2027 Ford SUV Lineup: Choosing Your Ideal Family Vehicle Choosing the ideal vehicle from the 2027 Ford SUV lineup comes down to matching your family's seating requirements, cargo space needs, and trailering demands directly to the right body size. Three-row options like the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition provide flexible passenger configurations and high tow ratings, while two-row alternatives offer compact maneuverability. Today, we speak with Nino Williams, Finance Manager at Valor Ford, who brings 11 years of automotive finance and sales experience to walk us through selecting, configuring, and financing the right Ford SUV for your lifestyle. Q: How do families select the ideal vehicle from the 2027 Ford SUV lineup? A: Finding the right vehicle starts with identifying how many passengers you haul every day and whether you need serious trailering capability. For smaller households seeking efficient daily driving and standard four-wheel drive, a compact option like the 2027 Ford Bronco Sport starts at an MSRP of $36,760 and delivers EPA estimates of 21 city / 27 hwy MPG alongside a 2.0L engine and 2,700 lbs of towing. Larger households usually benefit from stepping up to three-row platforms that balance passenger capacity with expansive rear storage. When shoppers arrive at our showroom to compare options across the lineup, we walk through overall budget, long-term ownership goals, and daily passenger logistics. You can reach our showroom team directly by placing a quick call to discuss incoming allocations or stopping by our showroom address to evaluate cabins in person. For buyers who prefer adventure-ready styling in a two-row footprint, exploring our new Ford Bronco inventory gives a great baseline for capability and floor plan flexibility. Q: Which 2027 Ford SUV models offer third-row seating for growing families in Junction City? A: For growing families who need extra seat belts for carpools or weekend outings around Junction City, Ford offers standard third-row seating on both the 2027 Ford Explorer and the full-size 2027 Ford Expedition. Neither two-row models like the Ford Bronco nor the Ford Bronco Sport offer a third row, so shoppers requiring seating for six to eight passengers will want to target the midsize Explorer or the full-size Expedition. The midsize 2027 Ford Explorer comes standard with six-passenger or seven-passenger seating configurations, making it a versatile choice for routine school runs and daily errands. If maximum interior volume is the priority, the 2027 Ford Expedition and extended-length Expedition Max accommodate up to eight passengers with generous legroom across all three rows. For shoppers looking for multi-row versatility, reviewing our quality pre-owned inventory provides excellent opportunities to secure late-model family haulers with complete peace of mind. Q: Does the 2027 Ford Explorer offer more rear legroom than the Toyota Highlander? A: Yes, the 2027 Ford Explorer delivers noticeably more passenger space in the back than the Toyota Highlander, particularly when comparing third-row legroom. The Explorer provides 39 inches of second-row legroom and 32 inches of dedicated third-row legroom, whereas the Highlander features a tighter rear row that can feel cramped for teenagers and adults on longer journeys. That extra spatial comfort in the rear rows makes a substantial difference when loading older children or extra gear. Behind the third row, the Explorer provides about 18 cubic feet of cargo room, which quickly expands to nearly 48 cubic feet when the back seats are folded flat. Shoppers interested in analyzing interior dimensions and powertrain specs in greater detail can consult our detailed Ford Explorer research guide, and those trading in a current vehicle can easily value your trade-in online before visiting. Q: Which full-size SUV can tow more: the 2027 Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe? A: When properly configured for maximum trailering, the 2027 Ford Expedition outperforms the Chevrolet Tahoe with a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 lbs compared to the Tahoe's peak capacity of 8,400 lbs. That nearly 1,000-pound advantage stems from Ford's high-torque powertrain engineering, making the Expedition the superior choice for hauling heavy travel trailers, double-axle boats, or livestock haulers. "When families come onto the lot to look at full-size SUVs, they usually want to test how easily adults fit in the third row before they even glance at the price sticker." Under the hood, the Expedition features a standard 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims offer a high-output variant generating 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Managed through a smooth SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission, this setup delivers immediate low-end pull for effortless highway merging while pulling heavy loads. Drivers planning long trips across the highway miles of Dickinson County appreciate