Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Ford Expedition
!

The Expedition is a

huge SUV with modern

convenience and advanced

safety features. The

3.5-liter turbocharged

V6 engine is mated to a 10-speed

automatic transmission and provides

effortless motivation. We got 16 mpg

overall, which is on a par with this

class. Handling is rather ungainly, and

the ride is a bit stiff. The cabin is quiet, and the third-row seat is truly suitable

for adults. The second- and third-row seats can be folded flat with the push of

a button to create an enormous cargo area. The controls, including the rotary

knob gear selector, are easy to use. For 2020, the Expedition comes standard

with a suite of safety systems that includes forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning,

and rear cross traffic warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

73

$48,990-$80,110

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 73 MPG 16

Ford Explorer

The redesigned Explorer

has newfound handling

agility and a spacious, quiet

cabin, but the driving expe-

rience is marred by a clunky

transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-

edged ride. Most versions use the base

2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

engine, which is energetic but raspy

sounding. The transmission has rough

shifts, particularly at low speeds. In our tests this combination returned an unim-

pressive 21 mpg overall. A hybrid is also offered but is focused more on power

and towing capabilities than fuel economy. The Sync 3 infotainment system is

very easy to use. The driving position is much improved, but the third-row seat

is less roomy now. A power liftgate is standard. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360

suite of advanced safety systems includes forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

69

$32,765-$58,250

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 78 MPG 21

Ford F-150

Ford's big-selling pickup

truck has an all-aluminum

body, which saves about

700 pounds over its

steel-bodied predecessor.

Engine choices include a variety of

V6s and a 5.0-liter V8. The 2.7-liter

and 3.5-liter turbo V6s and the V8 are

teamed with a 10-speed automatic

transmission. Both turbo V6s are quiet

and effortless, lending themselves to towing. Fuel economy is commendable.

In our tests, the 2.7 got 19 mpg overall. The 2.7 is also surprisingly quick from

0 to 60 mph. A diesel engine is also available. The cabin is very quiet, but

the ride is stiff and jittery. Handling is ponderous but ultimately secure. We

recommend getting the optional Sync 3 infotainment system. Forward collision

warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

57

$28,495-$70,910

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 MPG 19

Ford F-250

The 2020 Super Duty

pickup truck gains light

cosmetic updates and

boasts significant improve-

ments under the hood. The

base 6.2-liter V8 engine is mated with

a six-speed transmission. There's a

new 7.3-liter V8 paired to a 10-speed,

and a redesigned 6.7-liter diesel V8.

The crew cab's interior is roomy, with a

generous rear seat and handy features, such as a collapsible cargo box under

the rear seat. It's a very tall vehicle with a high step-in, which makes it awk-

ward to climb into the cabin. The Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use.

Handling is very clumsy but ultimately secure. A maximum towing capacity of

20,000 pounds and the ability to attach a snow plow make it a dedicated work

vehicle. Available safety features include forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

48

$33,705-$83,800

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 53 MPG 15

Ford Fusion

!

The Fusion is a delight

to drive, with a supple

ride and nimble handling

reminiscent of a European

sports sedan. All trim

levels and powertrains feel solid and

upscale, with a quiet, well-finished

cabin. We found the optional leather

seats to be more supportive than

the cloth ones, and the rear seat

is somewhat snug. The 1.5- and 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinders are powerful

enough, but neither has competitive fuel economy. The Fusion comes standard

with safety features as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Updates to the

plug-in hybrid version include an extension of the electric-only range.

OVERALL

SCORE

$23,170-$37,000

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 80-83 MPG 22-39

Ford Mustang

!

The Ford Mustang, espe-

cially in its V8-powered

GT form, gives a thrilling

driving experience yet can

also serve as a reasonable

daily driver. And that V8 delivers a

throaty and satisfying burble. The

available turbocharged 2.3-liter four-

cylinder is less fun, with an unexciting

power delivery. Handling is balanced

and controlled, and the ride is taut. The front seats are superbly supportive,

but they lack a power-recline feature. As for the rear seats, there's room

for groceries but little else. Recent updates included revised powertrains

and additional high-tech options. The high-performance GT350 handles and

sounds the part and is suitable for track driving. A suite of advanced safety

features is offered, including forward collision warning with pedestrian

detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance.

OVERALL

SCORE

$26,670-$70,300

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 76-84 MPG 19-25

Ford Ranger!

Ford brought back the

Ranger name with a

redesigned compact truck

that combines modern

elements with some

primitive execution. The Ranger offers

the latest entertainment and safety

technologies, but its ride is stiff and

choppy. Handling is clumsy, and at

low speeds, the engine noise is quite

pronounced. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to

a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination makes the Ranger

responsive. The optional Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use, but other

controls aren't as well-designed. It's hard to get in because of the high floor.

There are two cab configurations: an extended cab and a crew cab. The

FX4 off-road package adds skid plates, upgraded tires, and off-road-tuned

suspension. Automatic emergency braking is standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

65

$24,110-$38,675

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 55 MPG 20

Genesis G70

!

The Genesis G70 sport

sedan has a standard

252-hp turbo four-cylinder

engine that is energetic,

but its acceleration time

is among the slowest in the class. We

got 23 mpg in our all-wheel-drive ver-

sion, which isn't particularly good. The

uplevel 365-hp V6 turbo is quieter and

makes the car much quicker. The G70

has agile handling and a taut, controlled ride. However, its braking distances

were long on wet and dry pavement. The car is quiet, and the interior is well-

put-together. Access is a bit tough because of the low stance, and the cabin

is very cramped, particularly the tight backseat. An easy-to-use infotainment

system screen dominates the center of the dashboard and is compatible with

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Forward collision warning, automatic emer-

gency braking, blind spot warning, and lane keeping assistance are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$35,450-$46,650

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 MPG 23

APRIL 2020 CR.ORG 59

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