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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