how stable the Expedition feels under load. To streamline your purchase, you can easily contact our finance team online to establish your budget parameters early. Q: What towing features are available on the 2027 Ford Expedition to assist with trailers? A: Ford equips the 2027 Ford Expedition with an impressive suite of advanced trailering technologies engineered to eliminate the stress of hitching and reversing large trailers. Key features include Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows drivers to guide the direction of their trailer using a console-mounted control knob while the vehicle automatically manages the steering wheel. Additionally, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist utilizes rear sensors and camera views to automatically navigate the SUV's hitch ball directly under the trailer coupler, controlling acceleration, braking, and steering maneuvers on its own. Drivers also benefit from Trailer Reverse Guidance, which leverages the 360-degree camera display to automatically select the clearest camera angle based on trailer positioning, along with an integrated trailer brake controller that coordinates stopping power smoothly. Q: What safety features and Co-Pilot360 capabilities come standard on 2027 Ford family SUVs? A: Safety is foundational across the entire lineup, and every 2027 Ford family SUV comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology. Standard capabilities include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, a Lane-Keeping System, and a high-resolution Rear View Camera. Higher trim levels introduce expanded driver assistance features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Intersection Assist, and Reverse Brake Assist. Select models can also be equipped with BlueCruise, Ford's innovative hands-free highway driving technology that allows semi-autonomous cruising on pre-mapped hands-free highway zones across North America while monitoring driver attentiveness. Q: How much does a fully loaded 2027 Ford Expedition Platinum cost and what EV incentives apply? A: A 2027 Ford Expedition MAX Platinum carries MSRP that can vary by optional equipment packages, appearance packages, and seating layouts. The standard Expedition line begins at a starting MSRP of $63,920 for the entry Active trim. Regarding electric vehicle tax incentives for models like the 2027 Ford Mustang Mach-E, buyers should confirm current federal incentive eligibility with our finance team or a tax professional before making a purchase. Our finance specialists are always ready to answer tax questions and help you navigate manufacturer offers when you visit our dealership location or give our team a quick call to explore financing solutions. Keep Your Vehicle Running Strong Keep your vehicle performing at its best with our service team: Schedule Pickup and Delivery Service Schedule Ford Service Today Order Genuine Ford Parts © 2026 Valor Ford. All rights reserved. Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

My Take on the Ford SUV Lineup — Insights From Valor Ford What SUV Models Does Ford Offer for 2027? Ford offers a versatile 2027 SUV lineup designed for every driving need, anchored by the compact Escape and off-road Bronco Sport, the midsize two-row Bronco, the three-row family Explorer, the full-size Expedition and Expedition MAX, and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. Whether you need daily efficiency, serious off-road 4x4 capability, or seating for up to eight passengers with high-capacity towing, Ford builds a purpose-built crossover or SUV to fit your lifestyle. When families visit our showroom floor, they are usually looking for a clear balance between daily versatility and true all-weather capability. A major reason the lineup resonates so well with drivers taking the daily commute along I-70 through Junction City is that Ford builds real capability into every platform rather than just adding cosmetic trim. For buyers who want off-road equipment right out of the box, the 2-door and 4-door Bronco models deliver standard 4x4 with high-clearance suspension options. You can explore our new Ford Bronco selection to see how the advanced terrain management setup compares to traditional utility vehicles. For maximum daily utility, the crossover side of the lineup provides smooth highway efficiency and flexible seating configurations. Compact crossovers like the Escape and Bronco Sport offer light-duty agility, while the three-row Explorer and full-size Expedition give growing families expansive passenger space and heavy-duty towing limits. If you want to check out specific models in person, you can get directions to our showroom or give our staff a quick phone call to confirm current floor availability. Table of Contents How Much Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Cost and Which Trim Offers the Best Value? How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Toyota Highlander? How Much Can the 2027 Ford Explorer Tow and Handle Family Cargo? What Is