The Complete Guide to the Ford Lincoln SUV Line in Loveland, CO

Author: Loveland Ford

Northern Colorado weather is nothing if not dramatic. One minute you are enjoying a crisp, bluebird day hiking Devil’s Backbone, and the next, a squall is dumping snow over the foothills. Living here requires a vehicle that doesn’t just tolerate these rapid fluctuations but thrives in them. At Loveland Ford, we understand the specific demands of driving in Larimer County because we live here, too. Whether you are navigating the morning rush on I-25 or packing up for a weekend of camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, we have the expertise to help you select the perfect partner for the road ahead. Our team is dedicated to finding a vehicle that fits seamlessly into your life. We are uniquely qualified to guide you through this process; learn more about our commitment to the community on our About Us page.

Key Takeaways (TL; DR)

• Built for Northern Colorado Winters: The 2026 Ford lineup features intelligent 4WD and AWD systems designed to handle icy patches on Highway 34 and deep snow in the high country.
• Versatility for Active Lifestyles: From the nimble, city-friendly Escape to the massive, gear-hauling Expedition, there is a Ford SUV designed for every Loveland resident.
• Safety Comes Standard: Every model includes Ford Co-Pilot360™, offering extra protection whether you are driving near Boyd Lake or commuting to Fort Collins.
• True Off-Road Capability: The Bronco family isn’t just for show; these vehicles are engineered to dominate the rugged trails of the Front Range.
• Stay Connected and Warm: Features like remote start via FordPass® and heated seats make frosty mornings in Loveland far more manageable.
• Smart Long-Term Value: Ford vehicles are known for their durability and strong resale value, backed by data from trusted sources like Kelley Blue Book, ensuring your investment lasts.

Why Are Ford SUVs the Logical Choice for Loveland Drivers?

Can these vehicles really handle our unpredictable weather?

Absolutely. Winters in Loveland can bring heavy snow and slick ice, while our springs often involve mud and rain. Ford engineers its SUVs to manage exactly these kinds of adverse conditions. It isn’t just about having four-wheel drive; it is about how that system reacts when you hit a patch of black ice on Wilson Avenue or try to navigate a slushy parking lot at The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Ford’s available Intelligent 4WD systems constantly monitor wheel speed and throttle position, transferring power to the wheels with the most grip before you even realize you are losing traction.

Beyond the drivetrain, features like the “Slippery” drive mode adjust throttle response and transmission shift points to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. Heated seats and steering wheels—available on most trims—turn a freezing morning commute down Eisenhower Boulevard into a cozy experience. When you combine this engineering with the long-term reliability praised by Consumer Reports, you get a vehicle that doesn’t shy away from a Colorado storm.

Do they offer enough space for local families and outdoor gear?

Space is critical, especially when you are hauling ski gear to Eldora or loading up kayaks for a day at Horsetooth Reservoir. Ford SUVs are designed with smart interior layouts that maximize every inch of cargo room. The Ford Explorer and Expedition offer flexible seating configurations, allowing you to fold down seats to fit camping equipment or a week’s worth of groceries from King Soopers. Even smaller models like the Escape use clever storage solutions to ensure you never have to leave your hiking boots or backpacks behind.

How Does Ford Ensure Reliability and Toughness?

What is the substance behind “Built Ford Tough”?

This phrase represents a rigorous engineering standard, not just marketing fluff. Before a 2026 model ever arrives at our dealership in Loveland, it endures testing that far exceeds typical daily use. Prototypes are exposed to temperature extremes from -40°F to 120°F, ensuring that the electronics won’t fail during a heatwave in July or a deep freeze in January.

Engineers drive these vehicles over punishing surfaces that simulate potholes worse than anything you might find on a rural county road. They tow heavy loads up steep grades to verify transmission durability, ensuring they can handle the climb up Big Thompson Canyon without overheating. This dedication to resilience is why you see so many older Fords still running strong around Northern Colorado. When you buy a Ford, you are getting the result of millions of miles of torture testing.

What Safety Features Will Protect Me on I-25?

Is advanced safety technology standard?

