Embark on a complete Ford SUV comparison and find your next dependable ride at Lake Keowee Ford. This year's Ford SUV lineup includes six sport-utes that span the various sub-segments, from a two-row compact model up to a three-row full-size option. Each Ford SUV is a distinct vehicle that brings something unique to the automaker's stable. Are you short on time? No problem. You can review the key takeaways of our SUV comparison below. Alternatively, take a deep dive with us to see what each of these American-made automobiles has on tap.
The Escape and Bronco Sport are the most agile models; the Bronco is an all-terrain titan; the Ford Escape takes the crown for fuel efficiency; the Mach-E stands alone in the all-electric category; and the Explorer and Expedition are three-row icons with massive capabilities, though the Expedition offers the most cargo space and largest dimensions.
Discover which model is right for you with our Ford SUV comparison guide below, and visit us at Lake Keowee Ford to take your favorite model on a test drive.
Before we set forth on our in-depth Ford SUV comparison, take a look at the chart below for a quick overview of each model:
← Drag to scroll →
2025 Ford Bronco Sport | 2025 Ford Bronco | 2025 Ford Escape | 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E | 2025 Ford Explorer | 2025 Ford Expedition | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available Powertrains |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Max. Horsepower |
|
|
|
Select & Premium:
GT & Rally:
|
|
|
Max. Towing Capacity | 2,700 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 | 2,000 lbs | Not recommended by OEM | 5,000 lbs1 | 9,600 lbs1 |
Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 25 / 302 | Not yet rated |
|
N/A | 20 / 292 | 16 / 242 |
Exterior Length | 173.1 in | 173.7-191 in | 180.1-181.2 in | 185.6-187 in | 198.7 in | 209.9 in |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 or 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 |
Now that you know the key differences between each new Ford SUV, let's review the details to help you make an informed choice about the model from our Ford SUV comparison that suits you best.
While there are many ways to calculate the size of a vehicle, we'll keep things simple. In terms of length (using a model's smallest available dimensions), here are the 2025 lineup's vehicles from smallest to largest:
So, if you want an agile SUV that's destined to make your city drives and tight parking jobs easier than ever, an Escape, Bronco, or Bronco Sport will be the best Ford SUV for the job. These two-row models are the smallest of the Ford SUVs for 2025, although the Bronco has several differing dimensions available depending on configuration options.
The Bronco is among the most versatile models in our Ford SUV comparison. It can come with a hard top, soft top, two doors, four doors, and different ground clearance values. Because of this, it measures anywhere from 71.9 to 78.6 inches tall, making it taller than most of the biggest model's configurations – the Expedition. That being said, the Expedition Tremor edges out the Bronco slightly in terms of height, reaching 78.9 inches tall. Meanwhile, the nimble Bronco Sport measures only 70.4 inches tall, and the paved-road expert, the Escape, shrinks that down to 66.1 inches in its tallest setup.
If agility is not your priority but instead you focus on roominess, towing prowess, and tons of seating, you may find the Expedition to be ideal. Meet somewhere in the middle with the three-row Explorer.
The Explorer is a more rugged three-row SUV, offering more space and seating than the Escape; it has carved its own niche as an upscale all-terrain companion. The Escape is a two-row SUV that is designed to be a paved-terrain master. Differences in the Ford SUV comparison include the Escape getting better MPG ratings and the Explorer getting more adventure-ready capabilities. Regardless, we think that the Escape is a better choice for drivers with small families and a lifestyle that mainly takes place in the city – the Explorer is a more spacious, premium, and powerful model for those who want an edge over other drivers or need additional seating.
The Mustang Mach-E slots in between the Escape and Explorer but is uniquely positioned as a sportier, gas-free SUV. At the time of this writing, the 2025 model hasn't been released, but it has been announced, and it's available for ordering now. The Mustang Mach-E doesn't have as many off-road-ready appointments as its rugged counterparts, but it does enjoy a lower overall MSRP than its preceding model year. Combine that with its all-electric powertrain, and you're looking at long-term savings that'll have your wallet singing every time you drive past the pump.
If the Mach-E is anything like its previous model year, you can expect a two-row model with excellent handling and a frame that easily tackles both city streets and rural roads.
Finally, Expedition models are the largest Ford options due to their extended cargo area and three rows of seating. The Expedition, which also offers an extended-length version dubbed the Expedition MAX, is the largest automobile in the Ford SUV lineup. The Expedition MAX adds nearly a foot of wheelbase length to the already long vehicle, increasing its total cargo space.
Our Ford SUV comparison simply wouldn't be complete without one honorable mention: the Ford Edge. This now-discontinued sport-ute said goodbye to the Ford stable after the 2024 model year, but we haven't forgotten its nimble prowess. Plus, there are still plenty of ways to get behind the wheel of one.
The Ford Edge was among the smallest models in our comparison. During its final year, it measured 188.8 inches long, 75.9 inches in width (without mirrors), and 68.3 inches tall. These dimensions make it only slightly taller than the Escape, the same width as the standard Bronco, and a little under a foot shorter than the three-row Explorer.
Members of our 2024 new Ford Edge inventory make up to 335 horsepower and get a maximum EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG (City/Highway).2 This model touches on all the aspects that make a Ford vehicle special, including available V-6 power, available ST styling, and available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
You can see the 2024 Ford Edge at Lake Keowee Ford, and make your own comparisons. Our team can help you conduct a Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape matchup to see how it measures up against another nimble Ford SUV. Visit us today to get started.
