
191 Horsepower |
250 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
155 LB-FT |
277 LB-FT |
|
EPA-Estimated MPG Ratings (Combined/City/Highway) |
38 MPG/42 MPG/35 MPG |
25 MPG/22 MPG/30 MPG |
The top three trims of the new Ford Maverick offer the most in the way of varied features. The Maverick Lobo is the street-fighting trim, and gets stiff suspension, a lower ride height compared to other trims, and larger brakes. The Maverick Lariat is the most luxurious grade of the Maverick and boasts an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound rig, 19-inch wheels, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The most off-road-focused grade of the 2026 Ford Maverick is the Tremor. It benefits from the most powerful engine option, off-road-tuned suspension, Trail Control, 17-inch all-terrain tires, an electronic-locking rear differential, and a twin-clutch rear drive unit.
Legendary Towing And Reliability: Ford F-150
F-150 Models That Define Power, Performance, And Longevity
The legendary Ford F-Series was once again the best-selling pickup truck in the U.S.A. in 2025, with just under 830,000 models sold. There are endless arguments about what the best years for the Ford F-150 are; the refreshed 13th-gen F-150 is considered one of the best, thanks to its high reliability ratings and good selection of Ford Coyote V8s. Even with the smaller engines available and the lack of widespread V8s in the current generation (14th generation), things are still as strong and dependable as we like from a useful truck.
What makes the Ford F-150 such a go-to full-sized truck is that it is available at a wide range of budgets, it is built to work, and it is highly rated; owner ratings on J.D. Power of the 2026 Ford F-150 are very commendable, at 82 out of 100 overall.
|
Spec |
2026 Ford F-150 XL |
2026 Ford F-150 STX |
2026 Ford F-150 XLT |
2026 Ford F-150 Lariat |
2026 Ford F-150 Tremor |
2026 Ford F-150 King Ranch |
2026 Ford F-150 Platinum |
2026 Ford F-150 Raptor/Raptor R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$39,330 |
$41,855 |
$44,695 |
$59,560 |
$64,915 |
$65,825 |
$68,800 |
$79,005 |
|
Engine Options |
2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6/3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6/5.0-Liter V8 |
2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6/5.0-Liter V8/3.5-Liter PowerBoost V6 |
2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6/5.0-Liter V8/3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6/3.5-Liter PowerBoost V6 |
5.0-Liter V8/3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6/3.5-Liter PowerBoost V6 |
5.0-Liter V8/3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 |
3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6/3.5-Liter PowerBoost V6 |
3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6/3.5-Liter PowerBoost V6 |
3.5-Liter HO EcoBoost V6/5.2-Liter Supercharged V8 |
|
Horsepower |
325—400 HP |
325—430 HP |
325—430 HP |
400—430 HP |
400 HP |
400—430 HP |
400—430 HP |
450—720 HP |
|
Torque |
400—500 LB-FT |
400—578 LB-FT |
400—578 LB-FT |
410—578 LB-FT |
410—500 LB-FT |
500—570 LB-FT |
500—570 LB-FT |
510—640 LB-FT |
Prices for the 2026 Ford F-150 start at $39,330 for the base trim, while top-end prices for more specialized trims like the Ford F-150 Raptor sit at $79,005. You get a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds, making it the best-towing truck in its class, and you get a maximum payload of 2,440 pounds, which again makes it best in class for payload. What makes the F-150 so varied is that there are also eight trims with both ICE and hybrid engines available.
Alongside the extremely varied lineup and high towing numbers, the Ford F-150 also brings reliability to the table; iSeeCars rates the F-150 as 7.7 out of 10. If you are looking for a Ford that is available in specialized off-road models, has fantastic towing capacity, high rates of reliability, and staunch work rates, the trusty F-150 is the Ford model for you.
Power And Longevity: Ford Super Duty
Diesel Engines Built For Torque, Toughness, And The Long Haul
Available as the 2026 Ford F-250, 2026 Ford F-350, and the 2026 Ford F-450, this year’s non-commercial Ford Super Duty lineup is the model to opt for if you are looking for a pickup that can tow immense amounts, boasts a huge amount of working capability, is built hard, and comes equipped with a selection of hefty Ford diesel engines that wind out oodles of torque.
