2026 Ford Explorer vs. Expedition: Size, Space & Towing

Why the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid Is Winning Over Luxury SUV Critics The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid has earned a major industry distinction: U.S. News & World Report named it the 2026 Best Luxury Hybrid SUV. Across the automotive press, reviewers are highlighting many of the same strengths: a remarkably quiet cabin, refined ride quality, distinctive design, and a hybrid powertrain that brings Lincoln's vision of modern luxury to life. For Southern California drivers looking for an elevated driving experience that makes the everyday commute feel less routine, the critical consensus is worth a closer look. U.S. News Names Nautilus Best Luxury Hybrid SUV The Lincoln Nautilus earned the Best Luxury Hybrid SUV title in the 2026 U.S. News Best Hybrid and Electric Cars awards, where editors evaluated 138 hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. This recognition matters in a competitive segment. Rather than making electrification seem complex, Lincoln uses its hybrid powertrain to enhance the comfort and refinement luxury buyers expect. Unlike a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle, the Nautilus Hybrid doesn't require charging. For shoppers interested in greater efficiency without changing how or where they refuel, that can make the transition to a hybrid especially easy. Car and Driver: The Hybrid Complements the Nautilus Car and Driver gives the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid an 8 out of 10, describing the Nautilus as a “smooth, quiet escape” from the daily commute. Reviewers emphasize that while the standard model uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the available 285-horsepower hybrid system is especially well matched to the Nautilus, delivering the smooth, quiet performance luxury SUV buyers expect. The Nautilus also makes technology central to the experience. Its panoramic 48-inch display stretches across the dashboard and keeps navigation and other key information within the driver's line of sight, all while giving the cabin a distinctly modern look. In Southern California traffic, that combination of smooth power delivery, a quiet cabin and thoughtfully integrated technology can make time behind the wheel feel calm vs. hectic. MotorTrend Named It SUV of the Year Praise for this generation of the Nautilus began when MotorTrend named the 2025 model its SUV of the Year, recognizing its design, quality and overall driving experience. MotorTrend called the cabin a “veritable sanctuary,” an apt description of what Lincoln has created inside. Premium materials, generous passenger space, and an environment designed to minimize outside intrusion give the Nautilus a character that feels distinctly different from many performance-focused luxury SUVs. For anyone regularly navigating Los Angeles highways, that quieter, more composed environment can make a noticeable difference in the daily commute. Why the Hybrid Makes Sense Awards may get the Nautilus noticed, but the hybrid powertrain broadens its appeal. The Nautilus Hybrid combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor for 285 horsepower. As a conventional hybrid, it recharges itself as you drive, with no outlet or charging routine to think about. The system automatically manages the interaction between gasoline and electric power. That makes it particularly appealing for drivers who want the benefits of a hybrid without planning their routine around charging. The Nautilus also remains a two-row SUV, giving passengers generous room without the larger footprint of a three-row luxury vehicle. For many South Bay drivers, that balance of space, comfort and maneuverability may be exactly what they're looking for. Why the Reviews Matter One positive review can reflect an individual critic's preferences. What's more telling is when independent automotive authorities reach similar conclusions from different angles. U.S. News recognized the Nautilus Hybrid against other electrified luxury SUVs. Car and Driver praised how the hybrid powertrain complements the vehicle's character. MotorTrend's SUV of the Year award recognized the broader strengths of this generation of the Nautilus. Together, those assessments point to a luxury SUV that doesn't rely on a single standout feature. The appeal comes from how the pieces work together: comfort, technology, design, and an efficient hybrid powertrain. Experience the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus at South Bay Lincoln For drivers throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles area considering a luxury hybrid SUV, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid should be on your test-drive list. Visit South Bay Lincoln in Hawthorne, CA, to see the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus and experience its quiet, refined character firsthand.

