Ford Truck, SUV and EV Guide for Chester and Richmond
Ford truck, SUV and EV guide for Chester and Richmond
Ford's lineup is changing fast heading into 2027: the F-150 swaps its 2.7L EcoBoost for a new 3.0L EcoBoost, the Escape ended production in December 2025, and the all-electric F-150 Lightning is being replaced by an extended-range version.
This guide compares every current Ford truck, SUV and EV on the specs that matter to Central Virginia drivers: towing, drivetrain, fuel type, and whether it qualifies for the federal car loan interest deduction. It's written for shoppers in Chester, Midlothian, Richmond and the Tri-Cities who want a straight answer on which Ford fits.
The 2026 Ford lineup at a glance
Specs below are maximums for the 2026 model year with the right engine and package.
| Model | Type | Max towing | Powertrains | Final assembly | Loan deduction eligible? | Best fit around Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Full-size pickup | Up to 13,500 lb | 2.7L EcoBoost (2026), 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid | Dearborn, MI; Kansas City, MO | Yes (U.S.) | Boats to Dutch Gap, campers, daily driving |
| Super Duty (F-250 to F-450) | Heavy-duty pickup | Up to 40,000 lb gooseneck (F-450) | 6.8L V8, 7.3L V8, 6.7L Power Stroke diesel | Louisville, KY | Yes, under 14,000 lb GVWR | Fifth-wheels, horse trailers, contractors |
| Ranger | Midsize pickup | Up to 7,500 lb | 2.3L EcoBoost, 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.0L (Raptor) | Wayne, MI | Yes (U.S.) | Garage-friendly size, real towing |
| Maverick | Compact pickup | Up to 4,000 lb (4K Tow pkg) | 2.5L hybrid, 2.0L EcoBoost | Hermosillo, Mexico | No | I-95 commuters who want a bed |
| Bronco | Off-road SUV | Up to 3,500 lb | 2.3L, 2.7L, 3.0L EcoBoost | Wayne, MI | Yes (U.S.) | Weekend trails, removable roof |
| Bronco Sport | Compact SUV | Up to 2,200 lb | 1.5L, 2.0L EcoBoost | Hermosillo, Mexico | No | Former Escape owners, light off-road |
| Explorer | Three-row SUV | Up to 5,600 lb | 2.3L, 3.0L EcoBoost | Chicago, IL | Yes (U.S.) | Midlothian families, school runs |
| Expedition | Full-size SUV | Up to 9,600 lb (4x4 without 24-inch wheels) | 3.5L EcoBoost | Louisville, KY | Yes (U.S.) | Big families who also tow |
| Mustang | Sports car | Not rated for towing | 2.3L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8 | Flat Rock, MI | Yes (U.S.) | Weekend drives on Route 10 and the back roads |
| Mustang Mach-E | Electric SUV | Up to 3,500 lb | Battery-electric | Cuautitlán, Mexico | No | Home chargers, Richmond commutes |
| Transit / E-Transit | Full-size van | Up to 6,500 lb (Transit) | 3.5L V6, EcoBoost, electric | Kansas City, MO | Yes, if bought for personal use | Trades, churches, upfits |
The loan deduction column applies to new vehicles bought for personal use from 2025 through 2028. Final assembly can vary by build, so check the "Final Assembly Point" on the window sticker of the exact vehicle, or run the VIN through NHTSA's VIN decoder. Our Ford buying and financing guide explains how the car loan interest deduction works, and our Ford Towing Capacity Guide (coming Nov 4) breaks down every rating by engine and package.
What's new for 2027, and should you wait?
Ford's 2027 F-150 order guide replaces the 2.7L EcoBoost with a twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost as the standard engine on XL, STX, XLT and some Lariat builds. The 5.0L V8 is also available again on King Ranch and Platinum. The 3.5L EcoBoost and PowerBoost hybrid carry over.
Our recommendation: If a 2.7L does what you need, a leftover 2026 F-150 is the better buy this fall, because model-year closeout pricing usually beats waiting for a new engine. Wait for the 2027 if you specifically want the 3.0L's extra power or a V8 in a King Ranch or Platinum. Our 2026 vs. 2027 F-150 buying guide (coming Nov 19) compares them side by side with live inventory counts.
Head-to-head: the comparisons we're asked about most
F-150 vs. Super Duty
The F-150 handles most boats, campers and utility trailers in Central Virginia, up to about 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. Step up to a Super Duty if you tow a fifth-wheel or gooseneck, carry heavy loads every day, or need a diesel. Expect higher fuel costs and a stiffer ride for the extra capability.
Maverick vs. Ranger
The Maverick hybrid is the commuter's truck: unibody, front-drive-based and built for mileage on I-95 and Route 288. The Ranger is body-on-frame with up to 7,500 pounds of towing, so it's the pick if you pull a real trailer. One more difference: the Ranger is U.S.-assembled and can qualify for the loan interest deduction; the Maverick can't.
Bronco vs. Bronco Sport
Despite the name, they're different vehicles. The Bronco is body-on-frame with removable doors and roof and serious trail hardware. The Bronco Sport is a compact unibody SUV that's easier to park at Chesterfield Towne Center and handles gravel roads well. Former Escape owners usually land on the Bronco Sport.
Explorer vs. Expedition
Both seat up to seven or eight. The Explorer is the easier daily driver and costs less. The Expedition tows nearly 4,000 pounds more and has real third-row legroom for adults. If you tow a boat to Lake Chesdin on weekends, the Expedition is the safer choice.
