Fall SUV Shopping: Choosing the Right 2026 Ford SUV for Your Inland Empire Family

The right Ford SUV for your family comes down to two things: how many seats you actually fill, and where you drive. Fall is a good time to sort that out. Our lot is stocked with 2026 models right now, a few outgoing 2025 units are still here, and the summer rush has cooled off, so you can take your time. For most Inland Empire families, the compact Bronco Sport handles daily errands and freeway commutes, the Bronco covers weekend adventures, the three-row Explorer and full-size Expedition move bigger families and gear, and the all-electric Mustang Mach-E fits commuters who want to skip the gas station. You can compare every one of them in the new Ford SUV inventory at Chino Hills Ford.

Why Fall Is a Good Time to Shop

As the new model year settles in, dealerships work through the units already on the ground, and that's usually when selection and offers line up well for a family shopper. The 2026 lineup is what you'll find on our lot today, and any remaining 2025 units are limited to what's physically here. Once they're gone, they're gone.
The practical move is to shop the current offers alongside the inventory. Browse the new Ford specials and see what pairs with the SUV you have in mind. Offers change, so check the page for current details, eligibility, and expiration. If you plan to trade in your current vehicle, start with our Value Your Trade tool to get an estimate before you visit. Any online figure is an estimate, and the final number depends on an in-person appraisal.

Compact and Commuter-Friendly: Bronco Sport and the Last of the Escape

If your week is mostly school runs, grocery trips, and the drive to Ontario or into the office, a compact SUV is often the sweet spot. The 2026 Bronco Sport brings a rugged look and a taller ride to the compact class, which many families like for the extra visibility. It seats five occupants and offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 65.2 cubic feet with them folded, which is practical room for strollers, sports gear, and dog crates. The standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine carries an EPA-estimated rating of 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined mpg.*
A quick word on the Escape. Ford ended Escape production in December 2025, so the Escapes on dealer lots are the last of the run. California is one of several states that did not receive the 2026 Escape, which means the newest Escapes you'll find here are 2025 models, and only while they last. If you've had your eye on an Escape, check our new SUV inventory soon rather than later.

Adventure-Ready: The Ford Bronco

For Inland Empire families who spend their weekends heading toward the mountains, the desert, or the coast, the Bronco is the one to look at. It pairs everyday usability with real off-road capability when properly equipped, and its boxy, open-air design makes it a standout for outdoor-minded households. We have a deep selection of 2026 Broncos on the lot right now, so take a closer look at the new Ford Bronco in Chino Hills and see which configuration fits your crew.
The Bronco is a lifestyle vehicle first, so think through your real needs: how many people you carry regularly, how much cargo you haul, and how often you actually leave the pavement. That checklist keeps you from over-buying or under-buying capability.

Three-Row Family Haulers: Explorer and Expedition

When you need a third row, there are two well-matched choices.
2026 Ford Explorer. The mid-size three-row option seats six or seven occupants depending on trim and second-row configuration, with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It's rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Class III Tow Package, which is standard on every Explorer. It's a natural fit for growing families who want extra seats without stepping up to a full-size vehicle. Browse the Explorer inventory to see what's here.
2026 Ford Expedition. The full-size option seats up to eight occupants and offers a lot more room behind the third row. Maximum conventional towing reaches up to 9,600 pounds on the standard-wheelbase Expedition and up to 9,000 pounds on the longer Expedition MAX, both with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, when properly equipped. Ratings vary by drivetrain, axle ratio, and wheelbase, so confirm the number on the window sticker of the specific unit you're considering. If you tow a boat or a trailer, carpool a full team, or road-trip with a packed cargo area, the Expedition is designed for that job. Compare the Expedition and the Expedition MAX side by side.
Family size, how often you fill every seat, and your towing plans are the three questions that usually decide between the two. Our team can walk you through the differences in person so you buy exactly the amount of space you need.

Going Electric: Mustang Mach-E

For commuters who want to skip the gas station, the Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV, not a hybrid, so it runs on battery power alone. It blends Mustang-inspired styling with SUV practicality and works well for daily driving around the Inland Empire when your charging routine is set. We have 2026 Mach-E models in stock, so ask our team about current availability and range by trim.
If home charging is on your mind, ask about the Ford Power Promise. As of this writing, retail customers who purchase or lease a new 2026 Mustang Mach-E and take delivery by September 30, 2026 can choose either a complimentary home charge station with complimentary standard installation, which excludes permitting costs and fees, or bonus cash instead. Installation is handled through Qmerit, the offer isn't available to fleet or commercial customers, and installation exclusions apply. Program terms, eligibility, and end dates change, so confirm current details with us before you count on it.

How to Match the Right Ford SUV to Your Family

Start with three simple questions.
How many people do you carry on a typical day, and how often is every seat full? That separates compact and two-row from three-row.
Where do you drive most: freeway, around town, or off the pavement? That points you toward efficiency, everyday comfort, or trail capability.
What's your budget and how do you want to pay? You can get ahead of the paperwork before you arrive. Take a few minutes to get pre-qualified or explore your options through our Finance Center. Pre-qualification isn't a final approval, and all financing is subject to credit approval, but starting early makes the visit smoother.
If a nearly new SUV fits your budget better, our Ford Blue Advantage certified pre-owned inventory is worth a look too.

Ready to Shop This Fall?

A full 2026 lineup on the lot and a slower fall pace make this a good time to choose your family's next Ford SUV. Browse the full lineup, compare trims and features side by side, and find the one that fits your life in the new Ford SUV inventory at Chino Hills Ford. Have a question first or want to set up a test drive? Contact Chino Hills Ford at 4480 Chino Hills Parkway in Chino and our team will help you find the right fit.
 
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