Which Ford SUV Meets Your Needs? Exploring Ford SUV Models By Size
So Many Ford SUVs, So Many Options
Shopping for a Ford SUV can feel overwhelming when you're staring at six different models on the lot. Each one fills a specific role, and once you know what size works for your life, the choice gets easier. Let's break down what Ford's got, from nimble city cruisers to full-size family haulers.
- Ford offers six SUV models in 2025, from compact to full-size.
- The Bronco Sport starts at 172 inches long, while the Expedition MAX stretches beyond 221 inches.
- Your driving needs and family size determine which model fits best.
Starting Small: The Compact Contenders
If you're looking for something easy to park and great on gas, Ford's compact lineup has two solid choices. The Bronco Sport measures about 172 inches long and brings serious off-road capability in a package that won't leave you circling parking lots. It's built on the same platform as the Escape but adds rugged styling and genuine four-wheel-drive chops.
The Escape sits right there at around 180 inches. This one's your practical choice if you care more about fuel economy than rock crawling. You can get it as a gas model, hybrid (42 mpg city), or plug-in hybrid with 37 miles of electric range. Fold down those rear seats and you've got 65 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Mid-Size Sweet Spot
When you need more room but don't want to pilot a land yacht, Ford's mid-size options hit the mark. The Mustang Mach-E goes all-electric at about 186 inches long, delivering up to 320 miles of range. Sure, it's got the Mustang name, but this is a practical SUV with quick acceleration and decent cargo room.
The full-size Bronco comes in two-door (174 inches) and four-door (190 inches) versions. Removable doors and roof panels make it perfect for off-road adventures. Body-on-frame construction means it's built like a truck, which matters when you're tackling trails or towing gear.
Three Rows and Serious Space
Here's where Ford SUV models by size really spread out. The Explorer sits at about 199 inches long and gives you seating for seven. It's been America's best-selling three-row SUV for years, and the 2025 refresh brings updated styling plus better tech. Standard towing capacity hits 5,000 pounds, and you're getting nearly 85 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded.
The Expedition takes things further at 221 inches. This full-size beast seats up to eight and can tow 9,300 pounds. That's genuine truck territory. Behind the third row, you still get 20 cubic feet of cargo space. Drop all those rear seats, and you're looking at 104 cubic feet.
Want even more? The Expedition MAX adds nearly a foot of wheelbase length for 37 cubic feet behind that third row and total capacity pushing 121 cubic feet. You'll pay more at the pump, but when you need to move people and stuff, nothing in Ford's lineup beats it.
Picking Your Perfect Size
Your daily reality matters more than specs on paper. Got two kids and live in the suburbs? The Escape or Bronco Sport probably checks your boxes. Hauling teenagers to tournaments? The Explorer's your friend. Running a family of six with camping gear? You're looking at Expedition territory.
Think about your parking situation, too. A Bronco Sport fits in tight city garages where an Expedition would have you sweating. But if you've got a long driveway and take regular road trips with the whole crew, that extra size translates to comfort.
Don't forget how the size affects real-world driving. Compact models feel nimble and return better fuel economy. Full-size options give you commanding visibility and more confidence when merging. Mid-size models split the difference with manageable dimensions and genuine capability.
Making the Decision Stick
See the Difference in Person at Irwin Ford
Reading about dimensions only gets you so far. The real test comes when you're sitting in the driver's seat, checking out how your family fits in the back, and seeing if your camping gear actually loads the way you need it to. That's where visiting Irwin Ford in Laconia makes sense. Their product specialists know these SUVs inside and out, and they're not pushy sales types trying to upsell you. They'll help you compare models, set you up for test drives that match your daily routes, and let you park them side by side to see what those length differences actually mean. Give us a call at 603-524-4923 or stop by our showroom at 59 Bisson Avenue to find your perfect fit.
Ford SUV Size Comparison Chart - 2025 Models
Quick reference guide for comparing Ford's complete SUV lineup by size, capacity, and capability.
| Model | Overall Length | Seating | Cargo Space (Max) | Towing Capacity | Starting MSRP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco Sport | 172.7" | 5 | 65.2 cu ft | 2,200 lbs | ~$30,000 | City dwellers wanting off-road capability |
| Escape | 180.5" | 5 | 65.4 cu ft | 3,500 lbs | ~$28,000 | Fuel economy and daily commuting |
| Mustang Mach-E | 186.0" | 5 | 59.7 cu ft | N/A (Electric) | ~$40,000 | EV enthusiasts wanting performance |
| Bronco (2-door) | 173.7" | 4 | 52.3 cu ft | 3,500 lbs | ~$38,000 | Serious off-roading and trail adventures |
| Bronco (4-door) | 189.4" | 5 | 77.6 cu ft | 4,500 lbs | ~$42,000 | Off-road families needing more space |
| Explorer | 198.8" | 7 | 87.8 cu ft | 5,600 lbs | ~$38,000 | Families needing three rows and versatility |
| Expedition | 210.0" | 8 | 104.6 cu ft | 9,300 lbs | ~$58,000 | Large families and serious towing needs |
| Expedition MAX | 221.9" | 8 | 121.5 cu ft | 9,300 lbs | ~$61,000 | Maximum space for extended families |
How to Use This Chart
Sort by Your Priority:
- Best Fuel Economy: Escape Hybrid (42 mpg city) or Mustang Mach-E (320 miles range)
- Most Cargo Space: Expedition MAX (121.5 cu ft) beats everything
- Best Towing: Expedition or Expedition MAX (9,300 lbs)
- Easiest to Park: Bronco Sport (172.7") fits anywhere
- Best Value: Escape starts around $28,000 with hybrid options
- Off-Road Champion: Bronco (2-door or 4-door) with removable doors
Size Categories Explained
Compact (Under 185"): Bronco Sport, Escape - Easy parking, great MPG, fits 5 people comfortably. Perfect for singles, couples, and small families.
Mid-Size (185-200"): Mustang Mach-E, Bronco, Explorer - The sweet spot for most buyers. Room for gear and people without the bulk. Explorer adds third-row seating.
Full-Size (Over 210"): Expedition, Expedition MAX - Maximum capacity for everything. Eight passengers, trailer-towing capability, and cargo space that rivals trucks.
Key Measurements Breakdown
Length Differences That Matter:
- Bronco Sport to Escape: 8 inches (fits similar parking spots)
- Escape to Explorer: 18 inches (Explorer needs bigger garage)
- Explorer to Expedition: 11 inches (Expedition needs full-size space)
- Expedition to MAX: 12 inches (MAX won't fit some garages)
Cargo Space Reality Check:
- Escape: 34 cu ft behind rear seats, 65 cu ft total
- Explorer: 18 cu ft behind third row, 88 cu ft total
- Expedition: 20 cu ft behind third row, 105 cu ft total
- Expedition MAX: 37 cu ft behind third row, 122 cu ft total
Which Size Fits Your Life?
You Need Compact If: You park in tight city spaces, drive alone or with one passenger most days, prioritize fuel economy over space, and take occasional weekend trips with light gear.
You Need Mid-Size If: You have 2-3 kids, regularly haul sports equipment or camping gear, want occasional third-row seating, and take frequent road trips with the family.
You Need Full-Size If: You have 4+ kids or grandkids, tow boats/campers regularly, need space for extended family trips, and have parking/garage space to accommodate the length.
Notes: Prices are approximate base MSRP and vary by trim level and options. Towing capacities listed are maximum when properly equipped. Cargo measurements are with all rear seats folded flat. Visit your local Ford dealer for current pricing and availability.