Ford SUV Lineup: Which SUV Is Best For You?
Ford has been a trusted name in the car industry for generations, and their SUVs are a big reason why. Known for their versatility, family-friendly features, and yes, some reliability concerns, Ford’s lineup has something for everyone.
Personally, I drive a Ford SUV (the Expedition Max) with my family of six, and it’s been a hauler I’ve relied on for years. With four kids under the age of five, I needed a car that could handle multiple car seats while still offering enough room for groceries, strollers, and everything else life throws at us. It delivers on all fronts and I feel confident every time I load my family into the car.
This is why I’m so excited to break down the top cars in the Ford SUV lineup to see if it’s right for you and your family.
If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Kelly The Car Mom, a mom of four, a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), and a huge car lover. Helping families find their perfect car is my passion, and today I’m breaking down three of Ford’s most popular SUVs: the Explorer, Expedition, and Expedition Max. So, let’s dive in to see what makes these SUVs stand out and how to choose the best one for your family.
Some People Are Ford LOVERS (and here’s why):
Here’s the thing about Ford: they get families. Whether it’s space, features, or how practical their cars are, they’ve built a reputation for making vehicles that fit into real life. For me, it’s not just about how much stuff I can cram into my Expedition Max (although that’s definitely a perk) – it’s about finding a car that can fit our family’s lifestyle. While it’s not absolutely perfect, it does the job, and that’s what matters the most.
Another reason people love Ford is that it feels American-made. While not every part is built here in the United States, cars like the Expedition are assembled domestically, which is something a lot of people care about. Plus, Ford has been around since 1903—there’s history there! They didn’t invent the car (shoutout to Karl Benz), but they made cars accessible to everyone with the Model T.
That said, no car brand is perfect. Ford has had some reliability issues over the years—especially with their transmissions—so let’s break down what this means for your potential family car.
Let’s Talk About Reliability
Ford SUVs, like the Explorer and Expedition, are family favorites for their space, features, and practicality. However, reliability concerns—especially with transmissions—can make some families hesitant. Here’s a quick look at the issues and why Ford is still worth considering:
Transmission Issues: Models like the Explorer and Expedition have faced complaints about rough shifting and hesitation due to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
Electrical Glitches: Infotainment systems like SYNC can occasionally freeze or reboot.
Recalls: Some models have been subject to recalls for mechanical issues, such as rear axle bolts and engine cooling problems.
That being said, these concerns don’t affect all Ford models or years equally. I can say our Ford Expedition Max has been incredibly reliable for the entire time I’ve owned it.
For families considering a Ford SUV, there are ways to feel confident in your choice. First, focus on reliable model years—certain years, like the 2021 Explorer, have shown improved reliability ratings and fewer complaints compared to others. Second, take advantage of Ford’s factory warranties for peace of mind, and consider extended warranties to cover potential long-term issues. Lastly, prioritize routine maintenance, as this is the best way to prevent common problems from escalating.
If you’re looking into a specific Ford SUV model and year, I highly recommend checking out the Consumer Reports Car Data to learn as much as possible about it. This is a great way to feel even more comfortable about your purchase.
Here Is A List Of SUVs in Ford’s Lineup:
Ford Escape
Ford Bronco
Ford Edge
Ford Explorer
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford Expedition
Ford Expedition Max
If You’re Interested In A Ford SUV, These Are The Cars I Recommend Test Driving:
Ford Explorer
LATCH Setup:
Second Row: Two sets of lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors.
Third Row: One set of lower LATCH anchors (passenger side) and one top tether anchor.
Who It’s Best For:
Families with 1–2 kids primarily using the second row for car seats.
Ideal for smaller families who occasionally use the third row for older kids in boosters or adults, as the limited third-row LATCH setup may not work for multiple car seats.
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Families with 3+ kids needing flexible car seat setups.
Those requiring significant trunk space with the third row up.
For families that need car seat-friendly tilt to access the third row - the Explorer does NOT have this feature.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a versatile midsize SUV that works well for smaller families or those who occasionally need third-row seating. It offers seating for up to seven passengers with the option of a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, depending on your needs. The second row features two sets of lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors, making it easy to install car seats. However, the third row lacks LATCH anchors, so it’s better suited for older kids in boosters or adults. There is also no car seat-friendly tilt available in the Explorer.