Yes, and for the 2026 model year, it is more advanced than ever. Ford believes safety shouldn’t be an optional extra, which is why Ford Co-Pilot360™ comes standard. This suite of technologies acts as a vigilant second set of eyes, constantly scanning the road around you.

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: This system watches the road ahead. If traffic on I-25 suddenly slows down near the Loveland exit and you don’t react quickly enough, the system can alert you and even apply the brakes to help avoid a crash.
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System): Changing lanes during rush hour can be stressful. This feature alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, adding a layer of confidence on multi-lane highways.
• Lane-Keeping System: If you start to drift out of your lane without signaling—perhaps due to a distraction or high winds—this system can gently steer you back toward the center.
• Rear View Camera: Backing out of a tight spot at the outlets is much easier when you have a clear view of what is behind you.
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps: On dark roads heading toward Estes Park, these lights turn on automatically to improve visibility, then dim instantly when oncoming traffic appears.

For more details on vehicle safety ratings, you can always visit the NHTSA website.

How Do 2026 Models Balance Power and Efficiency?

Can I save money at the pump without sacrificing performance?

The days of choosing between fuel economy and mountain-climbing power are over. Ford’s EcoBoost® engines use turbocharging to deliver the torque of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency of a smaller one. This means you can merge confidently onto Highway 34 without watching your fuel gauge drop rapidly.

For those looking to stretch their budget further, Ford’s hybrid lineup is exceptional. The Escape Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid use regenerative braking to recharge the battery while you drive, perfect for stop-and-go traffic in downtown Loveland. These powertrains offer a seamless transition between gasoline and electric power, providing efficiency that rivals any competitor in the segment.

Which Models Retain Their Value Best in Colorado?

Is a Ford SUV a sound financial decision?

Depreciation happens to every vehicle, but some resist it far better than others. The Ford Bronco continues to be a standout, holding a high percentage of its value due to huge demand and its unique off-road capabilities that are perfect for our region. It is an iconic vehicle that Colorado drivers genuinely want.

Similarly, the Explorer and Expedition are known for strong resale values. Families are always looking for reliable, three-row SUVs, keeping demand high in the pre-owned market. By maintaining your vehicle with regular service, you are protecting an asset that will pay off when you eventually decide to upgrade. You can track value trends on trusted sites like Edmunds.

What Tech Features Will I Use Every Day?

How does Ford keep me connected?

Modern driving is all about staying connected. The 2026 Ford lineup integrates technology that simplifies your life rather than complicating it.

• SYNC® 4 Technology: The center of the dashboard is a large touchscreen that works as intuitively as your smartphone. With wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, your maps, music, and messages are instantly accessible without fumbling for cords.
• FordPass® Connect: Imagine starting your car from your kitchen while you finish your coffee on a freezing February morning. With the FordPass® app, you can lock, unlock, and remote start your vehicle from anywhere. It also includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to keep passengers entertained on long drives.
• Ford BlueCruise: On qualified sections of divided highways, like parts of I-25, this available feature allows for hands-free driving. It manages steering, braking, and acceleration, reducing fatigue on trips to Denver or Cheyenne.
• 360-Degree Camera: This available system provides a bird’s-eye view of your SUV. It is incredibly helpful for navigating tight parking spots or maneuvering around rocks on a trail near Carter Lake.

The 2026 Ford SUV Lineup: A Detailed Examination

We have broken down the 2026 lineup to help you identify which model fits your specific needs in Loveland and the surrounding areas.

Ford Escape

The Escape is the Swiss Army knife of the lineup. It is compact enough to parallel park easily on 4th Street but spacious enough for a weekend trip to Steamboat Springs. It is an ideal choice for commuters and small families who want versatility without the bulk of a large truck.

