If you haven’t really been scanning the Ford model pages recently, then the title may seem a bit surprising. After all, Ford has been known as the ultimate automobile manufacturer for the American people, not a luxury brand. However, a quick look at Ford’s lineup of automobiles reveals that being a brand “for the people” means all people. Whether you’re looking for a humble commuter vehicle, a heavy-duty truck, or an SUV the entire family can enjoy, Ford has a model and trim exactly for your needs. In fact, drivers might be extremely interested in Ford’s high-end SUV.
So, which of the Ford SUVs are officially considered “high-end?” Well, as with many things in the automotive world, it depends on what you’re looking for in a potential vehicle. Are you more interested in massive amounts of space and top-shelf features? Or perhaps attaining top speed and performance is more your type of driving style. And, of course, it’s important to include the off-roading community, who regularly take SUVs to the next level by leaving the pavement far behind. Let’s take a look at the three SUVs that could easily qualify for Ford’s high-end SUV. Which one will catch your eye…and which leaves you wanting more?
Lots of Space and Luxurious Details: The Expedition Platinum Max
When you think of road trips, the word “luxurious” rarely comes to mind. Restless, uncomfortable passengers, lack of legroom, and having to pack only the bare essentials to make sure there’s room for everyone’s stuff are some of the ingredients we’ve come to expect when we hit the road.
Ford has decided to cure road trip doldrums with the Expedition Max. The Expedition Max is very similar to the standard Expedition, only longer. As a result, the Max version has up to 121.5 cu.ft. of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded, as well as the ability to tow up to 9,000 lbs. In layman’s terms, that means folks can pack what they need for the journey. Furthermore, it means that there’s plenty of room for legs, shoulders, and hips in the three rows of seats. For those who don’t need room for all eight passengers, second-row captain’s seats allow even more flexibility and movement.
Things get ultra-cushy when the Platinum trim is selected. As Ford’s highest trim level, this is where all of the bells and whistles come out. But Ford has considered the comfort and convenience features very carefully so that these concepts don’t just mean a squishy seat and nice upholstery, but a holistically practical and enjoyable vehicle.
Consider, for example, the Continuously Controlled Damping Suspension system, which allows for smooth sailing for everyone and everything stowed in the cabin. The front seats aren’t just leather-trimmed; they’re actually Multi Contour Seats with Active Motion. This means they’re heated, ventilated, and specifically designed to support your lower back while giving your seat and legs a gentle massage to defeat road fatigue. Even the third-row seats feature the ability to recline and find a comfortable spot.
Of course, there are the typical high-end features, such as a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen Unleashed sound system with a subwoofer. Perhaps the most notable is the 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, through which the SYNC 4A technology allows drivers to access Ford’s App Catalog, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and pertinent vehicle information. Or maybe you prefer the Panoramic Vista Roof, chrome exterior features, and robust driver assistance technology package that includes adaptive cruise control and Active Park Assist? For those looking for a spacious interior trimmed with all the luxury trappings, the Expedition Platinum Max meets all expectations.
Top of the Line Performance: The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition
Ford also understands that for some drivers, anti-fatigue seats and outstanding sound systems aren’t the end-all-be-all of the experience. Some drivers are in it for the raw power that comes with a souped-up engine and the ability to take things to the limit. Enter the Mustang Mach-E. Yes, it’s an electric vehicle, but with a 0-60 mile per hour time of just 3.5 seconds, it likely defies all expectations you might have had about SUVs, EVs, and Ford performance vehicles.
For those who are looking for high-end power and all the trappings of a race-worthy SUV in the guise of an environmentally-friendly EV, look no further than the GT Performance Edition. This version of the Mach-E includes 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque to take you where you need to be––quickly. Equipped with an extended range battery pack to keep you on the road longer and standard eAWD, it’s clear that the Mach-E GT Performance Edition was designed to feed your passion for driving.
The interior is also part of the performance package, with ActiveX front seats that keep you comfortably cradled while chasing Gs. Decked out with perforated Miko inserts, metallic accents, and aluminum details on the instrument panel, the cabin is designed to literally reflect the thrill of driving. Add in front row head restraints, 20-inch wheels, and Pirelli summer tires, and this EV is ready to get things rolling wherever you plan to go today.
For Those Who Take “High End” Literally: The Bronco Raptor
Some drivers take the roads, and some do not. For those who consider pavement a mere suggestion, the words “high end” might refer less to creature comforts and more to the elevation gained while doing a little vertical climbing. For these drivers, Ford presents the Bronco Raptor. Equipped with a mighty 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, its own unique high-impact suspension system, and a host of features designed to help it take over any terrain, the Raptor trim of the Ford Bronco is exclusively engineered to climb, ford, crawl, and get you to destinations that aren’t going to appear on most travel agents’ maps.
When it comes to “luxury,” however, the Bronco Raptor has a slightly different definition of the term. Instead of swaddling drivers in comfort, the Bronco comes with features that are the height of practicality for off-road drivers. Consider additions like marine-grade upholstery that doesn’t mind mud and a rubberized floor with drain plugs. You’ll still have access to premium sound systems, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but you’ll also have the joy of removable doors and roof, seven GOAT modes, and a one-pedal crawl mode.
Top Shelf as Imagined by Ford
As the old saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or in this case, you might say that luxury is in the seat of the driver. We all have different notions of what a high-end SUV might look like. For some, it’s comfort, convenience, and having all the bells and whistles that make driving pure pleasure. For other drivers, that pleasure comes not from comfort but from performance. And for still others, the highest-end vehicle will be the one that conquers the hardest trail.
Regardless of your own personal definition of “high-end,” Ford has your driving needs covered. Whether you’re looking for the optional seat back entertainment system offered in the Expedition Platinum Max, succumbing to your need for speed in the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition, or exploring the limits of the backcountry with the GOAT modes of the Bronco Raptor, Ford has created the ultimate driving machine for you.
