2026 Ford F-150 & Expedition: Best for the Money

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.

If you’re shopping for a three-row Ford SUV, the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Ford Expedition offer two very different ways to get the passenger space, cargo room and towing power your family needs. The midsize Explorer focuses on nimble handling, seating for up to seven and efficient performance for everyday commutes. The full-size Expedition offers seating for up to eight, expansive cargo capacity and heavy-duty towing capability. 2026 Ford Explorer vs. Expedition at a Glance Specification 2026 Ford Explorer 2026 Ford Expedition Max Seating Up to 7 Up to 8 Max Cargo Space Up to 85.8 cu. ft., depending on trim Up to 108.5 cu. ft. (123.1 cu. ft. on MAX) Max Available Horsepower 385 hp, depending on trim 440 hp (High Output 3.5L EcoBoost) Max Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs. 9,600 lbs. (9,000 lbs. on MAX 4x4) Drivetrain RWD or available Intelligent 4WD 4x2 or 4x4 Extended-Length Model None Expedition MAX Best Fit Daily commuting, active families, maneuverability Maximum interior volume, heavy towing, larger families Which Is Bigger: Ford Explorer or Ford Expedition? The Expedition is noticeably larger. The 2026 Ford Explorer measures 198.7 inches in overall length, giving it a more manageable footprint for South Bay parking lots, driveways and traffic. The standard Expedition provides considerably more interior room, while the extended-length Expedition MAX adds even more space for passengers and cargo. Seating and Cargo Space Comparison 2026 Ford Explorer: Seats six or seven passengers depending on whether you choose second-row captain's chairs or the available bench seat. It provides 16.3 cubic feet of storage behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the rear rows folded, depending on trim. 2026 Ford Expedition: Accommodates up to eight passengers. According to Ford's 2026 Expedition specifications, it provides 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 69.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 108.5 cubic feet overall. The Expedition MAX expands cargo volume to 37.4 cubic feet behind row three and 123.1 cubic feet total. Performance and Engine Options The Explorer lineup features two responsive engine choices: a standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 producing 300 horsepower and an available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing up to 385 horsepower in California, depending on trim. The Expedition utilizes a standard 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque, with an available High Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 pushing output to 440 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque on Tremor and select higher-series models. Towing Capacity Breakdown Explorer: Tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Actual capacity depends on vehicle configuration, passengers, cargo and equipment. All 2026 Explorer trims include a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, making it well-suited for small campers, lightweight boats and utility trailers. Expedition: According to Ford's 2026 Expedition Towing Guide, properly equipped Expedition 4x4 models can tow up to 9,600 pounds, while Expedition MAX 4x4 models can tow up to 9,000 pounds. Actual towing capacity varies by configuration, cargo, passengers and equipment. Explorer Tremor vs. Expedition Tremor Both lineups feature an off-road-oriented Tremor® model for 2026: Explorer Tremor: The available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces 385 horsepower in California. Ford's 2026 Explorer Tremor also features standard four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, a Torsen® limited-slip rear axle, off-road-tuned suspension with increased ride height and underbody protection. Expedition Tremor: Powered by the 440-hp High Output 3.5L EcoBoost engine, it adds standard 4x4, all-terrain tires, 10.6 inches of ground clearance and underbody protection. The Expedition Tremor can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped. Which SUV Fits Your South Bay Routine? Choose the 2026 Ford Explorer if you need: Three rows of versatile seating in an easy-to-park package. Up to 5,000 pounds of recreational towing capability. Agile driving dynamics for tight parking lots in Torrance and Hawthorne. Choose the 2026 Ford Expedition if you need: Seating for up to eight with dedicated cargo space behind row three. Heavy-duty towing capacity up to 9,600 pounds. Maximum interior space and an extended-length option with Expedition MAX. Compare the Explorer and Expedition at South Bay Ford Sitting in the cabin and getting behind the wheel is the best way to determine whether the midsize Explorer or full-size Expedition best fits your family's needs. Visit South Bay Ford in Hawthorne, CA to see available new Ford SUVs, test drive an Explorer or Expedition and evaluate the seating and interior space in person.

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