• Active™: The entry point offers tremendous value. You receive the full safety suite, a power liftgate for easy loading, and dual-zone climate control to keep everyone comfortable.
• ST-Line: This trim introduces a sporty aesthetic. With a black mesh grille, unique badging, and a rear spoiler, it looks fast even when parked.
• ST-Line Select: Stepping up to this trim adds more substance to the style, including heated front seats and a remote start system—essential for our winters.
• ST-Line Elite: This is where technology meets sport. It features a larger touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera for maximum awareness.
• Platinum: The top-tier luxury trim. Expect premium ActiveX™ trimmed seats, a digital instrument cluster, and refined interior materials that make every drive feel special.
• Plug-in Hybrid: For the eco-conscious driver, this model offers the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances. You could potentially commute to work and back without using a drop of gasoline.

Ford Bronco Sport

Do not let the size fool you; the Bronco Sport is a serious adventure machine. It shares a platform with the Escape but is engineered for the trail. With standard 4×4 and a taller roofline, it is perfect for active Loveland residents who spend their weekends hiking, biking, or fishing.

• Big Bend®: The adventure begins here. It comes with an easy-to-clean interior (perfect for muddy paws after a hike) and a specialized roof rack system for your gear.
• Heritage: A nod to history. This trim features an Oxford White roof and a classic grille with red lettering, bringing retro 1960s style to modern engineering.
• Free Wheeling™: If you love the 70s, this is your ride. Sunset-colored graphics and bright red wheel accents make this the most visually distinct SUV on the road.
• Outer Banks®: Rugged meets refined. You get the off-road capability but with leather-trimmed seats and a heated steering wheel for a more comfortable daily drive.
• Badlands®: The most capable Bronco Sport. It features an advanced twin-clutch 4WD system, metal skid plates, and all-terrain tires. It is ready for serious trails right off the lot.

Ford Bronco

This is the icon. The Ford Bronco is for those who want no limits. With doors and a roof that can be removed, it offers an open-air experience unlike anything else. Whether you are cruising around Lake Loveland or climbing rocky paths in the high country, the Bronco is built to dominate. Check out MotorTrend for in-depth reviews on its capabilities.

• Base: A blank canvas for customization. It gives you the essential 4×4 hardware and allows you to build your dream rig from the ground up.
• Big Bend®: Adds creature comforts like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED fog lamps, making it a great balance of daily driver and weekend warrior.
• Outer Banks®: Focuses on style and technology. Body-color fender flares and tube steps give it a sleek look, while the interior gets upgraded infotainment options.
• Badlands™: The heavy hitter for rock crawling. It features a disconnecting front stabilizer bar for extreme wheel articulation and heavy-duty bumpers.
• Heritage Edition®: Combines the modern capability of the Badlands or Big Bend with vintage styling cues like white wheels and a white grille.
• Stroppe Edition®: A special edition honoring racing legend Bill Stroppe. It is built for high-speed desert running and features unique Code Orange paint accents.
• Raptor®: The ultimate predator. With massive 37-inch tires, a widened stance, and a race-bred suspension, there is almost nothing this vehicle cannot drive over.

Ford Explorer: The New Tremor Era

The 2026 Explorer has transitioned from a family hauler to a high-tech off-road command center. The headline news for Loveland adventurers is the official retirement of the Timberline trim, replaced by the more capable 2026 Explorer Tremor.

• Tremor (New for 2026): Replacing the Timberline, the Tremor is now the ultimate off-road flagship. It features an 8.7-inch ground clearance (a 1-inch lift over standard models), rugged steel underbody bash plates, and a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle. Unlike the previous Timberline, the 2026 Tremor can be equipped with the 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6, making it the most powerful off-road Explorer ever built for the Big Thompson Canyon climbs.
• BlueCruise 1.5: Standard on ST-Line, ST, and Platinum, this 2026 update adds Automatic Lane Change capability, allowing the Explorer to pass slower traffic on I-25 hands-free while you simply monitor the road.
• Ford Digital Experience: Every 2026 Explorer now features the 13.2-inch touchscreen as standard, integrating Google Maps directly into your display—essential for navigating around weekend traffic jams near the Devil’s Backbone.

Ford Mustang Mach-E: Colorado-Ready Efficiency

For 2026, Ford has addressed the #1 concern for Northern Colorado EV drivers: winter range.

