2026 Ford Expedition vs. 2026 Explorer: Best 3-Row SUV for Your Family

If you're a parent researching your next vehicle, you already know the checklist is long. You need space, safety features, fuel efficiency, and enough technology to keep everyone connected and comfortable. The good news is that Ford's 2026 SUV lineup has answers for growing families at multiple price points—and the Ford Escape is one of its highlights. Whether you're after a plug-in hybrid to cut fuel costs or a spacious 3-row option, here's what you need to know. Why the 2026 Ford Escape Is Worth a Closer Look For families who want one of the best Ford SUVs for growing families in 2026 without going full-size, the 2026 Ford Escape is a strong starting point. It seats up to 5 passengers and offers 4 powertrain choices: a 1.5L EcoBoost® engine that gets up to 30 MPG combined, a 2.0L EcoBoost® with a thrilling 250 hp and 280 lbs.-ft. of torque, a 2.5L hybrid that gets up to 39 MPG combined, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). That kind of flexibility is rare in a compact SUV. The plug-in hybrid delivers 210 hp and lets you drive for 37 miles on all-electric power only—ideal for daily school runs and errands around Terrell. And that sporty, exciting 2.0L turbo engine also enables an impressive 3,500-lb. towing capacity, so it’s powerful in every respect. more The 2026 Escape’s Interior Space and Family-Friendly Features A tight cabin is a dealbreaker for families, and the 2026 Escape addresses that directly. EcoBoost® models offer up to 65.4 cu. ft. of cargo space maximum, while the 2 nd row features sliding 60/40 split-fold seating that can be moved back up to 5.9” for added legroom. That kind of flexibility matters when you're hauling car seats, sports gear, and everything in between. Higher trim levels like the ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum, add heated front-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The available panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade is a feature kids genuinely appreciate on long drives. Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control keeps everyone comfortable from the front seat to the back. Safety Technology That Families Rely On The best Ford SUVs for growing families in 2026 have to earn your trust with their safety measures, and the 2026 Escape comes fully packed with driver-assistance systems, standard across all trims. Every Escape boasts Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, and a Lane-Keeping System. BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking is also standard, helping you stay aware of your surroundings in parking lots and on highways alike. Upper trims add Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Predictive Speed Assist which adjusts speed for you to limits when enabled. The available 360-degree camera is a practical tool for parents navigating tight parking situations. Every trim includes the Safety Canopy System, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and a driver knee air bag. Connectivity and Tech for the Whole Family Staying connected is a priority for most households, and Ford delivers on that front. All 2026 Escape trims include SYNC® 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, plus a 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. That's a lifesaver for family road trips. ST-Line Elite and Platinum models come standard with a 13.2” center touchscreen and connected navigation with one year of service included. The optional B&O® Sound System by Bang and Olufsen features 10 speakers including a subwoofer. That changes your ordinary drives into an immersive experience. Wireless charging pads are available on select trims, reducing cable clutter in the cabin. Visit Platinum Ford to Find Your Family's Next SUV The 2026 Ford Escape gives families throughout the Terrell, Texas, area a well-rounded package at a competitive price point. Whether you need the efficiency of a hybrid, the capability of the 2.0L EcoBoost®, or the upscale comfort of the Platinum trim, there's a configuration built around your family's needs. When you're ready to explore the best Ford SUVs for growing families in 2026, stop by Platinum Ford or visit platinumford.com to browse current inventory and available offers.

The Maverick® and Ranger® occupy similar space in Ford's showroom, but they're built around very different ideas. One starts with the question, "What if a pickup worked brilliantly as an everyday vehicle?" The other asks, "How much capability can we pack into a midsize truck without making it feel oversized?" Both answers are compelling. The better choice simply depends on what you expect from your truck once the novelty of ownership wears off. Daily Driving: Compact Convenience or Traditional Pickup? The Maverick® is the easier truck to live with if most of your driving happens around town. Its compact footprint slips comfortably into parking garages, grocery store parking spaces, and busy suburban streets, making it feel much closer to a crossover than a traditional pickup. Yet it still offers the open cargo bed that makes hauling landscaping supplies, bicycles, furniture, or weekend projects refreshingly simple. The Ranger® approaches everyday driving from a different perspective. Its larger dimensions, longer available bed, and more substantial stance give it the versatility expected from a traditional midsize pickup. Drivers who routinely carry work equipment, tow trailers, or spend time on job sites will appreciate the extra space every time they load it. more Capability: Choose the Truck That Matches the Job Capability is where the Ranger® begins to stretch its legs. Every Ranger® comes standard with a 270 hp 2.3L EcoBoost® engine producing 310 lbs. ft. of torque, while the available 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 raises output to 315 hp and 400 lbs. ft. of torque. Properly equipped models tow up to 7,500 lbs., making the Ranger® well suited for larger boats, campers, utility trailers, and work equipment. The Maverick® takes a different approach. Standard models feature a 2.5L Full Hybrid powertrain that can tow up to 2,000 lbs., making it an efficient choice for everyday driving. Buyers wanting additional capability can choose the available 250 hp 2.0L EcoBoost® engine producing 280 lbs. ft. of torque. Equipped with the available 4K Tow Package, the Maverick® increases maximum towing capacity to 4,000 lbs.—plenty for many small campers, personal watercraft, utility trailers, and lightweight boats. For occasional towing, that's often all many owners will ever need. Recognition That Matters The Maverick® has enjoyed an exceptional year. The Maverick Lobo earned the prestigious 2026 North American Truck of the Year™ title, while the Maverick lineup also received the 2026 MotorTrend Truck of the Year® award. Those honors reflect just how successfully Ford has reimagined what a compact pickup can be. The Ranger® doesn't rely on awards quite as heavily. Its reputation has been built through capability, durability, and the confidence that comes from delivering traditional truck performance in a more manageable size. Technology That Keeps Pace Both trucks benefit from many of Ford's latest technologies, so neither feels like a compromise inside the cabin. Available Ford Co-Pilot360® includes driver-assistance features such as Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking, while available BlueCruise® can reduce fatigue during long highway journeys on compatible roads. The available Ford Connectivity Package adds Connected Navigation, Wi-Fi® hotspot capability, voice assistance, media streaming, and connected services that make commuting and travelling noticeably easier. Drivers comparing these pickups should explore our available Ford Maverick® and Ford Ranger® inventory to experience the differences firsthand. Which Truck Fits Your Life? The Maverick® is ideal for drivers who want the practicality of a pickup without the size or fuel demands of a traditional truck. The Ranger® rewards owners who regularly tow heavier trailers, carry larger loads, or simply prefer the capability and confidence that come with a midsize pickup. Whichever direction you choose, you're buying from a brand recognized as America's Most Awarded Brand for new-vehicle quality by J.D. Power in 2025. Compare Both at Platinum Ford Choosing between the Maverick® and Ranger® isn't about deciding which truck is better—it's about deciding which one works harder for your lifestyle. Visit Platinum Ford in Terrell, TX, to compare both models, take a test drive, and find the pickup that fits the way you drive every day.

