Blog

3 Great Family SUV Options from Ford

people loading bikes in the back of a 2025 Expedition

Ford's reputation for producing reliable, practical, and high-performing vehicles makes it the ideal choice when buying a family-friendly SUV. We bring you a selection of family SUV options at your local Ford dealership.

3 Great Family SUV Options at Your Local Ford Dealership

1. Escape

The Ford Escape is ideal for commuters and urban dwellers. Measuring just 180 inches, this compact SUV makes negotiating busy city streets and slotting into tight parking spaces a breeze. Despite its small footprint, the Escape's interior is extremely spacious. Front passengers receive 42.4 inches of legroom while those in the rear enjoy 40.7 inches. There's also a roomy cargo area which expands to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded.

With a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission at its heart, the Escape delivers a zippy performance and agile handling, making it the perfect partner for the school run, the commute, and running local errands. The powertrain is also extremely efficient, achieving 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg when cruising the highway.

2. Expedition

The Ford Expedition is built for larger families. Its three rows comfortably seat eight passengers and flexible seating lets you configure the interior depending on your needs. Access to the cargo area is made via Ford's power Split Gate. This innovative gate combines the functionality of a truck tailgate with a traditional liftgate and allows you to transform the Expedition's rear into the perfect hub for tailgating or family picnics.

Under the hood is a 400-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 which enables this beast of an SUV to tow up to 9,600 pounds, perfect for hauling everything needed for weekend getaways. And, keeping the crew entertained is easy with the Ford Digital Experience, which gives you a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

3. Bronco Sport

If family adventures are on the cards, you need the five-seater Bronco Sport. Whether you're on a rocky mountain trail or a sandy track, this all-wheel drive SUV has you covered thanks to its five selectable drive modes which adapt the vehicle to the surface conditions. These Goes Over Any Terrain or G.O.A.T. modes let you toggle between Sand, Sport, Eco, Normal, and Slippery depending on the environment.

Wherever your journey takes you, you'll always be prepared with two adjustable floodlights and a handy bottle opener built into the liftgate. The practical interior is lined in easy-to-clean materials, so no matter how dirty or grubby the cabin becomes, a quick rinse and all traces of dust and mud disappear.

Whether you're just starting a family or already have a large brood, there's a Ford SUV to accommodate the whole family. To explore your options, drop by Fernelius Ford, Inc. in Cheboygan, MI today, and find the SUV that meets the demands of family life.

Recommended Posts

A mechanic in dark overalls holding wrenches and giving a thumbs-up in a repair shop.

The Small Service Visits That Save Ford Owners Big Money

Most vehicle problems do not begin with a dramatic breakdown on the side of the road. They start small. An overdue oil change. Tires that haven't been rotated. A battery that's been struggling for months before finally giving up on the coldest morning of the year. That's why routine Ford service remains one of the smartest investments a vehicle owner can make. For drivers throughout Cheboygan, MI, staying current with scheduled maintenance helps protect performance, improve reliability, and reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs later. more Your Ford Was Built with a Maintenance Plan for a Reason Every Ford vehicle is engineered with a recommended service schedule designed around real-world driving conditions. Following that schedule helps ensure critical systems continue operating as intended. Routine Ford service often includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, battery testing, fluid checks, and multi-point inspections. Individually, these services may seem minor. Together, they create a complete picture of your vehicle's health. The goal isn't simply keeping your Ford running today. It's helping it continue running strong years from now. Catching Small Problems Before They Become Expensive Ones One of the greatest benefits of regular service visits is early detection. A technician may notice uneven tire wear before it turns into a suspension issue. A brake inspection may reveal worn pads before they begin damaging rotors. A battery test can identify weakening performance before you're stranded in a parking lot. These are the kinds of repairs that are far easier—and often far less expensive—to address early. For Ford owners throughout Northern Michigan, preventive maintenance frequently costs far less than emergency repairs. Ford Mobile Service Brings Convenience to You Finding time for vehicle maintenance isn't always easy. Ford understands that. Ford Mobile Service allows trained technicians to perform many routine maintenance services at your home or workplace. Oil changes, battery replacements, tire rotations, filter replacements, and other common services can often be completed without requiring a visit to the dealership. Ford Pickup & Delivery adds another layer of convenience by allowing eligible vehicles to be serviced while you continue with your day. For busy drivers in Cheboygan, these programs help remove one of the biggest obstacles to staying current on maintenance. Your Vehicle Will Usually Tell You When Something Is Wrong Even with routine maintenance, it pays to stay alert. Dashboard warning lights, unusual noises, vibrations, reduced fuel economy, difficulty starting, or changes in braking performance can all signal the need for service. Ignoring these signs rarely makes them disappear. Addressing them promptly often prevents additional damage and keeps repair costs under control. A good rule of thumb is simple: if your Ford starts behaving differently than normal, it's worth having it inspected. Get More From Every Service Visit Routine maintenance also comes with additional ownership benefits. The FordPass® App makes it easier to schedule service appointments, monitor vehicle information, and stay informed about maintenance needs. FordPass Rewards allows eligible members to earn points on service, parts, and accessories, adding value to every visit. These tools help make vehicle ownership simpler while encouraging the habits that help keep your Ford performing its best. Keep Your Ford Ready for the Miles Ahead Drivers throughout Cheboygan, MI can trust the service team at Fernelius Ford for expert maintenance, genuine Ford parts, and convenient service solutions. Schedule your next service appointment and keep your Ford ready for whatever the road ahead brings.

Stacks of coins next to a set of car keys on a reflective surface.

