Top 5 Ford SUV Models To Buy Used

March 25th, 2025 by

Get the Best of Performance, Comfort, and Value with a Pre-Owned Ford SUV

Top 5 Ford SUV Models To Buy Used

The top 5 Ford SUV models to buy used offer unbeatable reliability and value. Find out which pre-owned Ford SUV is right for you at Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford.

At Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford, we know how important it is to find a vehicle that meets your needs without breaking the bank. That’s why buying a used Ford SUV is such a smart move: you get the performance, comfort, and advanced technology Ford is known for at a more affordable price.

Ford SUVs are designed to handle a wide range of lifestyles, from daily commuting to weekend off-roading. Whether you need extra room for your growing family, all-weather capability, or a balance of fuel efficiency and power, there’s a Ford SUV that’s right for you. Here are five of the best Ford SUV models to consider when buying used.

1. Ford Explorer: The Perfect Family Adventure Vehicle

Top-5-Ford-SUV-Models-To-Buy-Used---Explorer

The Ford Explorer has been a household name for decades, and for good reason. This three-row SUV is designed with families in mind, offering plenty of space, comfortable seating, and flexible cargo options. Buying a used Explorer gives you the benefit of a reliable, proven platform that’s built to last.

The Explorer is a versatile SUV that combines the convenience of a minivan with the ruggedness of an off-road vehicle. A used Explorer gives you that perfect balance at a fraction of the cost of buying a new one.

2. Ford Escape: A Compact SUV with Big Personality

Top-5-Ford-SUV-Models-To-Buy-Used---Escape

If you’re looking for a smaller SUV that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or capability, the Ford Escape is a top choice. It’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces but still offers enough room for passengers and cargo.

The Escape is perfect for commuters and small families who want the convenience of an SUV without the size or fuel costs of a larger model.

3. Ford Edge: Sleek, Spacious, and Sporty

Top-5-Ford-SUV-Models-To-Buy-Used---Edge

The Ford Edge strikes a balance between size and performance, making it a great option for those who want a mid-sized SUV with a sporty feel. Its refined handling and comfortable ride make it ideal for both city driving and highway cruising.

The Edge’s sporty feel combined with its spacious interior makes it a standout in the midsize SUV category. It’s also loaded with tech and safety features, making a used Edge a smart, well-rounded choice.

4. Ford Bronco Sport: Adventure-Ready and Built Tough

Top-5-Ford-SUV-Models-To-Buy-Used---Bronco-Sport

 

If you’re looking for an SUV with off-road capability and rugged styling, the Ford Bronco Sport is a great pick. Its smaller size makes it easy to park and navigate city streets, but it’s more than capable when the road ends.

A used Bronco Sport is ideal for adventurous drivers who want the capability of a larger SUV in a more compact, city-friendly package.

5. Ford Expedition: Maximum Space and Power

Top-5-Ford-SUV-Models-To-Buy-Used---Expedition

 

If you need maximum seating, towing, and cargo space, the Ford Expedition is hard to beat. This full-size SUV delivers serious power and versatility, making it perfect for families and road trips.

The Expedition is built for those who need serious space and capability, making it a great choice for large families and drivers who love to travel.

It’s Time to Buy a Used Ford SUV from Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford

At Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford, we take pride in offering a wide selection of high-quality used Ford SUVs at competitive prices. Our experienced team is here to help you find the right SUV for your needs and budget.

If you’re ready to find the perfect used Ford SUV, visit Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford today. Our team is ready to help you explore our selection and schedule a test drive.

How These Ford SUVs Stack Up for Reliability

For shoppers eyeing a pre-owned Ford SUV, reliability ratings can shift quite a bit from one model year to the next. Ford has rolled out updates and refinements across all five of these SUVs between 2022 and 2025, so a 2024 model often performs differently than a 2022 of the same nameplate. We’ve put together a chart that maps out how reliability has trended for each of our top picks. Expedition and Edge models tend to score higher across the board, while the Bronco Sport and Explorer have shown steady year-over-year gains as Ford ironed out earlier issues.

Model 2022 2023 2024 2025
Ford Explorer
7.2
7.8
8.1
8.3
Ford Escape
7.8
8.0
8.2
8.4
Ford Edge
8.0
8.2
8.3
N/A (discontinued)
Ford Bronco Sport
7.5
7.9
8.1
8.3
Ford Expedition
8.1
8.3
8.4
8.5

Reliability scored on a 10-point scale based on aggregated owner feedback, recall data, and service center records.

A quick note on the Ford Edge: production wrapped up after the 2024 model year, so you won’t find a 2025 Edge on dealer lots. That said, used 2022 to 2024 Edge models still post one of the more consistent reliability records on this list, which is part of why we keep them on our pre-owned line.

How These SUVs Hold Up on Indiana Roads and in Midwest Winters

Indiana drivers ask a lot of their vehicles. Pothole-cratered city streets in Bloomington, gravel-and-dirt rural routes outside Martinsville, and those January mornings where the windshield is sheeted in ice. Some of these Ford SUVs handle those conditions better than others. We pulled together this chart based on real-world feedback from our customers in Martinsville, Plainfield, Mooresville, and the surrounding area, plus what our service team sees roll through the bay doors after a rough winter or a long stretch of country driving.

