Are you in the market for a mid-size SUV? If so, you may find what you're looking for in the 2021 Ford Explorer. Keep reading to discover four amazing features of the 2021 Explorer to help you decide whether it is the right vehicle for you. 4 Amazing Features of the 2021 Ford Explorer 1. Fuel Economy You don't have time to fill up your SUV every week. You have PTA meetings, work, grocery shopping, and date night. If you opt for the 2021 Explorer, you won't need to fill your vehicle up weekly. If you opt for a rear-wheel-drive Explorer, you can get up to 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 27 miles per gallon in the city. 2021 Ford Explorer at Cloninger Ford If you go for an all-wheel-drive Explorer, you can get up to 27 miles per gallon when driving down the highway and 20 miles per gallon when driving in the city. Due to its 17.9-gallon tank, you can easily drive over 400 miles without filling up your fuel tank regardless of the drivetrain you choose. 2. Seating Capacity and Comfort The seating capacity and comfort of the 2021 Explorer are also outstanding. You can seat six or seven people depending on your trim level of choice. However, what really sets this mid-size SUV apart is you can seat six or seven people comfortably. You can cram six people into other mid-size SUVs, but the third row is not spacious. There simply isn't enough personal space in the third row for adults or adolescents to sit comfortably. On the other hand, there is more than enough legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the third row of the 2021 Explorer for even adults to sit comfortably in any seat in this vehicle. 3. Cargo Space The 2021 Explorer's cargo space is another amazing feature. You can fit 18.2 cubic feet of belongings in your vehicle if all three rows are up. If you fold down the third row of seats, you can store up to 47.9 cubic feet of belongings. Most impressively, you can store up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo if both rear rows of seats are folded down. 4. Connectivity and Navigation You are also sure to love the connectivity provided by the 2021 Explorer. It is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can stay connected on the go regardless of the type of smartphone you have. Additionally, it acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot so your passengers can stay connected without burning through all of their data. Moreover, each 2021 Explorer comes with voice-activated navigation as a standard feature. You don't have to invest in a premium trim for a safe driving experience and simple navigation. The 2021 Explorer is a great mid-size SUV because it is fuel-efficient, comfortable, and full of space for both passengers and cargo. To experience the luxurious interior and driving experience for yourself, contact us today at Cloninger Ford of Salibury on West Service Road to schedule a test drive.
Shopping for a family vehicle means prioritizing differently than any other buyer. Cargo space, third-row access, safety technology, towing capacity, and fuel economy all carry more weight when you have kids, gear, and schedules to manage. The best Ford for families looks different depending on family size and lifestyle, but the 2026 Ford SUV lineup covers every need from compact to full-size. Here is how the Ford SUV lineup stacks up for families in the Salisbury area. Space and Seating: Matching the Vehicle to the Family The right amount of space is the first question for any family SUV purchase. The 2026 Ford Escape provides five-passenger seating with a sliding second row, 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, and a practical footprint for families who want maneuverability in addition to utility. For families who need a third row, the 2026 Ford Explorer seats up to seven passengers and offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row. How does a family decide between the Escape and Explorer in the Ford SUV lineup? The two-row Escape is the right choice for smaller families or those who prioritize fuel economy and a lower purchase price. The Explorer fits families who regularly carry more than five people or need the additional cargo room that comes with a longer wheelbase. For larger families or those who tow, the 2026 Ford Expedition seats up to eight and offers a MAX body style with up to 123.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the most in the Ford SUV lineup. Powertrain Options for Every Family Budget The best Ford for families includes powertrain options that match different budget and fuel efficiency priorities. The Escape offers a hybrid rated at 39 mpg combined and a plug-in hybrid with 37 miles of electric-only range, making it one of the most efficient options in the family SUV segment. The Explorer uses a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, with an available turbocharged V6 on upper trims. The Expedition runs a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 9,600 pounds, which covers boats, campers, and cargo trailers. For families who need off-road capability without committing to the full Bronco, the Bronco Sport provides a capable compact SUV option with standard four-wheel drive and terrain management. Does the Ford SUV lineup cover hybrid and electric options for families? The Escape Hybrid and Escape PHEV bring strong efficiency, and the Mustang Mach-E provides a fully electric alternative for families ready to make the switch. Safety Technology Across the Lineup Every family vehicle purchase involves safety, and the Ford SUV lineup delivers consistent driver-assistance technology across its models. Ford Co-Pilot360 technology includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert on models across the lineup. The Explorer and Expedition add available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance, which reduces fatigue on longer family road trips. The Expedition's 24-inch panoramic digital display provides one of the most comprehensive driver information setups in the full-size SUV segment. Is advanced safety technology standard or only on higher trims of the Ford SUV lineup? While some features are standard and others available, Ford has consistently expanded the list of standard safety content across the Explorer and Expedition with each model year. Visiting Cloninger Ford of Salisbury Finding the best Ford for families starts with understanding which model fits the family's actual daily needs. Cloninger Ford of Salisbury carries the full 2026 Ford SUV lineup, including the Escape, Bronco Sport, Explorer, and Expedition. The team at Cloninger Ford can walk Salisbury area families through the complete Ford SUV lineup, compare configurations side by side, and help identify the right trim and powertrain for the budget. Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Ford for Families Which Ford SUV has the most cargo space? The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX offers up to 123.1 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded, the most in the Ford SUV lineup. The standard Expedition offers up to 108.5 cubic feet, and the Explorer provides up to 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row with all rear seats folded. Does Ford offer a hybrid family SUV? Yes. The 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid is rated at 39 mpg combined, and the Escape Plug-In Hybrid offers 37 miles of electric-only range. The Mustang Mach-E provides a fully electric option for families. How much can the Ford Expedition tow? The 2026 Ford Expedition tows up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped, making it the strongest towing option in the Ford SUV lineup for families who pull boats, campers, or large trailers. Where can I find Ford SUVs for sale in Salisbury, NC? Cloninger Ford in Salisbury, NC carries the full 2026 Ford SUV lineup. Stop by the showroom or browse inventory online to find the best Ford for families that fits your needs and budget.
