10 Types of Ford Cars: From Electric to V10 Trucks

Ford Motor Co. is one of the most popular car manufacturers in America. The company distributes high-end automobiles under the Lincoln brand, has released the first electric truck that can tow 10,000 pounds, and has a rather large portfolio of popular SUVs. But which types of Ford cars are the best? Let’s talk about it.

Types of Ford Cars: What to Know

First, we will only be talking about the types of Ford cars that have the best likelihood of being produced for the next five years. So you won’t find the Ford Focus or similar vehicles on this list. While some are still in production, Ford has announced that they will shift their manufacturing focus to SUVs and trucks by 2025. This does not mean that this list is all-inclusive of every single Ford vehicle you can get. This is simply a list of some of our favorite types of Ford cars based on their reviews and amenities.

10 Types of Ford Cars

Here’s an in-depth look at ten different types of Ford cars. Let’s dive in!

F-150

Of course, we have to start with what’s arguably Ford’s most popular vehicle ever. With over 600,000 trucks sold almost every year, the F-150 is Ford’s best truck (seemingly) ever.

A variety of engines are available for the 2023 F-150, including a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8, a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6, and a 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6. Any engine you select for the F-150 will have a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The truck can tow up to 14,000 pounds, depending on which engine you grab. But even the 3.3-liter V-6 engine offers around 8,000 in towing capacity. When it comes to the interior, front seats that can fold flat to create a bed are a popular option for the F-150. The four-door crew cab body design is the largest and most accommodating for families, offering substantial passenger capacity. Plus up to 7.2 kW of power is available from an optional onboard generator to satisfy electrical demands at tailgate gatherings or on the construction site.

The truck starts at a little over $51,000. However, depending on your engine and trim choice, you can pay upwards of $70,000.

F-150 Lightning

Of course, we have to mention the newcomer to Ford’s lineup, especially because it’s truly one of the first of its kind. The F-150 Lightning is Ford’s first fully electric truck, and it’s just as good as its gas counterpart.

The Lightning resembles other F-150s both inside and out, although it’s an EV, so it doesn’t have a traditional engine. Two electric motors on each model are powered by one of two battery packs. The powertrain produces a staggering 580 horsepower with the bigger Extended-Range battery, allowing the Lightning to sprint to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Towing a trailer can quickly drain the battery, causing frequent pauses to recharge, but the EPA estimates a driving range of between 230 miles with the standard battery and 320 miles with the larger one.

Only trucks that have the optional Extended-Range battery can tow more than 10,000 pounds, which is the official maximum. The maximum for Standard-Range battery models is 7700 pounds. However, the F-150 Lightning will meet your needs if you own a truck and just occasionally tow long distances. It is a versatile electric workhorse that requires fewer compromises than the normal gas-powered F-150 and can be outfitted in a variety of ways.

Because of its newness, the F-150 Lightning does start at $62,000 and goes up near $79,000. But we expect this to go down as time goes on.

Mustang

Another popular Ford vehicle, the Mustang is one of the few car models that survived the chopping block when Ford decided to focus on trucks. The turbocharged four-cylinder model with the 10-speed automatic transmission is rated 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway by the EPA, making it the most fuel-efficient Mustang. The V-8 engine sports 15 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. So while not the best option if you’re looking to save on gas, it is zippy and fun.

It has a modern design that pays homage to the style of earlier Mustangs without sacrificing functionality. The inside of the Mustang is better than it has ever been. While it boasts such luxuries as heated and cooled front seats, the Mustang is an everyday driver thanks to superior performance and plenty of space for storage. The pull of a strap can fold the back seat and store it away, plus the vehicle has the capacity for as many as 12 carry-on bags.

Because it’s a sports car, you can expect to pay a bit of a premium for the Mustang. The base model starts at around $30,000, and you can expect to pay upwards of $50,000 for high-performance models.

Mustang Mach-E

Want the speed of the Mustang, but want better mileage? Give Ford’s Mach-E, their electric version of the famous Mustang, a chance. However, keep in mind that because it’s a newer release, you’ll be paying more for it. The Mach-E starts at $47,000, so it’s not a cheap vehicle.

Either a 70.0 kWh battery with a conventional range or a 91.0 kWh battery with an extended range is available. On the sporty GT and GT Performance models, the motors combine to provide 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque, which results in all-wheel drive. This, according to Ford, will enable the Mach-E GT Performance to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. However, the Mach-E won’t be nearly as exciting for drivers to drive as the conventional Mustang. However, the Mach-E does offer a smooth ride and quiet running.

Ford estimates that the 2023 Mustang Mach-E’s range will range from 224 to 312 miles, depending on the battery pack and the arrangement of the electric motors. Each model also includes a mobile charging device that can extend battery life by up to 80% overnight when used with a 240-volt outlet or up to 30 miles per night when used with a 120-volt outlet.

SuperDuty

While the F-150 is the most popular truck for Ford by far, the SuperDuty is the perfect vehicle for those that need more power and towing capacity. The F-250, F-350, or F-450 models of the Ford Super Duty are more “truck” than most people require. However, for those who need one, a Super Duty tows up to 37,000 pounds.

Sadly, the EPA doesn’t test trucks with as much weight as the Super Duty. However, considering it can handle large payloads and towing, we’re going to assume gas mileage isn’t that great. Considering the F-150 has around 20 mpg, we’re going to guess that the SuperDuty gets around 15 (or less!).

