Meet the 2026 Ford SUV Lineup at University Ford
Shopping for a new Ford SUV in Huntington, WV? The 2026 Ford SUV lineup gives drivers plenty to choose from, including the compact Ford Escape, the family-ready Ford Explorer, the full-size Ford Expedition, and the extended-length Ford Expedition MAX. Each model serves a different kind of driver, so the best choice comes down to space, seating, cargo needs, towing plans, and daily driving comfort.
At University Ford, we help drivers from Huntington, Barboursville, Ashland, Hurricane, and nearby communities compare Ford SUVs in a simple, practical way. Here’s a closer look at the 2026 Ford SUV lineup and the trims available for each model.
2026 Ford Escape: Compact, Efficient, and Easy to Drive
The 2026 Ford Escape is a smart pick for drivers who want a compact SUV that feels easy to park, efficient on daily drives, and flexible enough for errands, commuting, and weekend plans. It is also confirmed to be the final year of production for the Escape nameplate, making now a great time to shop for this familiar Ford favorite.
2026 Ford Escape Trims
- Active – A practical starting point with the everyday features most drivers want.
- ST-Line – Adds sport-inspired styling and a more athletic look.
- ST-Line Select – Builds on the ST-Line with added comfort and capability features.
- ST-Line Elite – A more premium version of the sporty Escape experience.
- Platinum – Adds upscale details, advanced tech, and extra refinement.
- Plug-In Hybrid – A smart choice for drivers who want added electric driving flexibility.
2026 Ford Explorer: A Midsize SUV Built for Busy Families
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a great middle-ground SUV for families who need three-row seating but do not want to move into a full-size model. It offers flexible passenger space, strong performance, available towing capability, and modern technology that works well for school drop-offs, work commutes, road trips, and everything in between.
2026 Ford Explorer Trims
- Active – A well-equipped trim with the essentials families appreciate.
- ST-Line – Adds sporty design details and a bolder road presence.
- Platinum – Brings premium comfort, upgraded materials, and more refined features.
- ST – The performance-focused Explorer with extra power and sport-tuned confidence.
2026 Ford Expedition: Full-Size Space and Serious Capability
The 2026 Ford Expedition is built for drivers who need more room, more strength, and more confidence from their SUV. With three rows of seating, impressive towing ability, and a spacious cabin, the Expedition is designed for larger families, frequent travelers, and drivers who need an SUV that can handle people, gear, and weekend plans without feeling maxed out.
2026 Ford Expedition Trims
- Active – A strong full-size SUV foundation with family-friendly features.
- Platinum – Adds premium comfort, advanced technology, and upscale interior details.
- King Ranch – Features distinctive design, rich materials, and signature styling.
- Tremor – Built for drivers who want more off-road attitude and rugged capability.
2026 Ford Expedition MAX: Extra Cargo Space Behind the Third Row
The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX takes the strengths of the standard Expedition and adds more room where many families need it most: behind the third row. The Expedition MAX is the extended-wheelbase version of the Expedition, measuring roughly 12 inches longer overall and adding significantly more cargo space while keeping the same seating comfort and interior features.
If your third row is in use most of the time, the Expedition MAX is absolutely worth considering. That extra space makes a big difference when you are loading strollers, groceries, sports gear, luggage, or road trip essentials without folding seats down every time.
2026 Ford Expedition MAX Trims
- Active MAX – Full-size family capability with added cargo room.
- Platinum MAX – Premium features with the extra length of the MAX body style.
- King Ranch MAX – Signature King Ranch styling with expanded cargo flexibility.
- Tremor MAX – Rugged Expedition capability with more space for gear.
2026 Ford SUV Size Guide
| Model | Size Class | Seating | Best For | Shopper Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape | Compact SUV | 5 | Commuting, errands, small families, efficiency | Easy to drive, easy to park, and available for its final model year. |
| Explorer | Midsize 3-row SUV | 6 or 7 | Families who need flexible seating | A strong middle ground between compact convenience and full-size space. |
| Expedition | Full-size SUV | Up to 8 | Large families, towing, road trips | Big SUV comfort with serious capability. |
| Expedition MAX | Extended full-size SUV | Up to 8 | Families who use the third row often | Adds valuable cargo space behind the third row. |
Which Ford SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?
- Escape is the go-to for drivers who want something easy to park, efficient, and simple for everyday driving.
- Explorer is a strong fit for families who need three rows and flexible space without stepping into a full-size SUV.
- Expedition is built for larger families, towing, and drivers who want full-size comfort and capability.
- Expedition MAX is the right choice when your third row is in use often and you still need real cargo space behind it.
What About the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport?
We did not forget the Ford Bronco or Ford Bronco Sport. They are just a different animal. While the Escape, Explorer, Expedition, and Expedition MAX focus heavily on everyday SUV needs, the Bronco lineup leans more toward adventure, trail capability, and rugged personality.
You can learn more here: Ford Bronco Trim Levels.
Still Love the Ford Edge or an Older Ford SUV?
If you have a beloved late-model Ford Edge, older Ford Escape, or previous-generation Expedition, University Ford can still help you find a great fit. Our used inventory often includes Ford SUVs, used cars, trucks, and other pre-owned options for drivers who want value, familiar features, or a specific model no longer offered new.
A used Ford Edge can be a great choice for shoppers who want a roomy two-row SUV, while a used Escape or Expedition may be ideal for drivers who already know and love those models.
Find Your Ford SUV at University Ford in Huntington, WV
The 2026 Ford SUV lineup gives Huntington-area drivers a clear path to the right vehicle. The Escape keeps things compact and efficient, the Explorer adds family-friendly three-row flexibility, the Expedition brings full-size strength, and the Expedition MAX gives busy families more space behind the third row.
Visit University Ford to compare Ford SUVs, browse current inventory, and find the model that fits your family, commute, budget, and weekend plans.
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