Mustang Mach-E vs. a hybrid
The Mach-E makes the most sense if you can charge at home and drive a predictable daily commute. A hybrid Maverick or PowerBoost F-150 avoids range planning entirely. Note that the Mach-E is assembled in Mexico, so it doesn't qualify for the loan interest deduction.
Do you need 4x4 in Richmond?
Central Virginia gets more freezing rain and ice than deep snow, and 4x4 helps you get moving but doesn't help you stop. Good tires matter more than drivetrain on ice. 4x4 earns its keep if you launch boats on wet ramps, drive unpaved roads in Dinwiddie or Prince George, or need to get out of a steep driveway after a storm.
Buying an EV in Virginia after the federal credit
The federal $7,500 clean vehicle credit ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. Two Virginia costs still apply. Every battery-electric vehicle pays an annual Highway Use Fee at registration, $135.63 for registrations from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. You can enroll in DMV's Mileage Choice program instead and pay by the mile, capped at the flat fee. Hybrids pay a smaller fee based on fuel economy (Virginia DMV).
For the F-150 Lightning, Ford ended production of the current all-electric truck in December 2025 and has announced a next-generation Lightning EREV, driven by electric motors with a gas generator for range. Ford hasn't announced its launch date. Remaining new Lightning inventory is U.S.-built and may qualify for the loan interest deduction. Find public chargers near Chester with the AFDC station locator.
Power for the house: Pro Power Onboard
The F-150 PowerBoost hybrid can run tools, a refrigerator or a space heater from outlets in the bed. It comes standard with 2.4 kW and offers 7.2 kW as an option. After the ice storms that knock out power in Chesterfield most winters, that's a real reason to choose the hybrid. Never run any vehicle in a closed garage. Questions about setup? Schedule service and our technicians will walk you through it.
Guides in Trucks, SUVs & EV Research
- Available now
Bronco
Current Bronco inventory on the lot.
- Available now
Escape
Remaining Escapes and the Bronco Sport alternative.
- Coming Nov 4
Ford Towing Capacity Guide
Every 2026 model's rating, and what local trailers weigh.
- Coming Nov 19
When to Buy an F-150: 2026 vs. 2027
2.7L vs. the new 3.0L EcoBoost, and whether to buy now.
- Coming Nov 20
New Ford F-150 for Sale
Trims and engines in stock now.
- Coming Nov 30
2027 Super Duty & Maverick Changes
What's new, what's gone, and whether to buy a 2026.
- Coming Dec 10
New Ford Super Duty for Sale
F-250, F-350 and F-450 configurations in stock.
- Coming Dec 15
Mustang Mach-E in Richmond
Trims, winter range, charging and Virginia's EV fee.
- Coming Dec 16
Ford Maverick vs. Ford Ranger
Which small truck fits your commute and your trailer.
- Coming Dec 21
Ford Expedition vs. Expedition Max
Size, third row, towing and trims.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2.7L EcoBoost gone from the 2027 F-150?
Yes. Ford's 2027 order guide replaces it with a twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost as the standard engine on most retail trims. The 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8 and PowerBoost hybrid remain.
Which Ford trucks are built in the U.S.?
The F-150, Super Duty and Ranger are assembled in U.S. plants. The Maverick is assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico. Always confirm the specific truck's window sticker.
Is the Ford Escape discontinued?
Yes. Ford built the last Escape on December 17, 2025. The Bronco Sport is the closest current Ford in size, and we still service and stock parts for the Escape.
How much can an F-150 tow?
Up to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. Your truck's rating depends on engine, axle ratio, cab and bed; it's on the door-jamb label and in the Ford towing guide.
What does it cost to register an EV in Virginia?
The normal registration fee plus an annual Highway Use Fee of $135.63 for registrations from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, or a per-mile fee through Mileage Choice.
Do I need 4x4 to drive in Richmond in winter?
Most drivers don't. Good all-season or winter tires matter more on ice. 4x4 helps on boat ramps, unpaved roads and steep driveways.
Sources
Facts on this page come from these sources, checked October 2026. We review this page every quarter and update it when rules or Ford specs change.
- Ford Motor Company, “2026 Ford Expedition specifications.” www.ford.com/suvs/expedition/2026/specs/ Max towing up to 9,600 lb on 4x4 models without 24-inch wheels.
- Ford Authority, “2027 Ford F-150 ditches 2.7L EcoBoost for 3.0L as standard engine.” fordauthority.com/2026/07/2027-ford-f-150-ditches-2-7l-v6-ecoboost-for-3-0l-as-standard-engine/ Based on Ford's 2027 order guide.
- Auto123, “Ford Escape production ends.” www.auto123.com/en/news/ford-escape-suv-end-production/73508/ Last Escape built Dec. 17, 2025.
- Kelley Blue Book, “Ford ends the all-electric F-150 Lightning, plans an EREV.” www.kbb.com/car-news/ford-cancels-electric-f-150-lightning-plans-erev-instead
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Highway Use Fee.” www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/taxes-fees/highway-use $135.63 EV fee and Mileage Choice.
- Internal Revenue Service, “Publication 6126: Car loan interest deduction.” www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p6126.pdf U.S. final assembly requirement.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “VIN Decoder.” www.nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder
- U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, “Station Locator.” afdc.energy.gov/stations
- Ford Motor Company, “2026 model specifications and towing guide.” www.ford.com/ Lineup table figures; check the current spec sheet for each model.
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