Luckily, you won’t be compromising on style and amenities with such a large truck. The Super Duty has a slick dash design and a useful layout. Even the most basic Super Duty interiors offer wireless charging, ambient lighting, and heated and cooled front seats. Invest in the deluxe King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited to gain access to things no rival offers — like massaging seats. Two-bed sizes include a 6.75-footer or an 8-foot box. With a lockable box under the back seat, the crew cab also goes beyond standard storage.

Of course, a truck this size and with these options won’t come cheap. Base pricing starts at $43,000.

Expedition

Starting at $54,000, you can get the newer Expedition SUV with two rows. However, if you need three rows, the mid-line models range from roughly $58,000 to $79,000. So you’ll certainly pay for a more luxurious feeling SUV with this option, but consumers love them, so we don’t see the Expedition disappearing any time soon.

The twin-turbocharged V6 engine in every 2023 Ford Expedition produces 380, 400, or 440 horsepower. This helps the Expedition accelerate effortlessly to cruising speeds and rapidly from a stop even when it is fully occupied with passengers and baggage. The automatic 10-speed transmission that comes standard complements the engine by making quick and seamless shifts.

In comparison to other large SUVs, the Expedition has decent fuel efficiency. Estimates for city driving range from 16 to 17 mpg to 19 to 23 mpg for interstate driving. And, the Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped. Not bad for an SUV!

Escape Hybrid

While most of the vehicles on our list are gas or electric powered, we did want to mention Ford’s best hybrid, the Escape Hybrid! First, starting at $30,000, it’s fairly affordable for a hybrid SUV option but still offers quite a few amenities.

The EPA predicts that the hybrid can achieve a combined fuel economy of roughly 40 mpg, an improvement of 10–14 mpg over the Escape’s non-hybrid engine options. The Escape Hybrid AWD has a combined fuel economy rating of 40 mpg (43 city/37 highway), which is comparable to Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid.

A standout feature of the Ford Escape is its infotainment system. The navigation system is simple to use and responsive. There are only two USB ports, which limits smartphone integration, but there are two 12-volt outlets if you have adapters. The majority of driving aids are commonplace and function adequately. The Escape’s special lane-centering feature is fantastic since it prevents it from ping-ponging between lanes like rivals do.

Additionally, the Escape Hybrid has a 1,500-pound towing capacity, which is excellent if you have a lightweight trailer or pop-up camper.

Bronco

If you don’t want a truck but you want a vehicle that can handle all types of terrain, try the Ford Bronco. There aren’t eight cylinders in the Bronco, but it has a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower. There is also an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 330 horsepower.

The gas engines can be used with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while a seven-speed manual transmission can only be used with the smaller engine. Electronic locking front and rear differentials, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, a sway-bar disconnect mechanism, and beadlock-capable wheels are all standard. The Bronco isn’t a one-trick pony and can successfully navigate extremely hazardous terrain.

The EPA rates the four-cylinder Bronco with the automatic transmission at 20 city mpg and 22 highway mpg. However, if you upgrade to the Sasquatch package with the V-6 engine and large tires, the vehicle’s fuel economy drops to 17 mpg on both the interstate and the city roads.

Starting at $36,000, we wouldn’t consider the Bronco cheap, but it’s certainly cheaper than the F-150, especially if you’re not looking to tow much and just want a sturdy vehicle.

Explorer

The first edition of the Ford Explorer debuted for the 1991 model year and completely revolutionized the SUV market. It’s still going, with the current Explorer providing customers with three powertrain choices, an athletic external design, and a big interior with a third row.

Plus this SUV isn’t good just for driving around the kids. When outfitted with the towing package, it has a 5,300-pound towing capacity. It also has a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, a power-folding third row, a 12-speaker audio system, and driver’s assistance with adaptive cruise control. And the Timberline option is perfect for those that want off-road capability.

The most fuel-efficient option is the rear-drive hybrid, with estimations of up to 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the interstate. Ratings for Platinum hybrid cars drop to 25 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, and the addition of all-wheel drive further lowers the SUV’s city rating to 23 mpg. However, this is still significantly better than some of the other SUVs on this list.

Because the Explorer is a bit more sophisticated and built for families, it does start around $38,000 for the base model. Not bad for an SUV, but not great either.

Transit-150

The last choice on our list, but certainly not the least, is the Transit-150. This van is made for more than just travel and families, but can also be used as a work vehicle. Plus it also comes in an electric model, but for now, we’ll just focus on the gas option.

This van is significantly more expensive than a regular minivan, starting at around $47,000. However, that’s for good reason! First of all, it’s available in a range of body designs, including a vast high-roof extended model that provides space to transport a large number of tools, goods, or luggage. Ford will also start selling a vehicle that is specially equipped and makes a great platform for a camper van conversion.

Both a V-6 and a turbocharged Ecoboost V-6 are available, and purchasers can opt for rear- or all-wheel drive. While there is no official EPA rating due to the size of the van, many drivers report 17 to 20 mpg, which makes sense for such a large vehicle with a towing capacity of up to 5,800 pounds.

Types of Ford Cars: From Electric to V10 Trucks Wrap Up

Well there you have it, our list of the types of Ford cars you should have your eye on. While some of these vehicles won’t work for all consumers, many have the capability to fit most lifestyles, and have budget options to match!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©By WMrapids - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115001597.