Few comparisons in the SUV segment generate as much debate as the Ford Bronco vs Jeep Wrangler. Both are purpose-built off-roaders with removable doors and roofs, open-air driving experiences, and serious trail capability. For Salisbury area drivers looking for the best off-road SUV, the decision comes down to more than raw specs. It comes down to how the vehicle is engineered, what it offers at each price point, and what ownership actually looks like over time. Engines, Power, and the Manual Option The 2026 Bronco starts at $40,795 and offers three turbocharged engine options. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 steps up to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Raptor model uses a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 418 horsepower. One of the Bronco's most distinctive features is its available 7-speed manual transmission with a dedicated crawler gear, a segment-exclusive setup that gives off-road purists the level of control they want on technical trails. The 2026 Wrangler starts at $36,035 and also offers a manual transmission with its base 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 270 horsepower with 295 lb-ft of torque. For buyers who want maximum performance, the Rubicon 392 uses a 6.4-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque at a significant price premium. Is the Ford Bronco vs Jeep Wrangler engine comparison close at comparable price points? For most buyers comparing similarly priced trims, the Bronco's turbocharged engines deliver a meaningful torque advantage. The available 2.7-liter V6 produces 415 lb-ft versus 260 lb-ft from the Wrangler's base V6 without requiring a jump into the Wrangler's top-tier 392 trim. Off-Road Capability: Ground Clearance and Trail Systems Both vehicles are serious off-road machines, but the Bronco's engineering takes a more systematic approach to trail performance. The Bronco offers up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance with the available Sasquatch Package, which also adds electronic-locking front and rear axles, 35-inch rugged-terrain tires, and an upgraded suspension. The Raptor pushes ground clearance to 13.1 inches. The Wrangler offers approximately 9.7 inches of ground clearance on standard builds, rising to around 12.9 inches on Xtreme 35-equipped builds. The Bronco's G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system offers up to seven selectable terrain modes on Badlands and higher trims, including Rock Crawl, Baja, and Off-Road, each optimizing throttle, transmission, and stability systems for specific terrain. Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, and available Trail 1-Pedal Drive give Bronco drivers tools specifically designed for technical off-road situations. Does the Bronco qualify as the best off-road SUV in its class? Ford's engineering gives it a legitimate claim, particularly in the Badlands trim and above. Daily Usability and Interior Both vehicles are designed for real-world use beyond the trail, but the Bronco's interior accommodates daily driving with fewer compromises. The standard 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is among the largest in the segment. Marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberized floors with drain plugs make cleanup after trail days straightforward. What makes the Bronco easier to live with day to day compared to the Wrangler? The Bronco's acoustically treated cabin reduces road noise, and the SYNC 4 system with over-the-air updates keeps technology current without dealership visits. The Wrangler's cabin is similarly trail-ready with removable doors, a fold-flat windshield, and decades of owner customization culture behind it. Both vehicles tow up to 3,500 pounds on most configurations. The team at Cloninger Ford of Salisbury can walk you through Bronco trim levels, package options, and configurations to find the right build for how you plan to use it. Ownership and the Ford Advantage For Salisbury drivers deciding between the Ford Bronco vs Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco carries the backing of Ford, part of America's best-selling vehicle brand for 49 consecutive years. Ford's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty matches Jeep's coverage, and the Bronco's Off-Roadeo experience, exclusive to new Bronco buyers and lessees, provides real guided off-road training with your actual vehicle at no cost. Stop by Cloninger Ford of Salisbury and experience the 2026 Bronco lineup for yourself. Frequently Asked Questions About the Ford Bronco vs Jeep Wrangler Which has better ground clearance, the Bronco or Wrangler? The 2026 Bronco reaches up to 11.6 inches with the Sasquatch Package, and up to 13.1 inches on the Raptor. The Wrangler offers approximately 9.7 inches standard, rising to around 12.9 inches on Xtreme 35-equipped builds. Does the Ford Bronco come with a manual transmission? Yes. The Bronco is available with a segment-exclusive 7-speed manual transmission with a dedicated crawler gear, standard on the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition trims. What is the best off-road SUV for daily driving? Both the Bronco and Wrangler are engineered for off-road use with comfortable on-road manners. The Bronco's standard 12-inch touchscreen, available HOSS suspension systems, and up to seven G.O.A.T. Modes give it a slight edge in combining daily usability with trail capability. Where can I test drive a Ford Bronco in Salisbury, NC? Cloninger Ford in Salisbury, NC carries the full 2026 Bronco lineup including the Big Bend and Outer Banks configurations. Visit the showroom or browse inventory online.