Starting prices are high for all Ford Super Duty models, at $45,975 for the F-250, $47,270 for the F-350, and just under $62,330 for the F-450. The new Ford F-250 can tow up to 23,000 pounds, the F-350 can tow up to 38,600 pounds, and the new F-450 can tow an almighty 40,000 pounds behind it when equipped with the 40K Gooseneck Tow Package. The Super Duty is certainly the truck lineup if you value hard work from a pickup.
|
Spec |
2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty |
2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty |
2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine Options |
6.8-Liter V8/7.3-Liter V8/6.7-Liter PowerStroke Diesel V8/6.7-Liter HO PowerStroke V8 |
6.8-Liter V8/7.3-Liter V8/6.7-Liter PowerStroke Diesel V8/6.7-Liter HO PowerStroke V8 |
6.7-Liter PowerStroke Diesel V8/6.7-Liter HO PowerStroke V8 |
|
Horsepower |
405 Horsepower/430 Horsepower/475 Horsepower/500 Horsepower |
405 Horsepower/430 Horsepower/475 Horsepower/500 Horsepower |
475 Horsepower/500 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
445 LB-FT/458 LB-FT/1,050 LB-FT/1,200 LB-FT |
445 LB-FT/458 LB-FT/1,050 LB-FT/1,200 LB-FT |
1,050 LB-FT/1,200 LB-FT |
If you value huge amounts of torque from an engine, this year’s Ford Super Duty models boast some of the best Ford diesel engines ever created. They help the Super Duty tow more behind them than any other Super Duty model year ever created; they are literally made for the work site.
RepairPal says that it is expensive to keep a Ford Super Duty maintained and roadworthy, with average annual maintenance costs ranging from $1,241 and $1,600 a year. Despite this, though, the F-350 has been voted by iSeeCars as one of the top contenders for trucks to reach over 250,000 miles, and the F-450 is rated 7.3 out of 10 for dependability. Just what is needed for a work truck.
Family Space And Modern Amenities: Ford Expedition
Expedition Models With Room, Features, And Full-Size Comfort
This year’s full-size Ford SUV is the Ford Expedition. Prices for the 2026 Ford Expedition start at $62,700; it is available in four, kitted-out, huge trims: the Expedition Active ($62,700), the Expedition Platinum ($74,250), the Expedition Tremor ($81,700), and the Expedition King Ranch ($84,360).
This year’s Ford Expedition measures in at a massive 209.9 inches in length by 81.5 inches in width. But while this may sound a little daunting for some on small roads, the payoff comes in the shape of oodles of interior space and room for long journeys. Ideal for family life or ferrying friends around. There are three rows of seating available; front legroom is 43.9 inches, second row legroom is 42.2 inches, and third row is 36.5 inches, while the standard models benefit from 109 cubic feet of storage space with the seats folded down.
|
2026 Ford Expedition |
Standard Engine Option |
High-Output Engine Option |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 |
3.5-Liter HO EcoBoost V6 |
|
Horsepower |
400 Horsepower |
440 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
480 LB-FT |
510 LB-FT |
What may make you want to opt for a Ford Expedition most, though, is how it is equipped. As standard, you get a 24-inch panoramic screen, a 13.2-inch display, and a Ford Split Gate. The Platinum trim gets first and second-row leather seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera. The Tremor trim is the most off-road-centered model and benefits from Rock Crawl, 33-inch all-terrain tires, a 3.73 locking diff, and 18-inch gray wheels.
The Expedition King Ranch is the most luxurious of the lot, and is equipped with Mesa Del Rio leather around the cabin, captain’s chairs, Sinister Bronze diamond-cut aluminum wheels, and ambient lighting. For a Ford model that offers full-sized luxury SUV poshness, you have to consider the new Ford Expedition.
Spacious Comfort And Features: Ford Edge
Edge Trims Offering Tech, Room, Refined Mid-Size Comfort, And Affordable Used Prices
The Ford Edge was a mainstay of our mid-sized SUV market from 2007 to 2024, and while we can’t buy a totally new model, the 2024 Ford Edge is available today at very reasonable used prices, and it has been rated very highly for reliability. Average used prices range from $21,200 for the Edge SE to $31,000 for the Edge ST. Owner reviews on Kelley Blue Book rate the Edge 4.2 out of 5 for reliability, while iSeeCars rates it 7.8 out of 10.
Including yourself, you can fit another four people in the Ford Edge; front and second row legroom is roomy at 42.6 inches and 40.6 inches, respectively, and you get a maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded away.
|
Spec |
2024 Ford Edge |
2024 Ford Edge ST |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four |
2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6 |
|
Horsepower |
250 Horsepower |
355 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
380 LB-FT |
The Ford Edge may not be a new model, but that doesn’t mean it is out of date. Equipped is a 12.3-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4A, wireless phone connectivity, available leather seats, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, dual-zone climate control, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system.
If you aren’t in the market to pay new Ford model prices, but still want a useful, reliable, spacious, and well-equipped used mid-sized SUV at affordable prices, then the last model year of the Ford Edge is the SUV to choose.
Comfort And Tech For Families: Ford Explorer
Explorer Years That Balance Space, Tech, And Reliability
Boasting an overall J.D. Power rating of 79 out of 100 and an overall owner rating on Kelley Blue Book of 3.6 out of 5, the 2026 Ford Explorer is the Ford SUV to buy if you are looking for a comfortable and spacious mid-sized three-row Ford SUV to ferry you and your family around in. With the back two rows folded away, maximum cargo capacity is impressive at 85.8 cubic feet; front legroom measures in at 43 inches, second row legroom measures in at 37.5 inches, and third row legroom measures in at 31.8 inches.