The trunk space in the Explorer is decent but not class-leading. With the third row in use, cargo space is limited; however, folding down the third row opens up plenty of room for strollers, groceries, or sports gear. The power-folding third row is a convenient touch for busy parents. For drivers, the Explorer offers a smooth ride with multiple engine options, including a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder and an available twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 for more power. The updated interior includes a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Google-based infotainment and Ford’s semi-autonomous BlueCruise driving system, making it both modern and user-friendly.
Ford Expedition
LATCH Setup:
Second Row: Three sets of lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors (available on both bench seats and captain’s chairs).
Third Row: Two sets of lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors.
Who It’s Best For:
Families with 3+ kids needing flexible car seat setups across both rows.
Perfect for larger families who require multiple car seat configurations, as the Expedition’s extensive LATCH system makes it one of the most car-seat-friendly SUVs available.
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Families who don’t need third-row seating regularly.
Those looking for a more compact car.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV designed for families who need plenty of space and flexibility. It offers seating for up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven with captain’s chairs. The second row includes LATCH anchors in all three seating positions (lower anchors and tethers), making it one of the most car-seat-friendly SUVs on the market. Even better, the car-seat-friendly tilt feature allows you to access the third row without removing an installed car seat—a huge win for parents juggling multiple kids. The third row also has two sets of LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors, providing more flexibility than most competitors.
Trunk space in the Expedition is excellent when the third row is folded down, but with all seats in use, it becomes more limited—though still ample compared to midsize SUVs. The independent sliding seats in the second row allow you to adjust legroom between rows as needed, which is especially helpful for long trips or growing kids. For drivers, the Expedition provides a surprisingly smooth ride for its size and comes equipped with advanced tech like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Its towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds makes it ideal for families who haul trailers or boats.
Ford Expedition Max
LATCH Setup:
Same as the standard Expedition:
Second Row: Three sets of lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors.
Third Row: Two sets of lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors.
Who It’s Best For:
Families that need maximum space for car seats and cargo.
Ideal for larger families who frequently travel with lots of gear, as it combines the flexibility of the Expedition’s LATCH system with added trunk capacity.
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Families who don’t absolutely need the extra trunk space beyond what the standard Expedition offers.
The Ford Expedition Max takes everything great about the standard Expedition and adds an extended wheelbase for even more cargo room—perfect for families who need maximum storage without sacrificing passenger comfort. Like the standard model, it offers seating configurations for seven or eight passengers with LATCH anchors in all three second-row seats and two sets in the third row. This means you can have a really flexible car seat setup, especially with the car seat-friendly tilt.
Where the Max shines is its trunk space. Even with all three rows in use, it offers significantly more cargo room than the regular Expedition—enough to fit luggage, strollers, or sports equipment without feeling cramped. Folding down the third row creates an expansive flat load floor that makes packing easier than ever. For drivers, the Max handles similarly to the standard Expedition but feels slightly longer when parking or navigating tight spaces. With a towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds and all the same tech features as its sibling model, the Max is ideal for road trips or large families needing extra storage.
I have driven the Ford Expedition for years and love it, especially with the additional third-row space and a larger trunk. It has proven to work great with our growing family, giving us the flexibility to fit everyone comfortably while still having room for all the strollers, groceries, and gear we need.
How To Choose The Right Ford SUV For You
Choosing the right SUV (whether it’s a Ford or not) depends on your family’s size, lifestyle, and specific needs.
If you’re looking for a sporty midsize option with advanced tech features, the Explorer is a solid choice—especially if you don’t need third-row seating every day. On the other hand, for larger families or those who frequently tow heavy loads, the Expedition offers a ton of flexibility and power. And if maximum cargo space is your top priority, the Expedition Max provides all the room you could possibly need (like my family of six needs – and uses every day).
Ultimately, test-driving these models is the best way to determine which one fits your family’s lifestyle. Bring along your car seats, sports gear, or anything else you regularly transport to ensure it meets your practical needs. Whether you choose the Explorer, Expedition, Expedition Max, or any other Ford SUV you’ll be investing in a car that combines innovation with a family-friendly design– something I can personally attest is built to last.
Which Ford SUV would work best for your family? Let us know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:
