Car shopping is no simple feat, unless you know exactly what you want—and let’s be honest, most of us don’t; it can take hours upon hours to research your next vehicle. Even within the same category or brand, there are so many options. Finding a used Ford for sale that best matches your needs can seem virtually impossible, but it isn’t; a little persistence and insight can go a long way.
The first step is to figure out which automaker you want—and you’ve clearly already chosen Ford. The next step is determining the model segment—and in this case, you’ve narrowed it down to an SUV, a Sports Utility Vehicle. Now, you need to decide which Ford SUV you should get. Admittedly, that can be a little tough. The Expedition, Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E have been popular over the last five years, yet there are even more models worth mentioning.
There are so many options and so little time. It would be unwieldy to test-drive them all, but you can distill their features and functionality down to an overview that’ll help you determine which one is best for you and your family. We’d like to help with that.
The Ford Bronco
To start, the Ford Bronco is ridiculously versatile. It’s ready to roll off-road or on-road—or, really, on any surface you throw at it. It’s an excellent option if you like to head off the grid for a weekend with the family, but at 25 MPG combined in the latest model, it’s great for a daily driver, too. As a midsize option, it has four or five seats (depending on whether it is a two-door or four-door model), but its off-road nature is what truly helps it stand out.
The Ford Bronco Raptor
The Bronco Raptor is a variant of the Ford classic that adds some unique features, like a super-truck suspension, streamlined design, and a little more power under the hood. It’s a solid choice if you like your adventures much more intense. At 15 MPG combined, its powertrain is clearly for those who are bold and love to play. Like the classic Bronco, the Bronco Raptor has up to five seats, which makes it a solid midsize option.
The Ford Bronco Sport
You can effectively look at the Bronco Sport as the younger cousin of the Bronco: a separate model that takes inspiration from the original. This subcompact is much more road-friendly, although it is capable of off-roading—just not as intense as those bigger models. That said, it will net you as much as 27 MPG combined, which is incredible for an SUV of this caliber. Don’t mistake its smaller frame for a sign that you’re giving up passenger room, as the Bronco Sport still accommodates up to five.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E takes its inspiration from its namesake, the Ford Mustang, the original pony car. The Mustang Mach-E, however, is a compact SUV with an all-electric powertrain. This is a first-rate SUV, with fierce power under the hood and incredible efficiency figures, able to get up to 320 miles on a full charge in the 2025 model. It seats up to five people and is a bit sportier than Ford’s other SUVs. You won’t be taking it off-road, as it craves pavement, but if you prefer your thrills on the highway, you will sure have a lot of fun with this model.
The Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is what you choose if you want a traditional compact SUV with a lot of interior space and incredible fuel efficiency without losing some of the more nuanced features. From the outside in, the Escape is modern and exhilarating. Meanwhile, it’s working with plenty of power under the hood, getting up to 30 MPG combined with a gas powertrain; modern models have two hybrid powertrain options, though, for up to 40 MPG combined. This is another five-seater, so it would be perfect for a smaller family. You’ll do just as well if you’re the only one driving in it, though!
The Ford Expedition
The Expedition is one of the kings of the full-size SUV segment, known for its spacious three rows and cavernous cargo area. You’ll have plenty of room to bring along your family, as well as all their belongings, for a long road trip. If you’re going camping or playing sports, you can pack the rear full of gear and still have plenty of legroom for your passengers. At 19 MPG combined in the latest model, you’re giving up some efficiency for its power and size, but the tradeoff could be worth it if you need the extra space of a full-size SUV.
The Ford Explorer
Handsome and renowned are two words you can use to describe the Ford Explorer. Whether you go with an older model or a brand-new one, you’re getting power, convenience, and style all in one seamless package. While it isn’t as off-road-ready as the Bronco, as fast as the Mustang Mach-E, as nimble as the Escape, or as large as the Expedition, it combines the best attributes of all into a versatile, capable, midsize SUV. You’ll still enjoy lots of headroom and legroom, three comfortable rows, and fuel economy ratings as high as 24 MPG combined.
The Ford Edge (2024 or Older)
Packing quite the punch, the Ford Edge is a sporty five-seater with a roomy cabin that looks just as sleek inside as it does on the outside. It has a beautiful center console, a large infotainment system, a savvy cockpit setup, two comfortable rows, and a spacious cargo area. This is a midsize model that is slightly smaller than the Explorer, though you’ll only be able to find it on the pre-owned lot, since it was discontinued after the 2024 model. That year, it got an estimated 23 MPG combined with its standard all-wheel drivetrain.
The Ford EcoSport (2022 or Older)
This swift subcompact SUV seats up to five, with slightly less room than the other models, and it boasts an estimated 25 MPG combined. Since this model was likewise discontinued, you’ll have to buy it pre-owned; there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s good to know either way.
Find the Right Ford SUV for You and Your Family
An individual assessment is always best, and it should always be your first move, so come by our dealership to see these SUVs in person. If you want the most room for passengers and cargo, go with the Expedition. If you’re frequently venturing into the wilderness, the Bronco should be your top choice. If speed and efficiency are your priority, consider the Mustang Mach-E, or go with the Escape for something more utilitarian and comfort-oriented.
These models are all impressive and suit a particular kind of lifestyle; you just need to decide which one fits your needs best. Weigh your priorities and begin your search from there. Do you need three rows, excellent fuel economy figures, off-road features, or something else? There is a Ford SUV for you. Now that you know the differences between the brand’s latest models, you have enough information to narrow down your choice for your next Ford SUV.