Prices for this year’s Ford Explorer start at $38,465 for the Active 100A, $40,585 for the Active, $45,155 for the ST-Line, $48,465 for the Tremor, $50,965 for the Platinum, and $54,905 for the ST. The 2026 Explorer is part of a mid-cycle refresh, and standard tech now includes a 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, Alexa Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
|
Spec |
2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A |
2026 Ford Explorer Active |
2026 Ford Explorer ST-Line |
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor |
2026 Ford Explorer Platinum |
2026 Ford Explorer ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine Options |
2.3-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four |
2.3-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four |
2.3-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four |
2.3-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four/3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6 |
2.3-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four/3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6 |
3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6 |
|
Horsepower |
300 Horsepower |
300 Horsepower |
300 Horsepower |
300 Horsepower/400 Horsepower |
300 Horsepower/400 Horsepower |
400 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
310 LB-FT |
310 LB-FT |
310 LB-FT |
310 LB-FT/415 LB-FT |
310 LB-FT/415 LB-FT |
415 LB-FT |
The 2026 Ford Explorer can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, so alongside the decent tech and roomy interior, it makes for a great choice for family life or heading out for camping trips.
If you are looking for one of the best used Ford SUV models, the 2018 and 2019 models make for some of the best Ford Explorer years, thanks to a high reliability rating of 82 out of 100, and a healthy towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Efficiency And Versatility: Ford Escape
Escape Models That Balance Daily Driving And Versatility
Practical, well-priced, and highly-rated, the 2026 Ford Escape is the model to go for if you want an SUV to be cheap to buy, relatively cheap to run, and useful to own for everyday driving. The starting price of this year’s Ford Escape is $30,350; there are six well-equipped trims to choose from, and 65.4 cubic feet of storage space and 60/40-split rear seats ensure errand-running ease.
The trims available for this year’s lineup are the Escape Active ($30,350), the Escape ST-Line ($31,195), the Escape ST-Line Select ($35,015), the Escape Plug-In Hybrid ($35,400), the Escape ST-Line Elite ($38,925), and the Escape Active Platinum ($37,940).
|
Spec |
2026 Ford Escape Active/ST-Line |
2026 Ford Escape Active/ST-Line/Platinum |
2026 Ford Escape ST-Line/Platinum |
2026 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine Options |
1.5-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Three |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged EcoBoost Inline-Four |
2.5-Liter Inline-Four Hybrid |
2.5-Liter Inline-Four PHEV |
|
Horsepower |
180 Horsepower |
250 Horsepower |
192 Horsepower |
210 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
199 LB-FT |
280 LB-FT |
155 LB-FT |
355 LB-FT |
Owners have rated the new Ford Escape 83 out of 100 overall and 86 out of 100 for reliability on J.D. Power, so two of the most important things for everyday driving are covered, while iSeeCars rates the Ford Escape 7.5 out of 10 for dependability. To top it off, FuelEconomy.gov says the least fuel-efficient Escape can still achieve 26 combined mpg, costing you $1,700, while the most fuel-efficient (the Ford Escape PHEV) achieves 101 combined MPG, costing you just $850 a year for gas and electricity.
This year will be the final model year of the Ford Escape, so if you are looking for well-priced, easy-to-use, and relatively fuel-efficient SUV moves, it is time to get this Ford model.
Off-Road Adventure Ready: Ford Bronco
Bronco Built For Rugged Trails And Fun
As one of the best off-roading Ford SUVs ever created, the Ford Bronco will suit your lifestyle if you like to leave the pavement on the weekends or fancy heading out to the boonies. All models of the 2026 Ford Bronco are made for the rough life, but not all are created equal. The 2026 Ford Bronco MSRP is $40,495 for the Bronco Base, and as you climb up the trims, things just get better and better for hitting the rough stuff. 2026 Ford Bronco trims and MSRPs are as follows:
- 2026 Ford Bronco Base. MSRP: $40,495.
- 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend. MSRP: $40,995.
- 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks. MSRP: $48,090.
- 2026 Ford Bronco Badlands. MSRP: $48,890.
- 2026 Ford Bronco Heritage Edition. MSRP: $51,625.
- 2026 Ford Bronco Stroppe Edition. MSRP: $69,995.
- 2026 Ford Bronco Raptor. MSRP: $79,995.
The Base trim gets multiple G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Terrain), front and rear tow hooks, and a four-wheel drive chassis that supports removable doors and roof panels. The Big Bend is available with HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) with Bilstein or Fox dampers, and the Bronco Raptor is by far the most specialist.
The new Bronco Raptor utilizes HOSS 4.0 suspension with FOX Live Valve internal bypass shocks, heavy-duty underbody protection, 37-inch all-terrain tires, and electronic-locking front and rear axles. It is epic for high-speed desert runs.
|
2026 Ford Bronco |
2.3-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four |
2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6 |
3.0-Liter EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
300 Horsepower |
330 Horsepower |
418 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
325 LB-FT |
415 LB-FT |
440 LB-FT |
|
Models |
Base/Big Bend/Outer Banks/Badlands/Heritage Edition |
Outer Banks/Badlands/Heritage Edition/Stroppe Edition |
Raptor |
Sporty Style With Practicality: Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV
Ford Mustang SUV Models That Blend Crossover Comfort With Sporty DNA
The EV SUV market may be comprised of fewer models, but you do get models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV, an all-electric SUV with a Mustang-esque front end and better levels of everyday usability than the legendary sports car. If electric Ford SUVs that behave sportily and are good for carrying things around are what you are looking for, then the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E has to be one of the best Ford SUV models to buy.
There are four trims of the new Mustang Mach-E: the Mustang Mach-E Select, the Mustang Mach-E Premium, the Mustang Mach-E GT, and the Mustang Mach-E Rally. Prices range from $37,795 for the base Select to $57,590 for the top-tier Rally. As standard, a single motor rig is equipped (RWD), which is good for between 264 horsepower and 290 horsepower; a dual-motor (AWD) setup is available, which kicks out between 325 horsepower and 480 horsepower, and there are also two far more performance-oriented setups for the Mach-E GT and Mach-E Rally.
|
Spec |
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT |
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally |
|---|---|---|
|
Motor Options |
Dual Motor/Dual Motor w/ Extended Range Battery |
Dual Motor w/ Extended Range Battery |
|
Horsepower |
480 Horsepower |
480 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
600 LB-FT/700 LB-FT |
700 LB-FT |
The Ford Mustang SUV’s minimum single-charge battery ranges from 255 miles for the most torquey model to 320 miles for the RWD Premium grade fitted with the battery extender. With all the seats in place, you get 29.7 cubic feet, and with all the seats tucked away, 59.7 cubic feet.
On the sporty side of things of the Ford Mustang SUV, the most kitted out Mach-E Rally trim can hit 60 mph in around 3.3 seconds; it boasts MagneRide suspension to tidy up fast handling and everyday running, and available 20-inch gloss wheels finish the build off. If you want a blend of sporty and handy with electric motivation, the Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV is the Ford you should opt for.
Performance And Style: Ford Mustang
Mustang Generations That Deliver Thrills, Style, And Iconic Heritage
There is only one Ford model to choose if your lifestyle calls for style and performance thrills: the pony car icon that is the Ford Mustang. Since its initial release in the early 1960s, the Ford Mustang has been the obvious choice for new and old drivers looking for accessible on-road guts, and today, the legend continues. You get one of the most recognizable nameplates on the market, it is made to be driven, it looks fantastic, and there is a good variety of powerful engines up for grabs.
The 2026 Ford Mustang has a starting price of $32,640 and is available in seven trims. 2026 Ford Mustang trims and their prices are as follows:
- 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback. MSRP: $32,640.
- 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback. MSRP: $36,345.
- 2026 Ford Mustang GT Fastback. MSRP: $46,560.
- 2026 Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback. MSRP: $51,080.
- 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. MSRP: $64,080.
- 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Premium. MSRP: $69,075.
- 2026 Ford Mustang GTD. MSRP: $328,000.
From build, the Ford Mustang is by far the most athletic model that Ford currently turns out. Available is a plethora of engines, both automatic and manual transmission options, 3.15 or 3.55 limited-slip rear axles, active exhaust systems, the MagneRide damping system, and Brembo brakes.
|
Spec |
2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost |
2026 Ford Mustang GT |
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse |
2026 Ford Mustang GTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine Options |
2.3-Liter EcoBoost Inline-Four |
5.0-Liter Coyote V8 |
5.0-Liter Coyote V8 |
5.2-Liter Supercharged V8 |
|
Horsepower |
315 Horsepower |
480 Horsepower |
500 Horsepower |
815 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
350 LB-FT |
415 LB-FT |
418 LB-FT |
664 LB-FT |
The standard Mustang may be the go-to sports car in Ford’s lineup, but if you are in the market for real exclusivity, supercar-killing power, and insane speeds, the only option for you is the new Ford Mustang GTD. You get the most powerful engine under the hood, top speeds are estimated to be 202 mph; active aero is placed around the build to let you slice through air and give it real track-ready DNA, and Ford only plans to make 1,000 of them.
Sources: Ford, J.D. Power, CarEdge, FuelEconomy.gov, and iSeeCars.