2026 Ford SUV Lineup Updates and Changes: Cool New Trims, But an Icon Dies

04.03.2026 5 min read 0 views

Ford makes some of its SUVs more stylish, as one of its most important crossovers is discontinued.

Ford’s lineup consists largely of SUVs, many of which were introduced or significantly enhanced within the last few years. That approach continues for 2026, as updated packages, features, and details roll out across Ford’s SUV models. However, one of the brand's longest-lasting crossovers is discontinued for 2026, leaving the Blue Oval out of contention in a hot-selling vehicle segment. Read about that and everything else in Ford’s 2026 SUV lineup here.

2026 Ford Escape

This generation of Ford Escape was introduced for 2020 and given a major refresh for 2023, but for 2026, Ford pulls the plug and discontinues its entry-level SUV model. The Escape faced strong competition in the compact SUV segment and was already prevented from being sold in several states due to emissions regulations, so the Escape’s cancellation perhaps isn’t a surprise, but it’s notable that Ford has decided to exit a popular vehicle segment entirely. If and when a new Ford Escape might return is unknown.

MotorTrend Ranked: #11 in compact SUVs

Read Our Experts’ Full Ford Escape Review

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

For 2026, the headline change to the Bronco Sport is the new Bronze package, which delivers on its name by applying that coppery hue to details around Ford’s little off-road SUV.

Look for touches in Sinister Bronze, an accent color already seen on the Mustang coupe and Mustang Mach-E SUV. On the 2026 Bronco Sport, it shows up on the 17-inch wheels and carries over to the front and rear “Bronco” lettering, which has black backing so the bronze elements pop more.

The theme continues in the cabin, where trim on the doors, air vents, center console, and around the infotainment are colored bronze. Contrast stitching in bronze is also applied to both rows of seats.

MotorTrend Ranked: #5 in compact SUVs

Read Our Experts’ Full Ford Bronco Sport Review

2026 Ford Bronco

To celebrate six decades since the original Bronco launched, Ford introduces the Bronco 60th Anniversary package for 2026. It’s based on the Outer Banks trim with the standard turbocharged I-4 engine and Sasquatch off-road kit.

Offered in Ruby Red or Wimbledon White paint, the Bronco 60th Anniversary also has a hardtop roof and spare tire carrier painted in Wimbledon White. Both have a grille finished in warm silver. Exclusive exterior details include 17-inch wheels with red center caps emblazoned with a bucking bronco icon. Red accents are also seen in the Bronco wordmark badge and fender plaque, complemented by contrasting bodyside decals. Full-length running boards are also added.

Inside, the Bronco 60th Anniversary gets white leather on the seat centers and upper door sills, as well as white accent stitching that goes across the leather-topped dashboard. To match the exterior, red accents are applied to the dashboard and center console grab handles.

The Bronco 60th Anniversary also has A-pillar grab handles, an available addition for every 2026 Bronco model.

MotorTrend Ranked: #3 in off-road SUVs

Read Our Experts’ Full Ford Bronco Review

2026 Ford Explorer

Ford’s steadfast Explorer goes rugged for 2026 as the Tremor variant is introduced. Like other Ford models that wear that badge, the Explorer Tremor gains hardware to raise its off-road capabilities. Modified suspension boosts ground clearance by about an inch. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires. Three steel skidplates protect the underbody. A limited-slip differential is added to the rear axle.

Of course, the Explorer Tremor looks the part, too. Various details are finished in signature Orange Spice metallic paint, with similar bright touches inside the cabin. As a functional improvement, the front and rear bumpers are reshaped slightly to increase clearance.

Arriving to replace the Explorer Timberline, the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is offered with a turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 engine or a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

MotorTrend Ranked: #7 in three-row SUVs

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2026 Ford Expedition

Having been redesigned for 2025, the Ford Expedition carries over mostly unchanged into 2026. Wild Green paint is discontinued, and Marsh Gray is introduced. A black-painted roof becomes optional on the King Ranch and Platinum trims. Standard features are pared back on entry-level trims, as four-way adjustable headrests, a power-adjustable steering column, and a wireless charging pad become optional.

MotorTrend Ranked: #2 in full-size three-row SUVs

Read Our Experts’ Full Ford Expedition Review

2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s all-electric crossover gets a number of notable changes for 2026. Small grab handles are added to the rear doors to ease ingress. Molten Magenta and Grabber Yellow paints are discontinued, as Race Red, Adriatic Blue, and Oxford White are introduced. The Bronze Appearance and GT Appearance packages are canceled. On the Rally model, exterior decals and the huge rear wing become optional.

The frunk storage compartment under the hood is no longer standard—it becomes an option, and a blank panel is fitted otherwise. Inside, the front seat-back pockets are removed. A Technology package is introduced for Select and Premium trims, which adds BlueCruise, a 360-degree camera, a power liftgate, wireless charging pad, and more.

The GT Performance Edition is renamed to GT Performance and Handling package and continues to increase horsepower and add MagneRide suspension dampers. Additionally, the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Special arrives, inspired by the classic 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS. It gains distinctive blue decals and accents outside and inside, an illuminated, blue-filled grille badge, and exclusive 20-inch wheels, among other details.

MotorTrend Ranked: #1 in electric compact SUVs

Read Our Experts’ Full Ford Mustang Mach-E Review