Understanding Your Ford’s Maintenance Needs

Ford builds some of the most capable and versatile SUVs on the road today, but few comparisons are as interesting as the 2026 Ford Bronco® and 2026 Ford Explorer®. At first glance, both offer SUV practicality, available four-wheel-drive capability, and modern technology. Spend a little time with them, however, and it becomes clear they were engineered for very different lifestyles. For drivers in Goldsboro, NC, understanding those differences can make choosing the right Ford SUV much easier. The Bronco®: Built for the Road Less Traveled The 2026 Ford Bronco® was designed with adventure at its core. Its body-on-frame construction, available advanced 4x4 systems, removable roof and doors, and impressive off-road hardware make it one of the most capable SUVs in the Ford lineup. Engine choices include a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine producing 300 hp and 325 lbs. ft. of torque and an available 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 generating 330 hp and 415 lbs. ft. of torque when using premium fuel. Select models also offer the high-output 3.0L EcoBoost® V6. The Bronco® can tow up to 4,500 lbs. when properly equipped and offers up to 83 cubic feet of cargo space in 4-door models with the rear seats folded. Off-road capability remains its defining characteristic. Depending on configuration, the Bronco® offers up to 13.1 inches of ground clearance, up to 37-inch tires, available front and rear locking differentials, available disconnecting front sway bar, and up to 13.2 inches of suspension travel. Water-fording capability reaches up to 37 inches on select models. Inside, available technology includes a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. The Explorer®: Family Capability Without Compromise The 2026 Ford Explorer® approaches the SUV formula from a different perspective. Rather than prioritizing extreme off-road performance, it focuses on passenger comfort, interior space, technology, and everyday versatility. The Explorer® seats up to 7 passengers and offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. Even with all seats occupied, there is still room for luggage, groceries, sports equipment, and travel gear. Powertrain options include a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine producing 300 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque, while higher trims can be equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 generating up to 400 hp and 415 lbs. ft. of torque. When properly equipped, the Explorer® can tow up to 5,000 lbs., matching the needs of many families who tow boats, campers, or utility trailers throughout eastern North Carolina. Technology is another Explorer® strength, with available displays including a 13.2-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Capability Versus Versatility: The Key Difference The Bronco® excels when the pavement ends. Its specialized suspension, trail-management systems, locking differentials, and purpose-built off-road architecture make it one of the most capable factory-built SUVs available today. The Explorer® shines in a different environment. It delivers a smoother ride, easier third-row access, greater passenger capacity, and the versatility many families need for daily life around Goldsboro, Greenville, Kinston, and Raleigh. Which Ford SUV Belongs in Your Driveway? Drivers who spend weekends exploring trails, camping, fishing, or visiting North Carolina's beaches often find themselves drawn toward the Bronco®. Those seeking a comfortable family vehicle with strong towing capability and three-row flexibility frequently gravitate toward the Explorer®. Fortunately, Ford offers both. Compare the Bronco® and Explorer® in Goldsboro, NC The best way to decide between the Ford Bronco® and Ford Explorer® is to experience both firsthand. Visit Deacon Jones Ford of Goldsboro to compare cargo space, technology, performance, and capability side by side. If your next adventure takes you off-road or simply across town, our team can help you find the Ford SUV that fits your lifestyle today and for years to come. Schedule a test drive online today!

