There is no universally agreed-upon definition of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), and the term is broadly used to describe everything from large 4×4 vehicles to sub-compact cars that resemble station wagons.
Perhaps the only consistent characteristics of an SUV are that it is not a pickup truck and it typically has all-wheel drive capabilities. Ford was an early participant in the SUV market, launching the Bronco in 1966 and later dominating the segment during the 1980s and 1990s with popular models such as the Bronco II, Explorer, and Expedition.
Today, SUVs—and particularly crossover SUVs—represent the highest-selling vehicle class, with nearly every major automaker offering at least one in their lineup. Ford continues to lead as the top American automaker by producing vehicles that appeal to consumer demand.
For the 2024 model year, Ford offers seven SUVs and crossovers, providing a wide range of sizes, styles, and powertrain options, including electric models, to suit every customer’s preferences. Although Ford is known for building dependable vehicles, the 2024 SUV lineup varies in reliability from model to model.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport ranks highest for reliability, with a score of 87 out of 100 from J.D. Power. This compact crossover SUV was introduced in 2020 and, despite sharing the “Bronco” name, is not a variant of the larger Bronco model but a separate vehicle altogether.
It comes standard with all-wheel drive and is available with a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering a fun and energetic driving experience on both highways and rugged terrain. Starting at $32,825, the Bronco Sport was a strong seller in 2023, with 127,476 units sold.
This “great” reliability score is based on the experiences of verified car owners, and the Bronco Sport’s score ties it with the Buick Encore GX for the top-rated small SUV of 2024.
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport may not reach the same rugged destinations as its larger sibling, the Bronco, but it still offers a solid dose of off-road capability and distinctive styling.
While it’s not built to tackle extreme trails like the Rubicon, the Bronco Sport ventures farther off the beaten path than most other compact SUVs. The top-tier Badlands trim, in particular, stands out with a 245-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, placing it in a similar class to the trail-rated Jeep Cherokee.
However, even the lower trims bring a lot to the table, featuring a practical interior layout and many thoughtful design elements. All models include all-wheel drive, and the standard 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine impressed in our testing by achieving 33 mpg on the highway.
The biggest drawbacks of the 2024 Bronco Sport are the use of some cheap-looking cabin materials and a rather tight rear seat. For the 2024 model year, Ford introduces a new Free Wheeling trim to the Bronco Sport lineup. This version brings back a retro-inspired appearance package originally offered in the 1970s.
It includes 17-inch wheels with red accents, a silver-painted grille, and sunset-style reflective graphics along the body. The interior carries over the theme with striped seatbacks, reddish trim pieces, and a unique center console plaque.
Additionally, the Big Bend model is now available with a $1750 Black Appearance package that, as the name implies, adds blacked-out details, including a dark grille, matte-black body decals, and black 17-inch wheels.
Two new exterior colors, Azure Gray and Desert Sand, also join the options list. Ford has dropped the base trim for 2024, making the Big Bend the new entry-level model and increasing the Bronco Sport’s starting price by approximately $2000.
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport has a starting price of $30,640 and can reach up to $39,985, depending on the chosen trim and options. The trim levels are as follows: Big Bend at $30,640, Free Wheeling at $33,240, Heritage at $33,960, Outer Banks at $35,530, and Badlands at $39,985.
While the Badlands is one of the most expensive options, it also offers the highest level of off-road capability. It features the stronger 245-hp turbocharged engine, a more advanced all-wheel-drive system, a lifted suspension, and upgraded dampers that make it better suited for rough terrain.
The Bronco Sport shares its platform with the compact Ford Escape and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower, while a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower is also available. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The more powerful engine includes paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel and improved cooling components. The Badlands trim includes exclusive off-road hardware such as a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a locking differential, all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels, a 1.0-inch suspension lift for greater ground clearance, and stronger dampers.
During our test drive of a Bronco Sport Badlands, we found its steering to be heavy and the ride to be firm, giving it a truck-like feel that wasn’t especially smooth on the highway. Nonetheless, its off-road performance exceeded expectations, although it still has limitations and isn’t suited for the most extreme trails.
When it comes to towing, the Bronco Sport can handle up to 2200 pounds, but only when equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Models with the standard three-cylinder engine are rated to tow 2000 pounds. As for fuel economy, the three-cylinder engine earns EPA estimates of 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The more powerful four-cylinder reduces those numbers to 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the three-cylinder engine returned an impressive 33 mpg. For additional fuel economy details, you can visit the EPA’s website.
Inside, the Bronco Sport features an appealing design and a wide array of popular amenities. It makes efficient use of its compact size, offering clever storage solutions and practical space.
Despite having a shorter wheelbase than the Escape, the Bronco Sport provides an upright seating position and adequate rear legroom. Its raised rear roofline improves headroom and allows for enough cargo space to carry two mountain bikes.
The cargo area can also be configured with a slide-out table that doubles as a workspace, a 400-watt power inverter, and integrated LED lights in the rear gate for overhead lighting. Other notable features include a rear hatch with a separate glass window and a built-in bottle opener.
The Badlands trim adds rubberized flooring and easy-to-clean upholstery, although the flooring material itself is not particularly attractive. A final clever touch is a hidden storage bin located beneath the rear seats.
2024 Ford Explorer
The second most reliable SUV in the 2024 Ford lineup is the Ford Explorer, which received a J.D. Power reliability score of 82 out of 100. Introduced in 1991 as a replacement for the Bronco II, the Explorer originally shared its platform with the Ranger pickup but has since evolved over six generations.
It became Ford’s designated family SUV in 2019 and now offers practical engine options, including a plug-in hybrid, although it lacks the high-performance V8 options seen in some rivals.
While all-wheel drive is available, the Explorer is designed more for everyday use than for off-road adventures. J.D. Power notes that the score reflects minimal defects, malfunctions, and design flaws reported by owners.
RepairPal reports that the Explorer is unlikely to require unscheduled repairs and that severe issues are rare. The average yearly maintenance cost is $732, and CarEdge estimates the cost of maintenance over the first 10 years at $9,017.
The 2024 Explorer has had no recalls, but model years 2002 through 2006 are considered the worst options to buy used.
2024 Ford Edge
The 2024 Ford Edge ranks third in reliability among Ford’s SUV lineup, earning a reliability score of 80 out of 100 from J.D. Power. Originally introduced for the 2007 model year, the Edge was Ford’s first crossover SUV offered in North America.
Borrowing its name from a former Ford Ranger trim level, this midsize SUV is strategically placed between the compact Escape and the larger Explorer in Ford’s product range.
Often referred to as the “Goldilocks” of Ford SUVs, the Edge is considered just the right size—not too large, not too small.
It features capable powertrain options and available all-wheel drive, but it is designed more for comfortable, reliable on-road driving than for rugged off-road adventures.
When it comes to reliability, J.D. Power rated the Edge as average in quality and dependability. Despite this middling classification, the score was high enough to place the Edge among the top five midsize SUVs for the 2024 model year.
It carries a 13% probability of requiring a major repair, which aligns with the average for all vehicles. Furthermore, the Edge experiences slightly fewer unscheduled repairs than the average vehicle.
According to RepairPal, the average yearly maintenance cost is $611, and CarEdge estimates the total maintenance cost over the first 10 years to be $8,883. The 2024 Ford Edge has had zero recalls, but if you’re shopping used, it’s best to avoid the 2007 model year.
2024 Ford Bronco
The fourth most reliable SUV in Ford’s current lineup is the 2024 Ford Bronco, which scored a 75 out of 100 in J.D. Power’s reliability rankings.
Alongside the Mustang and the F-series trucks, the Bronco is one of Ford’s most iconic and best-selling nameplates. After being produced continuously from its 1966 debut until 1996, the Bronco took a hiatus before returning in 2021 with a bold redesign.
The new mid-size Bronco blends retro style with modern updates and offers a variety of powerful engine options and 4×4 packages. It’s built to be the most serious off-road vehicle in Ford’s lineup, and its wide range of trims and configurations allows it to serve as both a family vehicle and a rugged trail machine.
Though the Bronco received an average rating for reliability, this shouldn’t be a concern, as it remains a solid option among SUVs. Since its revival is still relatively recent, there is not enough long-term data for maintenance costs from RepairPal or CarEdge.
However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued four recalls for the 2024 model—two for the two-door version and two for the four-door.
These recalls address issues with child safety latches and potential rear glass detachment. Despite the recalls, the Bronco does not have a specifically identified worst model year to avoid when buying used.