How to Secure the Best Ford Financing Options at Fernelius Ford

Buying a new vehicle is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and understanding your Ford Financing options can make the entire process much smoother. Whether you’re eyeing a rugged F-150, a versatile Explorer, or the award-winning Maverick, knowing how to approach financing before you walk in puts you in a stronger position from the start. For drivers in Cheboygan, Michigan, having the right information at hand can make all the difference. more Know Your Budget Before You Shop Before diving into Ford Financing, it helps to have a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford each month. A good starting point is to use Ford's online Build and Price tool, which lets you personalize a vehicle and get a realistic sense of what different trims and packages will cost. From there, you can align your expectations with available loan terms. Auto loans typically range from 24 to 72 months, and the length of your term will directly impact your monthly payment. Shorter terms usually mean higher monthly payments but less interest paid overall. Knowing this balance before you visit helps you make a confident decision. Check Your Credit and Pre-Qualify Your credit score plays a significant role in the Ford Financing rates you’ll qualify for. Before shopping, it’s worth pulling a free copy of your credit report to check for any errors that could be dragging your score down. Correcting those issues ahead of time can open the door to better rates. Ford also offers a pre-qualification tool online that lets you understand your budget with zero impact to your credit score. This is a helpful step that gives you a realistic range before you begin comparing auto loans or lease offers. Understand the Difference Between Leasing and Buying Ford Financing comes in 2 main forms—leasing and purchasing—and each serves a different type of driver. Leasing typically means lower monthly payments and the flexibility to upgrade to a newer model every few years. Purchasing through an auto loan means you will own the vehicle outright once the loan is paid off, which offers more long-term value if you plan to keep it for several years. If you prefer driving something new every 2 to 3 years without the commitment of ownership, a lease might be a better fit. If long-term value and customization matter more to you, buying is likely the smarter route. Take Advantage of Current Offers Ford regularly updates its incentive programs, and timing your purchase around these promotions can save you a meaningful amount of money. Current offers may include customer cash, special financing rates, lease offers, and Employee Pricing for All on eligible new Ford vehicles through participating dealerships. Availability, vehicle eligibility, and program terms may vary based on the promotion period and dealer participation. Keeping an eye on these rolling promotions is one of the simplest ways to maximize your savings opportunities without sacrificing the model or trim you actually want. Explore Your Ford Financing Options with Fernelius Ford Being prepared before discussing Ford Financing can help make the process more straightforward and stress-free. Bringing important documents, such as proof of income, a valid driver's license, and any trade-in details, can help streamline your visit. It’s also a good idea to discuss available financing options, review payment terms carefully, and ask questions about anything you do not fully understand. At Fernelius Ford, our team is committed to helping our community drivers in Cheboygan, Michigan, navigate the financing process. We take the time to explain your options clearly and provide guidance tailored to your needs. Whether you’re purchasing your next vehicle or exploring financing solutions, Fernelius Ford is here to help you every step of the way.

A row of parked cars in various colors lined up on a dealership lot.

Top Reasons to Buy a Pre-Owned Ford

When you're shopping for a reliable vehicle, buying a pre-owned Ford is one of the smartest choices you can make. Ford has built a long-standing reputation for durability, capability, and innovation - and that reputation carries over into its used vehicles as well. If you're looking for a rugged truck, a versatile SUV, or a dependable everyday car, there are plenty of strong reasons to consider looking at pre-owned Fords more You Get More Vehicle for Your Budget One of the biggest advantages of buying a pre-owned Ford is its value. New vehicles can lose a significant portion of their value in the first few years, which means a lightly used model can offer nearly the same features at a noticeably lower cost. That kind of savings can make a difference - especially when you're looking for a well-equipped truck or SUV without stretching your budget too thin. Used car deals on pre-owned Fords often include models with the latest technology, advanced safety features, and strong towing or hauling capabilities. You may find a pre-owned F-150 loaded with features like Ford Co-Pilot360 technology or a BlueCruise®-equipped model at a price point that you couldn't find on a similarly equipped new vehicle. Ford's Proven Reliability Works in Your Favor Ford vehicles are built to last, and that durability is one of the main reasons pre-owned Fords are a great value. The F-150, for example, has long been one of the best-selling trucks in the country - not because of marketing, but because owners keep coming back for more. A pre-owned Ford that has been well maintained can still offer years of dependable performance. When you're browsing pre-owned Ford inventory, you're looking at vehicles that have already proven themselves on the road. Models like the Explorer, Bronco, and Expedition are known for their long-term reliability, making them smart picks if you're commuting, hauling gear, or heading off the beaten path. A Wide Range of Models to Choose From Another reason to consider a pre-owned Ford is the sheer variety of models available. Ford produces trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and cars - so no matter what you need, there's likely a pre-owned option that fits. Looking for something fuel-efficient? A pre-owned Ford hybrid may be exactly what you need. Need maximum towing capacity? A used Super Duty could be the answer. This also means you're more likely to find used car deals that match your specific lifestyle and needs. So, if you need three rows of seating, a short-bed pickup for weekend projects, or a compact crossover for city driving, you can find a pre-owned Ford that fits the bill. Peace of Mind Throughout the Process Buying pre-owned doesn't mean buying without confidence. A trusted dealership will provide vehicle history information and walk you through the details of each vehicle, so you know exactly what you're getting. Some pre-owned Fords also come with remaining factory warranty coverage or the option to add a protection plan, giving you added protection after the purchase. Working with a knowledgeable team makes all the difference. Understanding the vehicle's history, condition, and features helps you decide you'll feel good about long after you drive off the lot. Start Your Search for a Pre-Owned Ford Today A pre-owned Ford offers a winning combination of reliability, value, and variety that's tough to beat. If you're drawn to the capability of a used truck or the practicality of a pre-owned SUV, there's a model that fits your needs and your budget. The experts at Fernelius Ford are ready to work with you to explore current inventory and find a pre-owned Ford that's right for you.