Not every driver has the same needs, and if you live out in the country, then you probably demand more from your vehicles than a city and suburban driver. Fortunately, there are plenty of great models at your local car dealers that will meet your needs. One of the best brands to look at is Ford, which has a reputation for building tough and capable vehicles of all types.
From the best-selling Ford F-150 to the brand-new Ford Bronco, the blue oval has something for even the most demanding rural driver. If you are having trouble deciding on which of these excellent vehicles is right for carrying you along back roads and possibly wilderness trails, then buckle up – we’re about to dive into five of Ford’s best models for tackling the countryside.
The 2021 Ford Bronco
If you want something that handles rough roads like an ATV but has all the comfort of a regular passenger vehicle, the new Bronco is a great place to start. The Bronco is made to climb rocks, push through mud and water, and truck through snow and ice with ease. So, let’s look a bit closer at this model’s perks. The 2021 Bronco comes with a V6 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that is paired with either a 10-speed automatic transmission or a 7-speed manual. It can even tow up to 3,500 pounds when needed.
However, its biggest highlight is its G.O.A.T. modes terrain settings. These include Sand, Slippery, Sport, Eco, Normal, Baja, Mud/Rut, and Rock Crawl modes. In short, these are driving modes that cater to each terrain and weather type by adjusting the vehicle’s performance to match the atmosphere. If you’re driving on ice, then Slippery mode will help you gain better traction. If you are driving on rocky or hilly terrain, then Rock Crawl Mode will make this process even easier.
The 2021 Bronco is also aesthetically appealing, with options for soft or hard tops, removable doors, and multiple colors. Its exterior colors include Cyber Orange, Rapid Red, Attimatter Blue, and multiple neutral colors. It also offers tons of tech options, like FordPass with a Wi-Fi hotspot and the Co-Pilot360 safety suite. This latter set of driver-assistance features includes lane-keeping assist, blind spot information, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with automatic braking, and a rear-view camera. Overall, the 2021 Bronco is ready to head off-road, but it’s just as comfortable on the highway. Its modern technology makes it even more powerful and safe wherever you go.
The 2021 Ford Ranger
Let’s look at the smallest truck that Ford has to offer. The 2021 Ranger is a great option for drivers new to trucks or for those who don’t need to haul large loads. However, the Ranger can still tow up to 7,500 pounds, and its 10-speed automatic transmission includes a Tow/Haul mode. This mode can reduce your load pressure when driving downhill, and it does this by staying in gear a bit longer to prevent sudden shifts. While the Ranger isn’t designed for towing excessive amounts, it provides a safe towing experience for smaller trailers.
The new 2021 Ranger comes with an optional Black Appearance package, and it comes with drive modes similar to the Bronco’s. The Ranger comes with four of these modes, which include Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Normal mode. The remarkably lower price tag for the Ranger also helps make it a great deal for a starter truck. If you’re looking for affordable power, the Ranger is the model to look at.
2021 Ford F-150
Now, let’s move up just a tad on the power front. The 2021 Ford F-150 is not the most powerful Ford out there, but it’s a great option for those who land somewhere in between on the strength spectrum. This truck is for you if you’re looking to haul boats, ATVs, and small horse trailers. The redesigned 2021 F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds, and it can get up to 430 horsepower. But the most interesting feature of the latest F-150 is that its most powerful engine option is now a turbocharged V6 hybrid that makes 24 MPG and can act as a 7.2 kW mobile generator.
The F-150 is available with eleven exterior color options, including Velocity Blue and Race Red. It offers all the Ford CoPilot360 driver-assist features, and it even includes the MyKey system that allows drivers to put limits on audio volume and speeds for the teen drivers in the family. Finally, its new SYNC 4 infotainment system has all the modern features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even over the air updates – all displayed on an available 12″ touchscreen. The F-150 is a great place to start if you perform mild to moderate hauling.
The Ford Super Duty F-350
It’s time for the tough stuff. The F-350 shockingly isn’t the most powerful Ford vehicle, despite its massive towing capacity. The 2021 F-350 can tow up to 32,750 pounds when properly equipped. It has an available 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel engine, which gives it its most power. Additionally, you can opt for a 7.3-liter V8 engine, and its standard engine is a 6.2-liter V8. If you want the F-350’s looks to match its power, you can choose from eight different wheel options, a few different running board styles, and more. If you’re hauling large items such as campers, cattle trailers, or houseboats, the F-350 is a great option to check out when you visit your local car dealer.
The Ford Super Duty F-450
Alright, if dually trucks are your cup of tea, the F-450 is where it’s at. This model is only sold with Ford’s most powerful 6.7-liter power stroke V8 turbo-diesel engine. This engine can produce up to 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. When properly equipped, this model can tow up to 37,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch. However, its aesthetic appeal is much tougher than the F-350. In addition to being a dually, it also comes with the optional STX Appearance Package, which includes large polished aluminum wheels, cruise control, chrome bumpers, a chrome grille, and the STX fender badge. You can add on a tonneau cover, a bedliner, and much more. When it comes to off-roading, you can add on the FX4 Off-Road package to this one. It includes Hill Descent Control, underbody skid plates, and off-road shocks, among other upgrades for ideal backroad performance.
Which One Is Best for Me?
This is a great question. If you’re looking to Ford off-roading vehicles for climbing hills and minor winching, then you’ll want to stick with the Bronco. This is especially true if you don’t need a bed, and small trailers are enough for you. The Bronco isn’t incredibly strong, but it can tow small trailers, and it can also pull other vehicles out of the mud if you add a good winch system to it. However, if you need to haul anything larger than an ATV, the Ranger and F-150 will be more your style. Farmers will likely want to stick to the F-350 and F-450 Super Duty Ford trucks since those can pull large loads of hay, animal trailers, farm equipment, and much more. Where off-roading for fun is concerned, the Bronco definitely wins. But the best way to find which Ford is right for you is to make your way to your nearest Ford dealer and take these models for a test drive.