Ford BlueCruise and Which SUVs Offer Hands-Free Highway Driving? What Financing Incentives, Lease Offers, and Trade-In Options Are Available? How Much Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Cost and Which Trim Offers the Best Value? The 2027 Ford Explorer starts at an entry MSRP of $38,680 for the Active trim with rear-wheel drive, while top-tier performance and luxury configurations like the ST reach $53,875 MSRP before option packages. For most shoppers, the ST-Line trim delivers the best balance of price and features by pairing sporty appearance accents and advanced driver-assist options without forcing a jump to the larger twin-turbo V6 engine price bracket. Here is how the starting MSRP breakdown looks across the 2027 Explorer lineup: Trim Level Standard Powertrain Drivetrain Starting MSRP Active 100A 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 RWD (4WD available) $38,680 Active 200A 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 RWD (4WD available) $40,615 ST-Line 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 RWD (4WD available) $44,415 Tremor 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 Standard Intelligent 4WD $49,415 Platinum 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 RWD (4WD available) $50,875 ST 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 RWD (4WD available) $53,875 Adding Intelligent 4WD to RWD-standard models adds $2,000 to the base price. Under the hood, the standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine produces a robust 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. For drivers who want aggressive passing power, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 puts out 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, coming standard on the ST trim and available via optional packages on the Tremor and Platinum trims. Shoppers who step up to the ST-Line gain access to 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, black exterior accents, ActiveX® seating material, a surround-view camera system, and hardware compatibility for hands-free highway driving. Families comparing window stickers on our lot often find that trading in a current vehicle makes stepping up to mid-level trims very accessible. You can easily value your trade-in online to establish your equity position, or take a look through our current pre-owned vehicle inventory if you want to explore late-model alternatives. How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Toyota Highlander? The 2027 Ford Explorer delivers superior standard horsepower, faster acceleration, and more advanced cabin technology than the Toyota Highlander, giving buyers a more engaging driving dynamic alongside equivalent 5,000-pound maximum towing capabilities. While the Toyota Highlander focuses heavily on smooth efficiency with its standard 265 hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the Explorer's standard 300 hp 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 provides noticeably quicker throttle response and confident highway merging. When comparing performance benchmarks, the difference becomes even clearer. The performance-tuned Explorer ST with its twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.1 seconds, whereas the Highlander takes approximately 7.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. In terms of interior tech, every 2027 Explorer comes standard with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience with native Google Maps integration, outsizing the Highlander's standard 8.0-inch display. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Explorer remain competitive for a non-hybrid midsize crossover, earning up to 24 mpg combined ( 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway) in rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder trim. Both vehicles offer seating for up to seven passengers, but the Explorer's rear-wheel-drive-based architecture gives it a distinct handling advantage around tight corners and under heavy loads. You can review detailed specs and model comparisons on our Ford Explorer research page to see how its cabin layout and powertrain options stand out. How Much Can the 2027 Ford Explorer Tow and Handle Family Cargo? Matching the Toyota Highlander's towing capability, the 2027 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, making it ideal for family adventures and heavy cargo. Inside the cabin, the Explorer offers about 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and topping out at about 86 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. Cargo utility is enhanced by thoughtful interior engineering that accommodates everyday family demands. A concealed underfloor storage compartment behind the third row keeps smaller tools and valuables secure, while a reversible load floor cover features a washable rubberized surface on one side for muddy sporting gear or wet outdoor equipment. Standard second-row captain's chairs create an easy pass-through aisle to the rear