The 2026 Ford Explorer® feels less like a conventional family SUV and more like a highly evolved domestic appliance designed by people who have survived actual family life. It has room for children, cargo, backpacks, soccer equipment, luggage, half a warehouse worth of charging cables, and the emotional debris of modern parenting. Yet somehow it still manages to look composed doing it. For families around Goldsboro, NC, that balance continues making the Explorer® one of the most compelling three-row SUVs on the road today. Three Rows Without the Typical Punishment Many three-row SUVs advertise seating for 7, the way airlines advertise legroom. The Explorer® does rather better. Every 2026 model includes standard third-row seating, with layouts available for either 6 or 7 passengers depending on configuration. Most trims use second-row captain’s chairs, which dramatically improve access to the third row while also making the cabin feel more open and civilized. more Cargo flexibility has also been sensibly engineered. There’s 16.3 cu. ft. of space behind the third row and up to 85.8 cu. ft. available with the rear seats folded flat. Available PowerFold® seating on Tremor®, ST, and Platinum™ trims turns cargo management into a button press instead of an upper-body workout. Families hauling sports equipment, luggage, groceries, strollers, or camping gear will appreciate how adaptable the interior becomes in everyday use. The Cabin Finally Understands Technology Properly Modern SUVs often confuse technology with visual clutter. The Explorer® avoids that trap surprisingly well. A standard 13.2-inch touchscreen serves as the center of the cabin’s digital ecosystem, handling navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and smartphone integration with crisp graphics and clean usability. The available Ford Connectivity Package adds: Unlimited Wi-Fi® hotspot capability for up to 10 devices Google Maps integration Voice Assistant functionality Streaming apps Google Play™ app support This is the sort of technology families genuinely use rather than merely demonstrating to neighbors in driveways. Available B&O® audio systems with up to 14 speakers and a 980-watt amplifier also help make long interstate drives across North Carolina feel noticeably less tedious. Ford’s Safety Systems Continue to Mature Nicely Ford Co-Pilot360® remains one of the Explorer’s® strongest assets because the technology feels assistive rather than intrusive. Available systems include: BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go Lane Centering Lane-Keeping System Trailer Coverage with BLIS® while towing For 2026, available Ford BlueCruise adds Automatic Lane Change capability for compatible highways, reducing fatigue during longer road trips and family travel. Capability That Extends Beyond School Runs The Explorer® has always been slightly more athletic than many rivals, and the 2026 model continues that tradition. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® engine produces 300 hp and 310 lbs. ft. of torque, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 on ST and Tremor® models increases output substantially to 385 hp and 415 lbs. ft. of torque. Available Intelligent 4WD and the addition of the Tremor® trim also give the Explorer® greater versatility for rougher roads, wet conditions, and outdoor travel beyond paved suburban life. Six selectable drive modes allow the SUV to adapt itself depending on road conditions, weather, or towing demands. Standard Towing Capability Makes a Difference One of the Explorer’s® more underrated qualities is that every model includes a standard Class III Tow Package with up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity when properly equipped. That means small campers, fishing boats, utility trailers, and recreational equipment are all comfortably within reach for family weekends outside Goldsboro. Features like Trailer Sway Control and Side-Wind Stabilization also help towing feel considerably more stable and predictable on the highway. Families towing regularly should also stay attentive to trailer brake service, transmission maintenance, tire condition, and tow-package inspections to keep the Explorer® performing properly during heavier use. Still One of the Most Complete Family SUVs Available The 2026 Explorer® succeeds because it understands the realities of modern family life better than most vehicles in its class. It combines passenger space, usable technology, towing capability, safety systems, and everyday comfort into a package that feels genuinely well resolved. For families throughout Goldsboro, NC, the Explorer® continues making a very convincing case for itself as one of the most complete three-row SUVs currently available. Schedule a test drive online today!

If you’re comparing the 2026 vs 2025 lineup from Ford, you’re likely trying to decide which model year offers the best combination of value, technology, and capability. For drivers in Goldsboro, NC, both lineups bring something to the table—whether you’re shopping for a dependable truck, a versatile SUV, or an efficient hybrid. At Deacon Jones Ford Goldsboro, understanding the differences between these two model years can help you make a more confident decision. What’s New in the 2026 Ford Lineup? The 2026 Ford lineup continues to build on the brand’s focus on innovation, with updates in technology, performance, and electrification. One of the most talked-about additions is the Ford Maverick Lobo, a new take on the compact truck that offers sporty styling and responsive performance. Many 2026 models also feature updated infotainment systems, including larger touchscreens and the latest version of Ford’s SYNC® technology, making it easier to stay connected on the road. Performance remains a strong point across the lineup. From efficient EcoBoost® engines to available hybrid and electric powertrains, drivers have more choices than ever. Vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E continue to expand Ford’s electric presence, offering strong acceleration and practical driving range for everyday use. more How the 2025 Ford Lineup Still Delivers Value The 2025 Ford lineup remains a strong option, especially for drivers focused on proven performance and value. Popular models like the Ford F-150 and Super Duty continue to deliver the capability that truck buyers expect, with impressive towing and hauling potential. SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Bronco Sport also offer versatility for families and adventurers alike. Many 2025 models already include advanced safety features through Ford Co-Pilot360™, along with user-friendly infotainment systems. For budget-conscious shoppers, choosing a 2025 model can be a smart way to get modern features at a more competitive price point. Key Differences Between 2025 and 2026 Models Technology and Connectivity The 2026 models generally offer more advanced tech, including updated infotainment systems, larger available displays, and enhanced connectivity features. Available driver-assist technologies like Ford BlueCruise continue to expand, offering hands-free highway driving on select roads. Performance and Efficiency While both model years offer strong engine options, the 2026 lineup puts a greater emphasis on hybrid and electric performance. This gives drivers more opportunities to prioritize fuel efficiency without sacrificing capability. Design and Features Some 2026 models introduce refreshed styling and new trim options, helping them stand out from previous versions. However, many core design elements remain consistent, especially in best-selling trucks like the F-150. Which Ford Lineup Is Right for You? Choosing between the 2026 and 2025 Ford lineup comes down to your priorities. Choose 2026 models if you want the latest technology, updated styling, and more electrified options. Choose 2025 models if you’re looking for strong value and proven performance at a potentially lower price. Both options provide the durability and versatility drivers expect from Ford vehicles. Explore Ford Trucks and SUVs in Goldsboro, NC Whether you’re leaning toward a 2026 model with the latest features or a 2025 vehicle that offers excellent value, Deacon Jones Ford in Goldsboro, NC has options to explore. Visit the dealership to compare models in person, test drive your favorites, and find the Ford truck or SUV that fits your lifestyle.