Ford has always been a brand of contrasts—home to some of the most innovative vehicles on the market and, at times, a few that miss the mark. Whether you’re looking for off-road thrills, reliable workhorses, or everyday practicality, choosing the right Ford model is essential. To help you navigate, we’ve compiled a list of the five worst and five best Ford vehicles to buy this year.
The Worst Ford Vehicles to Buy in 2024
5. 2024 Ford Ranger
The recently redesigned Ford Ranger looks great on the outside, but it struggles in key areas compared to its rivals. While its interior is a step up from the previous generation, competitors offer far more upscale cabins. The lack of a long bed and the underwhelming reliability of the base turbo-four engine are notable drawbacks.
Other trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado and Jeep Gladiator outperform the Ranger in towing, while the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline offer superior ride quality. With a starting price only slightly lower than the base F-150, the Ranger is a tough sell.
4. 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid
The Ford F-150 is a staple in the full-size truck market, but its hybrid variant falls short of expectations. On paper, the hybrid’s 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque sound impressive, but in practice, it’s slower, tows less, and costs more than the gas-powered twin-turbo V6.
To make matters worse, reliability issues like transmission problems and electrical malfunctions have plagued the hybrid version.
3. 2024 Ford Explorer
The Explorer, a long-time family favorite, is starting to show its age. While it offers powerful engine options, competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and Jeep Grand Cherokee deliver more space and luxury.
The Explorer’s tight third-row seating and vague steering make it less appealing than alternatives like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which dominate in this segment.
2. 2024 Ford Escape
The compact SUV segment is one of the most competitive in today’s market, and unfortunately, the Ford Escape can’t keep up. Its dated interior features hard plastics and low-quality materials, which pale in comparison to its rivals.
The base three-cylinder engine feels underpowered, and even the optional turbocharged engine is held back by a jerky transmission. While the hybrid version offers decent value, the gas-only models are best avoided.
1. 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Despite its rugged looks, the Ford Bronco Sport is a disappointment. Built on the same platform as the Escape, it’s limited to mild off-roading and struggles with on-road refinement.
The boxy design adds wind noise and lowers MPG ratings, while the interior materials feel cheap. Rivals like the Subaru Forester and Jeep Compass offer better off-road capabilities, practicality, and comfort, making them smarter choices in this category.
The Best Ford Vehicles to Buy in 2024
5. 2024 Ford Bronco
For off-road enthusiasts, the Ford Bronco is an undeniable winner. Its iconic design perfectly blends ruggedness and retro charm, while its off-road capabilities rival the Jeep Wrangler.
What sets the Bronco apart is its superior on-road handling, thanks to a more advanced suspension system. With three turbocharged engine options and an available manual transmission, the Bronco is both practical and fun to drive.
4. 2024 Ford F-150
The F-150 remains the gold standard of full-size trucks. With a diverse powertrain lineup—including hybrid and all-electric options—there’s something for everyone. Traditionalists will appreciate the 5.0L Coyote V8, while thrill-seekers can opt for the Raptor R with over 700 horsepower.
The F-150 excels in towing, versatility, and off-road capability, making it a class leader once again.
3. 2024 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is redefining the compact pickup segment. Affordable and practical, it now offers an all-wheel-drive hybrid version and an upgraded towing package that allows up to 4,000 pounds.
The turbocharged engine provides strong performance, while the updated interior features a larger infotainment screen and additional safety features. With its smooth ride and spacious interior, the Maverick is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
2. 2024 Ford Super Duty
When it comes to heavy-duty work, the Ford Super Duty is second to none. Its lineup includes powerful gas engines and a class-leading V8 turbodiesel with 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
This beast can tow up to 40,000 pounds, but it’s not just about brute strength. Buyers can opt for luxury features like leather interiors, max-recline seats, and advanced trailer-assist systems, making the Super Duty as comfortable as it is capable.
1. 2024 Ford Mustang
With the Chevrolet Camaro gone and the Dodge Challenger scaled back, the Ford Mustang stands tall as the ultimate sports car bargain. Its base model starts in the low $30,000s and delivers 300 horsepower, but the GT—with its naturally aspirated V8—is where the real magic happens.
The Mustang’s raw power and timeless design make it a standout, proving why it’s still one of the best vehicles Ford has to offer.
Ford’s lineup showcases the brand’s highs and lows, from underwhelming models like the Bronco Sport to standouts like the Mustang and Maverick. Whether you need an off-road adventurer, a workhorse truck, or a practical daily driver, choosing the right Ford can make all the difference.