• Standard Vapor Injection Heat Pump: New for the 2026 model year, every Mach-E trim now comes standard with a high-efficiency heat pump. Previously an option or limited to higher trims, this system preserves your battery range during freezing January mornings in Loveland by using significantly less energy to heat the cabin.
• Standard Rear Door Handles: Based on customer feedback, the 2026 model adds physical pull-handles to the rear doors, making it much easier for kids to hop in after a day at the Loveland Sculpture Park.
• GT & Rally Performance: The 2026 Mach-E Rally continues to dominate the foothills with its raised suspension and protective shielding, while the GT remains the choice for those who want 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds on the way to Fort Collins.

Ford Expedition & Expedition MAX: The Split Gate Revolution

The 2026 Expedition is redesigned to be the center of your outdoor life, but there are key differences in how the new features scale between the standard and MAX models.

• The Ford Split Gate: Every 2026 Expedition features the new class-exclusive Split Gate. The top three-quarters lift up like a traditional SUV, while the bottom quarter folds down like a truck’s tailgate. It supports 500 lbs, serving as a perfect bench for changing out of hiking boots.
• Expedition vs. Expedition MAX:
  • Standard Expedition: Best for maneuverability in downtown Loveland; it offers the highest towing capacity at 9,600 lbs.
  • Expedition MAX: Adds 12 inches of total length, expanding cargo space behind the third row to a massive 36 cubic feet. While it offers more room for gear, note that the MAX has a slightly lower max towing capacity of 9,000 lbs due to its increased curb weight.
• 24-Inch Panoramic Display: Positioned at the base of the windshield, this eye-level cluster is standard across the 2026 lineup, keeping your navigation and safety alerts in your line of sight without your eyes leaving the road.

Which Ford SUV Fits Your Loveland Life?

Best for City Commuting?

The Ford Escape Hybrid. Navigating the traffic and parking spots downtown or near the sculpture park is a breeze with its compact size, and the hybrid engine saves you money during stop-and-go driving on Eisenhower Boulevard.

Best for Road Trips?

The Ford Explorer. With plenty of room for luggage and cooler bags, plus a smooth highway ride, it makes the drive down to Denver International Airport or up to Wyoming comfortable for the whole family.

Best for Heavy Weather?

The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. Its advanced 4×4 system and higher ground clearance give you the confidence to tackle unplowed roads and deep snow when a blizzard hits Northern Colorado.

Best for Towing the Boat?

The Ford Expedition. Whether you are launching at Boyd Lake or hauling a camper to the mountains, the Expedition’s towing capacity and torque are unmatched.

Best for True Off-Roading?

The Ford Bronco. If your idea of fun involves mud, rocks, and trails where pavement ends, the Bronco’s hardware is designed specifically to get you there and back.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between the 2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport?

While they share a nameplate, they serve different purposes. The Bronco is constructed on a rugged truck frame with removable doors and roof, designed for intense off-roading and crawling over rocks. The Bronco Sport is built on a crossover platform, which provides a smoother ride on paved roads like Highway 287 while still offering impressive capability for dirt trails and snow. If you need a daily driver that handles camping trips, the Sport is excellent; for hardcore trail enthusiasts, the standard Bronco is the superior choice.

Can I charge a Ford Plug-in Hybrid at my home in Loveland?

Yes, charging at home is simple. You can plug the Escape Plug-in Hybrid into any standard 120V household outlet to recharge the battery overnight. If you want faster charging speeds, you can install a 240V outlet, similar to what you use for an electric dryer. You generally do not need to rely on public charging stations, making ownership very convenient for homeowners in the area.

Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have a hands-free liftgate?

Yes, many 2026 Explorer trims feature a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate. This is incredibly useful when your hands are full of groceries or ski gear. As long as the key fob is in your pocket or bag, you simply kick your foot under the rear bumper, and the hatch opens automatically for easy loading.

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for a new Ford SUV?

Modern Fords are designed to need less frequent service than older vehicles. Most 2026 models come with an “Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor” that tracks your engine’s condition and driving habits to tell you exactly when an oil change is needed. Typically, you can expect to visit the service department for routine maintenance roughly every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, depending on how you drive.

 

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