Best 2026 Ford SUVs for Summer Road Trips Around Ottawa

Summer is one of the best times to explore Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and nearby destinations in Quebec. Whether you are heading to Gatineau Park, spending a weekend in Prince Edward County, camping in Algonquin Provincial Park or driving to a cottage near the Rideau Lakes, the right SUV can make the entire trip more comfortable and practical.

At Jim Keay Ford, Ottawa-area drivers can choose from several 2026 Ford SUVs designed for different travel needs. This guide compares the Ford Escape, Bronco Sport, Bronco, Expedition and Mustang Mach-E to help you find the best SUV for your summer road trips.

What makes a great SUV for an Ottawa road trip

A good road trip SUV should offer more than enough room for passengers. It should also provide flexible cargo space, comfortable seating, useful technology and a powertrain that fits the type of travelling you plan to do.

Families may prioritize an efficient and comfortable highway vehicle, while campers and outdoor enthusiasts may need extra ground clearance and four-wheel drive. Larger families may want maximum passenger room and towing capability, while drivers planning an electric road trip may focus on driving range, charging access and cabin comfort.

Features such as smartphone connectivity, driver-assistance technologies, available all-wheel drive and configurable rear seating can also make long summer drives easier.

How much passenger and cargo space do you need

Before choosing an SUV, think about what you normally bring with you. A short trip to Gatineau Park may only require a cooler and a few backpacks, while a family vacation could involve suitcases, sports equipment, camping supplies and several passengers.

The Ford Escape is an excellent choice for everyday versatility and family travel. The Bronco Sport provides a practical cargo area for outdoor equipment, while the larger Bronco is better suited to drivers travelling to rugged or remote destinations. The Expedition is the strongest option for large families, group travel and longer trips with plenty of luggage. The Mustang Mach-E offers a spacious cabin and additional storage under the front hood.

If you are comparing several models, browse our new Ford inventory to see the SUVs currently available at Jim Keay Ford.

2026 Ford Escape: the versatile road trip SUV

The 2026 Ford Escape is a strong all-around option for daily driving and weekend travel. Its comfortable ride, flexible interior and range of available powertrains make it well suited to highway trips throughout Ontario and Quebec.

Drivers can choose from gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. The hybrid is especially appealing for longer drives where fuel efficiency is a priority, while available all-wheel drive provides added confidence when travelling through changing weather or on gravel cottage roads.

The Escape is an excellent match for family trips to Kingston, Prince Edward County, the Thousand Islands or Mont-Tremblant. It combines useful cargo space with a manageable size for driving and parking around Ottawa.

2026 Ford Bronco Sport: made for active weekends

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is a practical choice for drivers whose summer plans include hiking, kayaking, fishing or camping. Its standard 4x4 capability helps it handle gravel roads, wet boat launches and uneven routes leading to campgrounds and trailheads.

Available G.O.A.T. Modes help the Bronco Sport adapt to different driving surfaces, while its flexible cargo area provides room for tents, coolers, hiking gear and other outdoor equipment.

For trips to Gatineau Park, Calabogie, Bon Echo Provincial Park or Frontenac Provincial Park, the Bronco Sport offers a useful combination of everyday comfort and added capability. Explore available models on our Bronco Sport inventory page.

2026 Ford Bronco: ready when the pavement ends

The 2026 Ford Bronco is designed for drivers who want greater capability beyond paved highways. Its advanced 4x4 systems, generous ground clearance and rugged construction make it suitable for remote campsites, forest access roads and more demanding terrain.

The Bronco is available in two-door and four-door configurations, allowing drivers to choose between a more compact setup and additional passenger and cargo space. Available removable roof panels and doors also create a unique open-air driving experience during warm summer weather.

For destinations throughout the Ottawa Valley, Madawaska Valley, Lanark Highlands and areas surrounding Algonquin Provincial Park, the Bronco provides the capability needed to explore routes that may be difficult for a conventional crossover.