You're looking to compare Ford SUV models like the Ford Explorer vs. Ford Expedition because you want an SUV that suits your agility and space needs and also provides a powerful and fun driving experience. We think our Ford SUV comparison showcases all of that and more, no matter which automobile you have your eye on.
The most potent gasoline Ford SUV awaits within our Ford Expedition inventory. While the standard configuration for the Expedition will make 400 horsepower, its available high-output engine lets your new Ford Expedition make 480 horsepower. This exceeds every other model in our Ford SUV comparison – but not by all that much.
The strong, rugged, and customization-heavy Ford Bronco roars just behind the Expedition, putting up to 418 horsepower at your command when using its available 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Choose the standard engine option, and you'll still be in control of 300 horsepower with premium fuel.
From there, the Ford SUV comparison sees the Ford Explorer for sale score third-highest for power with its available 400-horsepower output. The standard horsepower value for the Explorer is still a whopping 300 horsepower.
Our agile performers, the Bronco Sport and Escape, have the same maximum horsepower of 250 and standard output of 180. However, the Escape has additional hybrid and PHEV powertrains that generate 192 and 210 total system power, respectively.
As for towing specs, the hierarchy is as follows:
A powerful SUV is great, but before even making your Ford SUV comparison, you probably had a desire for a vehicle that's both powerful and efficient. Luckily for you, the entire Ford SUV lineup fits that definition.
For pure-gasoline models, efficiency is ruled by the Escape (which has even more efficient mild hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants available in its lineup) with up to an EPA-estimated 27/34 MPG (City/Highway)2 when powered by the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. It gets a maximum of 42/36 MPG (City/Highway)2 with mild-hybrid power and an EPA-estimated 101 MPGe (Combined),2 making it the most fuel-efficient gas-reliant Ford SUV for 2025.
The Ford Bronco Sport for sale shares a platform with the Escape, but its off-road enhancements put it into second place for gas-engine efficiency: up to an EPA-estimated 25/30 MPG (City/Highway).2
In third place is the Ford Explorer, getting a maximum EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway).2 While we don't have official EPA estimates for our 2025 Ford Bronco inventory, we expect it to fall between the Explorer and Expedition in terms of MPG ratings, given its estimates for previous model years. That leaves us with the Ford Expedition, which delivers an EPA-estimated 16/24 MPG (City/Highway).2
Although these Ford SUVs are fuel-efficient, nothing will be nearly as wallet-relieving as the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E, the only all-electric Ford SUV in the lineup. The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E all-electric range depends on the model and powertrain. Below are the range values for each trim and setup of the 2025 Mustang Mach-E.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select:
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium:
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and Mustang Mach-E Rally versions only come with an extended-range battery and AWD. In the former, you'll get an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range,3 while the latter is rated for up to 265 miles of range.3
A full Ford SUV comparison reveals a single Ford SUV available as a plug-in hybrid: the new Ford Escape for sale. It has a 2.5-liter PHEV I-4 powertrain that makes a combined 210 horsepower and earns an EPA estimate of 101 MPGe (Combined).2 It also uses this powertrain to tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it an excellent choice for adventuring families who value fuel-sipping savings.
The Ford Escape is also available as a mild hybrid, which means you don't have to worry about plugging in to garner a charge on select models. These iterations get an EPA-estimated 42/36 MPG (City/Highway), which is much more fuel-efficient than the configurations relying solely on gas power.
While comparisons like the Ford Ecosport vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E used to apply, as the EcoSport got some of the best gasoline MPG values in the Ford SUV lineup, the EcoSport was discontinued in 2022. Now, the Ford Mustang Mach-E reigns supreme as the gas-saving Ford SUV, thanks to its all-electric powertrain.
An electric Ford SUV comparison would only involve the Mustang Mach-E, but we can compare it to the other all-electric Ford vehicle, the Ford F-150 Lightning. Ask our Lake Keowee Ford to discuss the merits of these all-electric powerhouses.
To compare features, interior comfort, and other aspects of the Ford SUV lineup, swing by our Ford dealership today.
You can feel the sportiness of pre-owned models in our Ford Edge inventory, see in-depth differences between the best off-road Ford SUVs by comparing the Ford Bronco vs. Ford Bronco Sport, and find a team of Ford vehicle experts ready to share their passion with you when you visit.
The best Ford SUV for families depends on the needs and size of the family. Small families may be content with the Ford Explorer or Ford Escape. These are spacious and offer incredible specifications from a range of available engine options. However, if you have a large family and want the utmost luxury and convenience, consider the three-row Expedition.
The most affordable Ford SUV for 2025 is the Ford Escape. This two-row, five-seater SUV offers a well-balanced selection of features and excellent performance for its price point. Its interior touches deliver a bit of everything without going so far that the amenities drive up the price considerably, making it ideal for the weekly grocery haul, a weekend trip to the lake, and everything in between.
The 2025 Ford Expedition has the largest cargo volume of any automobile in the Ford SUV lineup. It has a maximum cargo volume of 108.5 cubic feet in its standard configuration – 23.2 more cubic feet than the next largest Ford Explorer. Opt for the extended MAX setup, and that space expands to a whopping 123.1 cubic feet, so you never have to leave anything behind.
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
3EPA-estimated driving range based on full charge. Actual driving range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, high-voltage battery age and state of health.