Model Winter Traction Rural Road Handling Pothole Resistance Cold Start Reliability Cargo Space
Ford Explorer
8.5
8.0
8.2
8.0
9.0
Ford Escape
7.5
7.0
7.2
7.8
6.5
Ford Edge
7.8
7.8
7.5
7.8
7.5
Ford Bronco Sport
9.0
8.5
9.0
8.2
7.0
Ford Expedition
8.7
8.2
8.8
8.0
9.5

Indiana condition scores based on customer feedback from drivers across Morgan, Monroe, and Hendricks counties.

The Bronco Sport is our top pick for winter traction and pothole resistance thanks to its rugged suspension setup and standard all-wheel drive. For cold-weather reliability and hauling space, the Expedition wins, which matters when you’ve got a family and a snow shovel in the back. As for the Escape, it’s more of a city-friendly pick, so while its cold-start reliability holds up well, it doesn’t have quite the same off-pavement chops. The Explorer lands in the middle on most measures and remains a strong all-rounder for Hoosiers who split time between highway commuting and weekend getaways.

Frequently Asked Questions About Used Ford SUVs

How do these Ford SUVs hold up through Indiana winters?

We see plenty of Ford SUVs roll into our service bays after long Indiana winters, and most come through in great shape. The Bronco Sport and Expedition handle snowy roads especially well thanks to standard or available all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance. Explorer and Edge models with AWD also do fine when the snow starts piling up. We always recommend a fresh set of all-season or winter tires before the first hard freeze, and our team can help you get those mounted right at our service center.

Which used Ford SUV works best on rural Indiana roads?

If you spend a lot of time on the gravel, dirt, or back-road blacktop common around Morgan County, the Bronco Sport is hard to beat. It rides high enough to clear washouts and ruts, and its suspension soaks up rough surfaces nicely. Explorer and Expedition models also do well thanks to their longer wheelbase and softer ride. We’ve had plenty of farmers and rural commuters tell us their pre-owned Bronco Sport or Explorer has been a great fit for life outside of town.

Should I still buy a Ford Edge even though it’s discontinued?

Yes, absolutely. Ford ended Edge production after the 2024 model year, but that doesn’t take anything away from the SUVs already on the road. Used Edge models are reliable, well-equipped, and tend to be priced attractively now that newer ones aren’t being built. Parts and service won’t be a problem either, since we stock genuine Ford parts and our Ford-trained technicians work on Edges regularly.

How many miles are too many for a used Ford SUV?

Most of these Ford SUVs can run well past 150,000 miles when properly maintained, and we’ve seen plenty of Expeditions and Explorers cross 200,000 miles with no major issues. The bigger thing to look at is how a vehicle was treated. We pull every used SUV’s service history before it hits our lot, and a well-maintained 90,000-mile Explorer is often a smarter buy than a neglected 50,000-mile one. Our team is happy to walk you through any vehicle’s records before you sign anything.

What does Ford Blue Advantage certification cover?

Ford Blue Advantage gives you peace of mind that the used vehicle you’re buying has been thoroughly inspected and backed by Ford. Gold Certified vehicles get a 172-point inspection, a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty, and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Blue Certified vehicles get a 139-point inspection and a 90-day/4,000-mile limited warranty. Both come with 24/7 Roadside Assistance and a CARFAX history report. We carry both at our Martinsville location and will gladly point out which used SUVs qualify.

Can I get financing on a used Ford SUV with less-than-perfect credit?

We work with shoppers across the credit spectrum every single day. Our finance team partners with a long list of lenders, which gives us flexibility to find a payment plan that fits your situation. Whether you’re rebuilding after a rough patch or you’re a first-time buyer, we’ll do our best to get you approved at a fair rate. You can even get pre-qualified on our website without affecting your credit score.

Will Ray Skillman Hoosier Ford take my current vehicle on trade?

Yes, and we pay top dollar for trades. You can get a free, no-obligation trade estimate right on our website, or bring your vehicle by and we’ll have it appraised in person. We accept trades regardless of make or model, even if you didn’t originally buy the vehicle from us. Putting your trade equity toward a pre-owned Ford SUV is one of the easiest ways to lower your monthly payment.

Where can I get my used Ford SUV serviced after I buy it?

Right here at our Martinsville service center. Our Ford-trained technicians work on every model year of Explorer, Escape, Edge, Bronco Sport, and Expedition, using genuine Ford parts. Whether you bought your SUV from us or somewhere else, we’d be glad to handle your oil changes, brake work, tire rotations, and any major repairs that come up. We also offer Mobile Service for routine maintenance if you’d rather we come to you.

What should I look at first when shopping for a used Ford SUV?

Start with how you’ll use it. If you’ve got a growing family or do a lot of road trips, the Explorer or Expedition gives you the seating and cargo room you need. For a daily commute around Martinsville or Bloomington, the Escape or Edge is more economical and easier to park. If weekend trail rides or rural roads are your thing, the Bronco Sport is the rugged pick. Once you know which model fits your lifestyle, we can walk through which model years and trims match your budget.

Posted in Used SUV