2026 Ford Expedition: maximum space for family road trips

The 2026 Ford Expedition is designed for families and groups that need generous passenger room, flexible cargo space and strong capability for longer summer trips. With seating for up to eight passengers, it is an excellent choice when everyone is coming along.

Its powerful EcoBoost engine and available four-wheel drive provide confident performance on highways, cottage roads and changing surfaces. When properly equipped, the Expedition can also handle towing duties for drivers bringing a boat, trailer or additional recreational equipment.

The Expedition is particularly well suited to longer trips to Prince Edward County, the Thousand Islands, Mont-Tremblant or family destinations across Ontario and Quebec. Its spacious interior, available comfort features and practical storage help make every kilometre easier for passengers.

Ford Mustang Mach-E: an all-electric summer road trip

The Ford Mustang Mach-E offers a quiet and refined way to travel throughout Ottawa, Ontario and Quebec. Its instant electric performance, comfortable interior and available electric all-wheel drive make it a strong option for drivers ready to travel without using gasoline.

Depending on the selected battery and configuration, the Mustang Mach-E offers driving range suited to many popular trips from Ottawa. Public fast-charging stations along major routes can help drivers plan journeys to destinations such as Montreal, Kingston, Mont-Tremblant and Prince Edward County.

For the best experience, plan charging stops before leaving and look for hotels, restaurants or attractions that offer charging at your destination. View current options through our Mustang Mach-E inventory.

Do you need all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive

All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is not required for every summer road trip, but it can be useful when your destination includes gravel roads, steep hills, wet grass, muddy campsites or boat launches.

The Escape offers available all-wheel drive for drivers who want extra traction while maintaining everyday comfort. The Bronco Sport comes with standard 4x4 capability, while the Bronco offers more advanced 4x4 systems for drivers planning to travel farther beyond paved roads. The Expedition also offers available four-wheel drive for larger families and towing needs.

The Mustang Mach-E is also available with electric all-wheel drive, providing responsive acceleration and added traction without a gasoline engine.

If you are unsure which drivetrain is best for your summer plans, our team can help you compare the available configurations. Visit our contact page to speak with Jim Keay Ford.

Choose the right Ford SUV for your travel style

The best SUV for your summer road trip depends on where you are going, who is travelling with you and what you need to carry.

The Escape is an excellent choice for families, commuters and drivers who value efficiency on longer highway trips. The Bronco Sport is ideal for active weekends and destinations reached by gravel roads. The Bronco is the strongest choice for rugged routes and remote locations. The Expedition is best for large families, group travel, towing and extended vacations, while the Mustang Mach-E provides a quiet all-electric option for planned trips along established charging routes.

Thinking about your regular use is important. The right SUV should work for your summer vacations while remaining practical for commuting, shopping and everyday driving throughout the rest of the year.

Five summer road trips from Ottawa

Gatineau Park is only a short drive from Ottawa and offers beaches, hiking trails, cycling routes and scenic lookouts. Calabogie is another excellent choice for hiking, mountain biking, lakeside activities and relaxing weekend stays.

Prince Edward County offers beaches, restaurants, local shops and scenic country roads. Algonquin Provincial Park is ideal for camping, canoeing and hiking, while the Rideau Lakes region provides waterfront communities, marinas and peaceful roads throughout Eastern Ontario.

Each destination offers a different type of trip, which is why Ford provides SUVs ranging from efficient urban crossovers to spacious family vehicles and highly capable 4x4 models.

Why choose Jim Keay Ford in Orléans

Choosing the right Ford SUV is easier when you can compare several models and configurations in one place.

Jim Keay Ford serves drivers from Orléans, Ottawa, Gloucester, Cumberland, Rockland and communities throughout Eastern Ontario. Our team can help you compare passenger space, cargo capacity, powertrains, drivetrains and available technology.

From selecting a vehicle to arranging financing and maintaining it after purchase, Jim Keay Ford is ready to support you throughout your ownership experience. You can begin exploring payment options through our finance department.