Our Top 5 Best Ford Vehicles for Families

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Our Top 5 Best Ford Vehicles for Families

Posted on August 12, 2024

If you’re searching for the best new Ford vehicles for families, this guide will help you find the perfect model. From spacious SUVs to eco-friendly hybrids, we cover the top Ford options that combine safety, comfort, and versatility for every family’s needs. Read on to discover the best choices.

Ford Explorer: The All-Rounder Family SUV

The Ford Explorer just might be the perfect family SUV, with a diverse selection of trims and features to cater to every family’s needs. With 8 trims to choose from, including:

• XLT
• ST-Line
• Limited
• Timberline
• ST
• King Ranch
• Platinum

There’s something for everyone. The ST-Line starts at over $59,000 and comes equipped with essential features like cloth upholstery and an 12.3" Color LCD Productivity Screen. For those seeking a bit more luxury, the XLT trim includes proximity keyless entry and heated front seats, perfect for those chilly mornings in town or in the city.

The Ford Explorer distinguishes itself with its potent engine options and cutting-edge safety features. With 4 engine choices, the Explorer offers a balance of performance and combined fuel efficiency of 10.2 L/100 km in the 2.3 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Turbo, it's quite affordable to drive.

Everyone can travel in comfort courtesy of the Explorer’s roomy interior. With ample room for both passengers and cargo, this SUV can handle everything from grocery runs to family road trips. It’s no wonder the Ford Explorer is considered one of the best Ford SUVs for families, offering a combination of versatility, power, and safety that makes it a top choice.

Safety is exceptionally important, and the Explorer doesn’t disappoint with features like Curve Control, which automatically applies brakes if the vehicle enters a curve at too high a speed.

In recent years, Ford Explorer models have consistently received high marks around 83/100 for reliability in JD Power ratings, reflecting their commitment to quality and dependability.

Ford Expedition: Spacious and Powerful

If luxury, space, and power remain top priorities for you, the Expedition is your go-to choice. This SUV is a titan in the Ford lineup, boasting an impressive towing capacity of 9,200 lb, perfect for families who need to tow trailers or boats on their adventures. With the ability to accommodate up to 8 passengers, the Expedition ensures that no one gets left behind.

Beyond offering space, the Ford Expedition also packs a punch with its potent engine options. Whether you’re driving through city streets or embarking on a long-distance journey, the Expedition’s advanced safety features provide peace of mind.

The Ford Expedition offers:

• A roomy interior for maximum comfort
• Advanced safety features for added security
• Impressive towing capacity
• Ample passenger accommodation

With these features, the Ford Expedition promises a lot to large families and any growing family. In recent years, the Ford Expedition has consistently received decent marks of 74/100 for reliability in JD Power ratings, reflecting its commitment to long-term utility.

Ford Escape Hybrid: Eco-Friendly Family Adventures

The Ford Escape Hybrid has become an excellent choice for eco-conscious families. This SUV combines eco-friendly technology with the versatility and power that families need. The Escape Hybrid offers a 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 hybrid engine and an available 2.0L EcoBoost engine, providing excellent fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.

One of the standout features of the Escape Hybrid is its multiple drive modes, including:

• Eco
• Sport
• Normal
• Slippery
• Deep Snow/Sand

These modes allow you to adapt your driving experience to various conditions, ensuring a smooth and safe ride no matter the terrain. Additionally, the Escape Hybrid has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lb when equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and Class II Trailer Tow Package, making it suitable for light towing needs.

The Ford Escape Hybrid offers:

• Eco-friendly credentials
• Versatile performance
• Practical and pleasurable driving experience
• Ideal for adventure-loving families
• Reduces carbon footprint without sacrificing family travel

Additionally, the Ford Escape Hybrid comes with an impressive 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on its hybrid components, providing peace of mind for eco-conscious families.