What makes a new vehicle a good value? The answer goes beyond the initial window sticker. It includes what you get for that investment, how well the vehicle meets your needs, and what ownership may cost over time. That is the idea behind the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Cars for the Money awards, where two Ford models earned top honors in their respective classes: the 2026 Ford F-150® was named Best Full-Size Truck for the Money, and the 2026 Ford Expedition® won Best Large SUV for the Money. For South Bay shoppers, the awards recognize two very different vehicles for the same underlying strength: a compelling combination of quality and value. What Does “Best for the Money” Measure? U.S. News does not base these awards on the lowest purchase price alone. Quality is based on the overall scores in its Best Car Rankings, which consider safety and reliability data, U.S. News' evaluations and the collective opinion of the automotive press. Value incorporates transaction-price data and projected five-year ownership costs. In other words, the awards recognize vehicles that deliver both quality and value, rather than simply identifying the least expensive model in each category. 2026 Ford F-150: Best Full-Size Truck for the Money The F-150 earned the Best Full-Size Truck for the Money title, with U.S. News highlighting its versatility and range of powertrain choices. That breadth is one of the F-150's biggest strengths. Buyers can choose from six engines, letting them configure the truck around different priorities, from daily driving and jobsite demands to towing and high-performance use. According to Ford's 2026 F-150 specifications, key capabilities include: Towing & Hauling: When properly equipped with the available 3.5L EcoBoost® V6, the F-150 delivers up to 13,500 pounds of towing and up to 2,440 pounds of payload capacity. Actual capability varies by vehicle configuration, equipment, cargo and passengers. PowerBoost® Full Hybrid: Combines 420 horsepower with up to 11,600 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped and available Pro Power Onboard™, which delivers onboard electrical power for tools, equipment and other devices. 2026 Updates: Ford expanded PowerBoost hybrid availability to the STX® trim, giving more F-150 shoppers access to the hybrid powertrain. The ability to tailor the truck to the job, budget and driving style helps explain why the F-150 remains a strong value proposition. 2026 Ford Expedition: Best Large SUV for the Money The 2026 Expedition earned Best Large SUV for the Money, bringing a very different set of strengths to the value equation: three-row passenger space, family-focused technology, and substantial towing capability. Those strengths are especially relevant for families who regularly use all three rows. According to Ford's 2026 Expedition information, the standard-length Expedition provides 22.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and up to 108.5 cubic feet with the rear rows folded. Expedition MAX expands those figures to 37.4 and 123.1 cubic feet, respectively. Other highlights include: Heavy-Duty Towing: Select 4x4 Expedition models can tow up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped. Actual towing capacity varies by vehicle configuration, equipment, cargo and passengers. For families who tow, that capability can accommodate substantial recreational loads such as boats and travel trailers. Connected Technology: Available Ford BlueCruise adds hands-free highway driving on compatible roads, while flexible seating configurations help families adapt the cabin for different combinations of passengers and cargo. The Expedition's value isn't simply about size. It's about having passenger room, cargo flexibility, technology and towing strength in one vehicle for households that genuinely need those capabilities. Two Awards, Two Very Different Buyers The F-150 and Expedition don't compete for the same customer, which makes Ford's two wins even more interesting. The F-150 makes its case through choice: engines, cab and bed configurations, work-ready features, towing technology and trims designed for a wide range of uses. The Expedition earns its place by giving large-SUV buyers passenger room, cargo flexibility, towing strength and technology in one vehicle. What connects them is the award methodology. U.S. News weighs quality alongside real-world value, not simply choosing the least expensive model in each class. What Should South Bay Shoppers Take from the Awards? Awards shouldn't make the decision for you, but they can help narrow the field. If you're shopping for a full-size truck, the F-150's win is another reason to compare its configurations with the work, towing, and daily driving you actually do. If you need a large three-row SUV, the Expedition's recognition adds an independent value credential to its space and capability. Ultimately, value comes down to what you're getting for your investment and how much you'll use the vehicle. See the 2026 Ford F-150 and Expedition at South Bay Ford At South Bay Ford in Hawthorne, CA, you can see the 2026 Ford F-150 and Expedition and decide which features and configurations fit your priorities and budget. Visit South Bay Ford to experience the F-150 or the Expedition firsthand and see what each model offers for your investment

If you're shopping for a new vehicle, there's a good chance an EV has made it onto your list of possibilities. But deciding whether to seriously consider one involves more than comparing horsepower, features and price. For Southern California drivers, some of the most important questions are practical: How far do you typically drive? Can you charge at home? What happens when you want to take a road trip? The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E offers shoppers several ways to make electric driving work, with an EPA-estimated range reaching up to 320 miles, depending on configuration. Actual range can vary based on driving conditions, temperature, vehicle use, battery age and other factors. This year, Ford has also added a distinctly California reason to take another look. The new Mustang Mach-E GT California Special brings a name dating back to 1968 into the electric era, with Rave Blue accents, a coastline-inspired hood graphic and a Navy Pier interior. So, should a Mustang Mach-E be on your shopping list? Here are the questions worth considering. How Much EV Range Do You Really Need? Range is often one of the first concerns for someone considering an electric vehicle. But instead of starting with the biggest available number, start with your own. How many miles do you typically drive in a day? Maybe you commute from Torrance into Los Angeles. Maybe most of your driving stays within the South Bay, with occasional trips farther up the coast or down to San Diego. Your normal routine provides a much better benchmark than the longest trip you might take all year. For 2026, the Mustang Mach-E Premium with rear-wheel drive and the available Extended Range battery offers up to an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range. Select and Premium models with extended-range batteries and eAWD offer up to 300 