Ford SUVs That Might Break Before 100K
When it comes to buying an SUV, durability is often at the top of every driver’s checklist. Ford has long been a trusted name in American vehicles, known for its rugged trucks and family-friendly SUVs.
But not every model lives up to the brand’s reputation for longevity. In fact, some Ford SUVs have shown a troubling tendency to develop major issues well before hitting the 100,000-mile mark.
Whether you’re shopping for a used ride or assessing your current one, here’s a breakdown of Ford SUVs that might not go the distance—and what you should watch out for.
2024 Ford Expedition
Fifth on the list is the 2024 Ford Expedition, which holds a reliability score of 74 out of 100 from J.D. Power. Introduced in 1997, the Expedition began its life as a full-size SUV capable of seating nine passengers and featured one of the longest wheelbases of any non-commercial vehicle.
Over the years, the Expedition has undergone several generational updates, with the most recent starting in 2018.
Despite the ongoing trend toward compact crossovers, the Expedition has grown even larger, now measuring three inches longer than before and holding its place as one of the largest vehicles on the road.
This full-size SUV is marketed as a luxury family hauler with multiple powertrain options, including a robust 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that can produce up to 440 horsepower.
While four-wheel drive is available, it’s unlikely many owners will take the Expedition off-road, as it’s more of a status symbol than a trailblazer. J.D. Power and RepairPal both give the Expedition average reliability ratings.
CarEdge reports a 26.6% chance that an Expedition will require a major repair within the first 10 years of ownership—5.1% higher than the average for its segment. Still, such a figure isn’t alarming, considering most vehicles around that age may need significant repairs like a transmission rebuild.
The average yearly maintenance cost is $861, and the estimated cost over the first 10 years is $9,443. The 2024 Expedition has had no recalls, though the 2018 model year is considered the worst to buy used.
2024 Mustang Mach-E
Coming in sixth is the 2024 Mustang Mach-E, which has a reliability score of 69 out of 100. Despite its name, the Mustang Mach-E has no mechanical connection to the iconic Mustang sports car. The name was chosen for its brand recognition rather than for any shared design or engineering heritage with the traditional pony car or the Mach 1 variant.
First introduced in the 2021 model year, the Mustang Mach-E is a battery-electric crossover SUV with a rather conventional appearance, resembling many other crossovers on the market.
However, what sets it apart is its fully electric powertrain and performance upgrades, including an option that delivers 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of instant torque to all four wheels.
J.D. Power gives the Mustang Mach-E a fair rating for quality and reliability, which may be attributed to the fact that it represents one of Ford’s early ventures into electric vehicle manufacturing, and there may still be issues to iron out. Currently, neither RepairPal nor CarEdge has sufficient data to provide a detailed reliability rating.
However, Consumer Reports has highlighted some issues, including battery overheating and instances of sudden acceleration or loss of power. The model has not been subject to any recalls, and there is no specific worst model year identified for used purchases.
2024 Ford Escape
Seventh in Ford’s SUV lineup is the 2024 Ford Escape, which has not yet been rated by J.D. Power. Continuing Ford’s tradition of naming its SUVs with the letter “E,” the Escape first appeared in 2001 as a compact crossover SUV. It occupies a position in the lineup between the now-discontinued EcoSport and the midsize Edge.
The current generation of the Escape is both lighter and more spacious than its predecessors. It weighs 200 pounds less, yet it offers increased width and improved headroom.
Though its powertrain options are modest, they are adequate for everyday driving, and the model is also available as a plug-in hybrid. While the Escape can be equipped with four-wheel drive, it’s clear this SUV is designed more for urban commuting than off-road adventures.
While J.D. Power has not released a reliability score for the 2024 Escape, RepairPal has rated it above average and placed it 16th out of 26 compact SUVs. Its annual maintenance cost is estimated at $600, which is lower than the industry-wide average of $652.
Additionally, the Escape has an 11% chance of needing a major repair, which is below the 13% average for all vehicles. CarEdge estimates a 26.6% likelihood of a major repair occurring within the first decade of ownership, and places the ten-year maintenance cost at $8,721.
Like the other models discussed, the 2024 Escape has not had any recalls, but the 2008 version is identified as the worst used model year to avoid.