Ford Edge: Midsize Comfort for Smaller Families

The 4-wheel drive Ford Edge is an ideal match for smaller families desiring a luxury midsize SUV. With seating that comfortably accommodates 4 people regularly and can squeeze up to 5 on occasion, the Edge offers a cozy yet spacious ride. The recent models have introduced a Sport Appearance Package, featuring leather and faux-suede seat upholstery, adding a touch of luxury to your driving experience.

The spacious interior of the Edge benefits from dual-zone automatic climate control—ensuring that everyone stays comfortable no matter the weather outside. Additionally, the Ford Edge comes standard with all-wheel drive across all trims, enhancing its performance and handling on various terrains.

Ford F-150: The Family-Friendly Pickup

The new Ford F-150 is a legend among pickup trucks and not just as a workers' tool; it’s a family-friendly powerhouse providing generous cabin space and remarkable storage options for your hockey equipment or family camping gear; it can also two almost any camping trailer you need it to.

One of the key features of the F-150 is its ability to comfortably fit 3 car seats side-by-side in the back seat, with enough space in between to keep everyone comfortable. The XLT F-150 also offers several convenient storage options:

• The center console provides significant storage space, and seating for 6 in the SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations
• The truck’s bed offers a 5.5 ft to 8.0 ft Styleside pickup box, perfect for grocery shopping, transporting strollers, or even hauling gear for a family camping trip—especially with a Tonneau
• The available step and handlebar integrated into the tailgate make accessing the truck bed easier, especially when loading and unloading heavy items.

With its combination of practicality and family-friendly features, the Ford F-150 proves that a pickup truck can be more than just a workhorse—it can be a reliable and versatile family vehicle as well.

Fuel Efficiency in F-150 Choices

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) can help you save significantly on gas expenses over many years, making it a smart financial choice for long-term savings. Not only do EVs reduce your fuel costs, but they also contribute to a cleaner environment by lowering carbon emissions.

When comparing fuel efficiency, the Ford F-150 Lightning, being an all-electric vehicle, offers significantly better fuel economy than the traditional 4x4 or RWD F-150 models, which rely on gasoline. For example, the F-150 Lightning has an equivalent fuel efficiency of around 3.5 L/100 km, while a conventional 4x4 F-150 might average about 11.8 L/100 km, depending on its engine configuration.

Ford Bronco: Honourable Mention to Our Top 5 Family Ford Vehicles

The new Ford Bronco stands out as a top family vehicle, delivering both adventuresome off-roading and easy living in the city. With seating for up to 5 passengers, it's perfect for families who crave adventure and outdoor activities. The rear seats can be folded flat, providing ample cargo space for everything from camping gear to groceries.

Loading and unloading are made easy with the following features of the Bronco:

• Removable doors and roof, ideal for open-air driving and easy access
• High ground clearance, ensuring you can tackle rough terrains with ease
• Maximum cargo capacity of 83 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat, offering plenty of space for all your family's extracurriculars and moving needs.

Safety Features Across Ford SUVs

Ensuring safety for any family vehicle is top of mind for most of our Albertan customers. Consequently, Ford SUVs and trucks come fitted with top-notch safety features for worry-free journeys. Standard driver-assistance features in the Ford Explorer include forward collision warning and lane-departure warning, which help prevent accidents before they happen.

The new Fords come with the following safety features:

• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which includes Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition
• BlueCruise feature for hands-free driving on prequalified sections of highways
• Ford Co-Pilot360, featuring BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert

These features, including the lane keeping system and secure verifying, ensure that you are always aware of your surroundings and make long drives more convenient and safe.

From blind-spot monitoring to automatic emergency braking, Ford’s commitment to safety is evident across its SUV lineup. These features not only protect your family but also enhance the driving experience by reducing stress and increasing confidence behind the wheel.

Entertainment and Connectivity for the Whole Family

Ford’s state-of-the-art infotainment systems make it effortless to keep the entire family entertained during long drives. The SYNC system in Ford vehicles provides seamless integration with various media devices, allowing passengers to enjoy their favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks. SiriusXM 360L offers access to hundreds of channels of ad-free entertainment, catering to every family member’s tastes.