miles, while the GT offers an EPA-estimated 280 miles. Range varies by battery, drivetrain and configuration, and actual results will depend on conditions and how the vehicle is driven. An EV doesn't need enough range to cover every mile you might drive in an unusually busy week. It needs enough range, paired with convenient charging, to fit your normal routine. Can You Charge at Home? For many shoppers, this may be the most important question. Home charging lets you plug in while the vehicle is parked overnight, instead of making a separate stop for fuel. A Level 2 charger uses a 240-volt connection and charges considerably faster than a standard household outlet. Before deciding on an EV, find out if you can install or access 240-volt charging where you live. If you rent or live in a condo, check your property's charging options. It is also worth reviewing current EV rates and programs offered by your electric utility, since utility rates, charging programs and incentives can change over time. If home charging isn't an option, look at charging options at work and along the routes you regularly travel. An EV can still fit your lifestyle without a home charger, but public charging becomes a more important part of the decision. What Is a Mach-E Like in Los Angeles Traffic? Southern California traffic isn't going away. An electric vehicle can, however, change what driving in it feels like. Electric motors deliver power immediately and quietly, without traditional gear changes. Regenerative braking captures energy as the vehicle slows and sends some of it back to the battery. Available Ford BlueCruise can add another dimension to highway driving. On properly equipped 2026 Mustang Mach-E models, the system enables hands-free driving on compatible divided highways, known as Blue with an active BlueCruise subscription, while monitoring driver attention. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature, so the driver must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times. If you spend substantial time on Southern California freeways, the combination of quiet electric power and hands-free highway driving is worth experiencing on a test drive. What About Road Trips? Choosing an EV doesn't mean giving up weekends in Santa Barbara, San Diego, the desert or the mountains. It does require thinking differently about where you'll refuel along the way. Ford's BlueOval Charge Network unifies multiple public charging networks for Ford EV drivers. Mustang Mach-E drivers can also use compatible Tesla Superchargers with an approved Ford Fast Charging Adapter (NACS), which Ford lists as an option for the 2026 model. Charging-network availability can change, so it's worth checking current compatible stations before a longer trip. For occasional longer trips, charging can simply be one more part of planning your route. If you regularly drive long distances on a tight schedule, look at fast-charging locations along the routes you use most often before deciding if an EV is a good fit. Which 2026 Mustang Mach-E Fits You? Just as shoppers compare engines, trims and features on gas-powered vehicles, the Mach-E lineup offers different combinations of range, performance and equipment. Select: A straightforward entry into the Mach-E lineup with rear-wheel drive or available eAWD. Premium: Adds premium comfort and technology, with up to an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range when equipped with rear-wheel drive and the Extended Range battery. GT: Emphasizes performance, with standard eAWD, 480 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. GT California Special: Builds on the GT with distinctive California-inspired design, including Rave Blue accents, 20-inch Carbonized Gray wheels, an illuminated Rave Blue pony emblem, a coastline-inspired hood graphic and a Navy Pier interior. Rally: Takes the Mach-E in a more adventurous direction with rally-inspired design and equipment. The right configuration depends on what you prioritize, whether that's maximum range, premium amenities, all-wheel-drive traction, performance or distinctive styling. What's Special About the GT California Special? The California Special name has its own history. It originated in 1968, when California Ford dealers collaborated with Ford on a distinctive Mustang created for the market that helped make the car a success. For 2026, Ford has brought that heritage to the electric Mustang family for the first time. The GT California Special pairs its California-inspired design with 480 horsepower, up to 700 lb.-ft. of torque and an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. As with other Mach-E range and performance figures, actual results can vary based on vehicle configuration and driving conditions. For most shoppers, the first question is whether an electric vehicle fits the way they drive. Once it does, the decision becomes much more familiar: which model has the performance, features and style you actually want? That's where the GT California Special stands out. It's an option for drivers who want the benefits of an EV without giving up the personality that has long been part of the Mustang name. Could Charging Cost Less Than Buying Gas? Potentially, but there isn't one answer that applies to every driver. Your cost depends on how many miles you drive, electricity rates, where and when you charge, your current vehicle's fuel economy and gasoline prices. Drivers who can charge at home may also have access to time-of-use electricity rates that make charging at certain hours less expensive. Instead of relying on a national gas-versus-electricity comparison, use your own numbers. Look at your annual mileage, what you currently spend on gasoline and the electricity rates available at your home. That will give you a more realistic picture of how the costs compare. Should the 2026 Mustang Mach-E Be on Your Shopping List? The Mach-E is worth considering if you have convenient charging at home or work and your typical driving fits comfortably within the range of the configuration you're considering. It may also appeal if you value quiet acceleration, immediate electric response, available driver-assist technology and the convenience of replacing many gas-station visits with charging while the vehicle is already parked. An EV may make less sense if reliable charging would be difficult, you routinely cover very long distances with little flexibility for stops or you frequently travel to areas where public charging remains limited. There isn't one right powertrain for every driver. What matters is finding the vehicle that works best for the way you actually drive. Test Drive the 2026 Mustang Mach-E at South Bay Ford Research can tell you a lot about living with an EV. A test drive tells you something different: how you feel behind the wheel. At South Bay Ford in Hawthorne, CA, you can compare available 2026 Mustang Mach-E models and experience the quiet acceleration, technology and driving character of an electric Mustang firsthand. If you're shopping for your next vehicle in Hawthorne, Torrance or elsewhere in the South Bay, explore our available Mustang Mach-E inventory or schedule a test drive at South Bay Ford