seats, or families can opt for an available second-row bench to seat seven passengers total. When loading gear, the wide rear liftgate opening makes taking advantage of the full cargo area straightforward. When I walk families through the vehicle on a first visit, I usually show them how the third-row 50/50 split-folding seats fold down flush with the floor with a single manual pull or power button. Whether you are packing luggage for a cross-country highway road trip or loading camping equipment for a weekend at local parks, the Explorer combines practical interior space with serious pulling power. What Is Ford BlueCruise and Which SUVs Offer Hands-Free Highway Driving? Ford BlueCruise is an advanced driver-assist technology that enables hands-free highway driving on over 130,000 miles of prequalified, divided North American highways known as hands-free Blue Zones. Using a network of radar sensors, camera systems, and a driver-facing optical camera, BlueCruise manages steering, braking, lane centering, and acceleration while monitoring head position to ensure your eyes remain attentive on the road ahead. In the Ford SUV lineup, Ford BlueCruise hardware is available on select trims of the Explorer, Expedition, and Mustang Mach-E. The system incorporates intelligent convenience features designed to reduce driver fatigue during long highway trips: Lane Change Assist: Initiates a hands-free lane change when the driver taps the turn signal stalk and the adjacent lane is clear. In-Lane Repositioning: Subtly shifts the vehicle's lateral position within its lane to maintain extra physical buffer space when passing large semi-trucks or wide loads. Automatic Lane Change: Automatically suggests or executes lane changes to pass slower-moving traffic when conditions permit. Owners can choose flexible subscription structures after an initial trial period, including a $495 annual plan, a $49.99 monthly option, or a $2,495 one-time purchase that covers ownership for seven years. By keeping the vehicle centered and maintaining set follow distances, hands-free highway driving transforms extended trips into far less taxing experiences. What Financing Incentives, Lease Offers, and Trade-In Options Are Available? Ford Credit regularly offers competitive financing incentives, low introductory APR rates, promotional lease packages, and factory customer cash programs across the SUV lineup. Seasonal incentives and regional bonus cash frequently lower out-of-pocket costs on new Explorer, Bronco Sport, and Expedition models, making it easier to structure payments around your household budget. For service members and military families stationed at nearby bases like Fort Riley, Ford also offers specialized military incentive programs that can be combined with current national retail offers. Structuring a vehicle purchase involves looking at the complete picture, including your trade-in equity, chosen financing term, and down payment. Submitting an online credit profile early helps our finance team lock in eligible interest rates and regional incentives before you set foot on the lot. Taking advantage of these purchase programs begins with establishing your finance baseline online. You can quickly apply for pre-approval online to review current finance rates and potential monthly payment structures. When you are ready to take a test drive or review incentive figures in person, our staff is available if you want to give us a quick call or stop by our showroom location to explore the entire Ford SUV family. Keep Your Vehicle Running Strong Keep your vehicle performing at its best with our service team: Schedule Pickup and Delivery Service Schedule Ford Service Today Order Genuine Ford Parts © 2026 Valor Ford. All rights reserved.

2023 Ford Maverick Towing & Versatility Q&A: Service Expert Interview When ordered original from the factory, the optional 4K Tow Package on a 2023 Ford Maverick cost $745, making it a practical way to increase a compact pickup's pulling capability up to 4,000 pounds. To explore how this option transforms real-world utility, we sat down with Mike Hogg, Service Director at Valor Ford. With 20 years of automotive service experience, Mike provides expert technical insight into powertrain options, bed versatility, and tow-ready equipment. Q: How Much Does the 4K Tow Package Cost on a 2023 Ford Maverick? A: The factory-installed 4K Tow Package added just $745 to the original vehicle invoice on eligible gas models. That modest price tag doubles maximum trailer capacity from the standard 2,000-pound limit up to 4,000 pounds. For buyers looking at pre-owned trucks on the market today, finding a model equipped with this package provides exceptional pulling value without significantly driving up purchase costs. If you are evaluating pre-owned trucks in person, inspecting the window sticker or checking the rear bumper area confirms if the factory hardware is installed. Drivers interested in verifying tow ratings on pre-owned inventory can stop by our Junction City dealership location or reach out to our team directly at (785) 238-5114 to review specific vehicle equipment build sheets. Q: Which Powertrain and Package Combination Is Needed to Tow 4,000 Pounds? A: Achieving the full 4,000-pound towing capability requires pairing the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and the factory 4K Tow Package. The standard 2.5-liter Hybrid powertrain is offered exclusively in front-wheel drive for the 2023 model year and remains capped at a 2,000-pound tow limit regardless of added options. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine generates 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This output provides the necessary low-end grunt for launching heavy trailers up steep ramps or highway grades. Drivers seeking even higher trailering ceilings or off-road capabilities can also explore our new Ford Bronco lineup. For existing Maverick owners looking to add towing accessories, our dealership assists with ordering genuine Ford parts direct from the factory. Q: What Features Are Included in the 4K Tow Package and How Do Off-Road Capabilities Compare? A: Beyond the hitch receiver, the 4K Tow Package upgrades essential mechanical systems to manage thermal loads while pulling heavy trailers. It includes a Class III trailer hitch receiver with a 7-pin wiring harness, an upgraded engine cooling fan, a higher-capacity radiator, an auxiliary transmission oil cooler, and a shorter 3.81:1 final drive axle ratio for improved acceleration under load. "The 4K Tow Package isn't just a trailer hitch bolted to the frame—it adds severe-duty mechanical cooling components to support towing performance." When evaluating off-road performance, buyers can combine the tow package with the FX4 Off-Road Package on XLT and Lariat trims, adding underbody skid plates, tuned suspension shocks, and all-terrain tires. The rugged Tremor trim features a tuned suspension lift and twin-clutch rear differential, though its unique off-road suspension tuning alters standard tow limits. To compare equipped models, shoppers can browse our pre-owned vehicle inventory for available trucks with tow-ready options. Q: How Do Bed Size and Payload Capacity Compare Between the Maverick and Toyota Tacoma? A: The 2023 Ford Maverick features a 4.5-foot FLEXBED with a maximum payload rating of 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and engine choices. By comparison, midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma offer 5-foot or 6-foot beds with payload ratings ranging between 1,100 and 1,685 pounds depending on cab and drivetrain setup. For rural property owners across Dickinson County who regularly haul fencing posts, feed bags, or gravel supplies, the Maverick's low bed-side height of roughly 30 inches can make loading heavy gear easier than with taller midsize trucks. The FLEXBED design also incorporates stamped slots for 2x4 dividers, integrated tie-downs, and threaded holes for custom rack installations. Customers planning to upgrade their current vehicle can start by evaluating your vehicle trade-in online to calculate available trade equity. Q: Is the Ford Maverick Unibody Frame Similar to the Honda Ridgeline? A: Both the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline utilize unibody frame construction rather than traditional body-on-frame truck designs, deriving structural stiffness from an integrated cab and bed architecture. This crossover-based engineering eliminates structural flex, lowers vehicle weight, and delivers smooth, car-like ride quality with precise handling over pavement. While the midsize Ridgeline offers a wider bed floor, the compact Maverick delivers superior fuel economy and easier maneuverability in tight parking areas while preserving genuine pickup utility. Readers curious about platform engineering and specs can check out our detailed Ford Maverick research guide. When you are ready to explore purchasing options, getting started is simple by getting pre-approved for financing online through our finance department. Q: How Do You Install an Aftermarket Brake Controller for Heavy Towing? A: Mavericks equipped with the 4K Tow Package come pre-wired from the factory with a trailer brake controller harness located beneath the driver-side dashboard. Installing a compatible aftermarket electronic brake controller involves connecting a matching wiring pigtail directly to the factory plug, allowing precise brake bias adjustments for trailers equipped with electric brakes. For trailers weighing over 2,000 pounds, an integrated or aftermarket brake controller is critical for safe stopping distances and vehicle control. Our certified service technicians handle brake controller installation and complete multi-point tow inspections to ensure your rig is highway ready. You can visit our Goldenbelt Boulevard service center, call our service desk at (785) 238-5114, or conveniently start by scheduling your Ford service appointment online today. © 2026 Valor Ford. All rights reserved.