Connected navigation ensures you never lose your way, even in areas without cellphone coverage. With real-time maps and route updates, you can confidently explore new destinations without worrying about getting lost. For those who want even more connectivity, Ford Premium Connectivity allows for streaming of music and other media with a monthly subscription.

The FordPass app enhances vehicle connectivity by offering a suite of complimentary remote features, such as starting the engine, locking and unlocking doors, and locating your vehicle. With Alexa Built-In, drivers can use voice commands for a hands-free experience, making it safer and more convenient to stay connected on the road.

Choosing the Right Ford Vehicle for Your Family

Choosing the ideal Ford vehicle for your family requires contemplation of numerous elements, such as family size, lifestyle, and budget. Start by assessing your daily commute and the types of activities your family enjoys. Do you need a vehicle with plenty of cargo space for sports equipment, or is fuel efficiency more important for long drives? Understanding these needs will help narrow down your options.

Budget is a major concern when choosing a family vehicle. Beyond the purchase price, consider the costs of fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Researching the various Ford models at our dealership can provide detailed information on features, specifications, and pricing; our sales advisors are expert at many things but especially matching your family's hobbies, needs, and evolving lifestyles.

Practically speaking, scheduling a test drive for the car is essential to experience its handling, comfort, and features firsthand. Some Ford models hold their value better than others, so considering resale value can also be important. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect Ford vehicle that meets your family’s needs and provides a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Trading in Your Current Vehicle for a Family-Friendly Ford Model

Trading in your current vehicle is a smart way to upgrade to a family-friendly Ford model. By trading in, you can reduce the overall cost of your new purchase, making it more budget friendly. Additionally, trading in your vehicle is a hassle-free process that allows you to seamlessly transition to a new Ford model equipped with the latest safety features, advanced technology, and ample space for your family.

Visit Strathmore Ford for a Test Drive of Your Ford Family Vehicles' Top Picks

Ford offers a diverse range of family-friendly vehicles, from the versatile Explorer and powerful Expedition to the eco-friendly Escape Hybrid. Each model provides unique features and benefits, ensuring that there is a Ford vehicle to meet every family’s needs.

When choosing the right Ford vehicle, consider your family’s size, lifestyle, and budget to find the perfect match. With the right Ford, you can enjoy many memorable family adventures on the road. So, take the time to explore your options, test-drive your favorites, and make an informed decision that will keep your family safe and happy.

Prequalify for financing to make your purchase smoother and more manageable. Financing options can help you spread the cost over time, making it easier to fit a new vehicle into your budget and potentially offering lower interest rates compared to traditional loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety features are standard in the Ford Vehicles?

The standard safety features in the Ford Explorer and other top family Ford vehicles include forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and Curve Control, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious drivers. These features are a part of the Ford360 system built into the best ford vehicles for families, so you can better anticipate road hazards in all driving conditions.

What entertainment options are available in Ford vehicles?

Ford vehicles offer a range of entertainment options, including SYNC and SiriusXM 360L infotainment systems, connected navigation, and remote features through the FordPass app. You can also use Alexa Built-In for voice commands. Enjoy your ride!

You should consider buying used Ford vehicles if you're looking to save money while still getting a reliable and feature-rich car. Used Ford models often come with lower price tags, yet they maintain high standards of technological quality and dependability. Additionally, our used Ford vehicles undergo rigorous inspections and come with upgradeable warranties, providing extra peace of mind for your next vehicle.

Should I get a car, truck, or SUV for my family?

Choosing between a car, truck, or SUV depends on your family's specific needs. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and ease of parking, a car might be the best option. For families who need ample cargo space and towing capacity, a truck could be ideal. An SUV offers a balance of both, providing spacious interiors, versatile seating, and advanced safety features, making it a popular choice for many families.

Most of our best family vehicles list assumes you've got a larger family with heavy needs. But if you've just welcomed your first child into the world, you have a much smaller one. The ever-reliable Ford Focus is an excellent option for small families just starting out, offering a blend of affordability, fuel efficiency, and modern features to meet their everyday needs.