Modern vehicles are packed with more technology than ever before, and Ford is leading the charge with 2 standout systems: BlueCruise® and Co-Pilot360®. These aren't just buzzwords—they're genuinely useful tools designed to make driving safer and more comfortable in Terrell, Texas and beyond without complicating your life. How Ford BlueCruise® Works BlueCruise® is Ford's hands-free highway driving technology. Once activated on compatible vehicles, you’re able to take your hands off the wheel while the system handles steering, acceleration, and braking on pre-mapped sections of controlled access highways. What makes BlueCruise® stand out is its impressive coverage. BlueCruise® works on about 97% of controlled access highways across the U.S. and Canada. That's a substantial amount of driving where you can sit back and let the technology assist you, especially on long, tiring highway stretches. It's important to note that hands-free doesn't mean mind-free. The system uses a driver-facing camera to ensure you remain attentive. If it detects that your attention has drifted, it will prompt you to refocus. more What Ford Co-Pilot360® Brings to the Table While BlueCruise® handles hands-free highway driving, Ford Co-Pilot360® is a broader package of driver-assist features aimed at helping you navigate everyday roads with more confidence. Co-Pilot360® is available across many Ford models and bundles together features focused on awareness, safety, and convenience. Core features included are Lane-Keeping System which monitors your position and can gently steer you back if you drift, while Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert gives you a second set of eyes when changing lanes or backing up. The crux is Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which scans the road ahead, notifies you if there’s a hazard detected, and can apply the brakes if you don’t react in time. Ford BlueCruise® and Co-Pilot360® explained as a pair shows that they serve different but complementary roles. One handles highway autonomy, and the other supports you through a broader set of driving scenarios. Together, these systems represent Ford's approach to making technology that is practical rather than purely impressive on paper. The Available Connectivity Package Ford also offers an available Connectivity Package that layers additional features on top of what Co-Pilot360® provides. This package includes an in-vehicle Wi-Fi® hotspot, connected navigation, media streaming, voice assistance, and even in-vehicle karaoke when parked. For drivers in Terrell, TX who spend time commuting or traveling longer distances, having a built-in hotspot and connected navigation ensures you aren’t too far, even if you’re off-grid. Passengers stay entertained, and drivers stay informed without depending on their phone for directions. When you look at Ford BlueCruise® and Co-Pilot360® explained alongside the connectivity features, you begin to see how Ford thinks about the full driving experience—not just getting from one place to another, but how you feel while doing it. Why It Matters When Choosing a Ford Whether you're shopping for a new F-150, an Explorer, or a Bronco, understanding which technology packages are available helps you make a smarter decision. Not every trim comes equipped with every feature, so it's worth asking about which models include BlueCruise® and what level of Co-Pilot360® technology is included. Ford's goal with these systems is straightforward: help drivers feel more confident and less stressed behind the wheel. That's a goal most of us can appreciate, whether we're navigating busy roads or cruising down the highway. Explore Ford Technology at Platinum Ford Ford BlueCruise® and Co-Pilot360® explained simply comes down to this: BlueCruise® gives you hands-free highway capability, and Co-Pilot360® wraps you in a protective layer of driver-assist features for everyday driving. Together, they represent why Ford continues to earn recognition for quality and innovation. If you're ready to experience these features for yourself, the team at Platinum Ford serving Terrell, Texas is here to help you find the right model with the right technology for your lifestyle. Stop by or explore the inventory online at platinumford.com.