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For years, the Ford Escape has been a go-to choice for customers who wanted a comfortable, easy-to-drive SUV with everyday practicality. Now that the Escape is no longer part of Ford’s new-vehicle lineup, many shoppers are asking the same question: “What should I look at next?” The good news is that Ford still has strong options for Escape customers depending on what they liked most about their previous SUV. Whether they want something similar in size, more space for family, or added utility for work and weekend projects, the Bronco Sport, Explorer, and Maverick each offer a different path forward. For Customers Who Want a Similar-Sized SUV: Ford Bronco Sport The Ford Bronco Sport is likely the most natural next step for many Escape owners. It keeps that compact SUV size customers appreciate, while adding a more rugged personality and standard 4x4 capability. For drivers who liked the Escape because it was easy to park, comfortable for daily errands, and practical year-round, the Bronco Sport checks a lot of the same boxes while bringing extra confidence for snow, gravel roads, cabin trips, and weekend adventures. Best fit for: Customers who want to stay in a compact SUV but would enjoy a tougher look, standard 4x4 capability, and a vehicle that feels ready for Minnesota weather and outdoor lifestyles. For Customers Who Need More Room: Ford Explorer If an Escape customer is ready to move up in size, the Ford Explorer is worth a serious look. With three rows, more passenger space, and extra cargo room, the Explorer is a great choice for growing families, road trips, sports gear, pets, and customers who simply want more breathing room than a compact SUV can offer. Best fit for: Customers who liked the Escape but now want more seating, more space, and a larger SUV that can handle busy family life with confidence. For Customers Who Want SUV Comfort with Truck Utility: Ford Maverick The Ford Maverick is a smart option for Escape drivers who are open to something different. It drives smaller and more comfortably than many people expect from a truck, but adds the convenience of a pickup bed for hauling mulch, tools, bikes, camping gear, small furniture, or weekend project supplies. Best fit for: Customers who still want everyday comfort but could use more utility than an SUV cargo area provides. How to Help Customers Choose Choose the Bronco Sport if they want the closest Escape alternative with a more adventurous style. Choose the Explorer if they need more room, more seating, or a family-friendly upgrade. Choose the Maverick if they want great everyday drivability plus the usefulness of a truck bed. Final Thoughts The Escape may be gone, but Ford customers still have plenty of great choices. The key is to match each shopper to what they loved most about the Escape — size, comfort, capability, space, or practicality — and then helping them find the Ford vehicle that fits their life today.

When shopping for a new vehicle, most people focus on the big things: reliability, capability, fuel economy, towing power, cargo space, and how it looks in the driveway. But after a few weeks of ownership, it is often the smaller everyday features that drivers start talking about the most. At NorthStar Ford in Duluth, we hear it all the time. A customer buys a Ford for one reason, then comes back and says, “I didn’t think I’d care about that feature, but now I use it every day.” From cold Minnesota mornings to long highway drives, these are five Ford features that tend to become favorites fast. 1. The Ford App The Ford app is one of those tools many owners download because they feel like they “should,” then quickly realize how useful it actually is. Depending on the vehicle and setup, the app can help with remote start, lock and unlock, vehicle status, fuel or charge information, GPS location, service history, Ford Rewards, and scheduling service. For Duluth drivers, remote start alone is a game changer. Starting your Ford from inside the house before a cold morning commute or checking your vehicle status before heading out the door is the kind of convenience that becomes part of your routine without even thinking about it. 2. The Keyless Entry Keypad Ford’s keyless entry keypad may not sound exciting at first, but owners who use it tend to love it. It gives you a simple way to unlock your vehicle without needing your key or key fob in your hand, which can be surprisingly helpful in everyday life. Heading to the lake, going for a run, loading groceries, sharing access with a family member, or realizing your keys are in the wrong coat pocket? The keypad is one of those features that feels simple until the first time it saves you time and frustration. 3. Adaptive Cruise Control Adaptive Cruise Control is a feature many drivers assume they will only use on long road trips. Then they try it on a drive down I-35 or a weekend trip to the Twin Cities and suddenly understand the appeal. Available Adaptive Cruise Control can help maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and some Ford systems can include Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering capability. The result is a more relaxed driving experience, especially in traffic, on longer highway stretches, or during daily commutes. 4. Blind Spot Monitoring Blind Spot Information System, also known as BLIS, is one of those features you do not always notice until you drive a vehicle without it. It can alert you when another vehicle is detected in your blind spot, helping add confidence when changing lanes or merging. For busy roads, highway driving, parking lots, and unpredictable traffic, blind spot monitoring quietly works in the background. It is not flashy, but it is practical, and that is exactly why many Ford owners appreciate it every single day. 5. Heated Seats and a Heated Steering Wheel In Minnesota, comfort features are not just nice extras. Heated seats and an available heated steering wheel can make winter driving noticeably better, especially on early mornings, snowy days, or quick trips where the cabin has not fully warmed up yet. Many shoppers do not put heated comfort features at the top of their must-have list, but once they have them, they become hard to give up. It is a small detail that makes every cold-weather drive feel a little easier. Find Your Favorite Ford Feature at NorthStar Ford The best Ford features are often the ones that make everyday life easier. Whether it is starting your vehicle from your phone, unlocking your doors with a keypad, feeling more confident on the highway, or staying warm on a cold Duluth morning, these small conveniences can make a big difference. If you are shopping for a new or used Ford in Duluth, MN, visit NorthStar Ford to explore available Ford models and see which features fit your daily drive best.

Ford's SUV lineup offers something for everyone, but two models often top shoppers' lists: the Explorer and the Expedition. While they may share the Ford badge, these SUVs serve very different needs. Discover which one is right for your family, budget, and adventures as we step into the ring for the matchup of Ford's SUV lineup: Explorer vs. Expedition. The biggest difference between the Ford Explorer and Expedition comes down to size, space, and capability. The Expedition is Ford's full-size SUV, offering more passenger room, cargo space, and towing power. In general, the Expedition is great for large families, frequent road-trippers, and drivers who need to tow boats, campers, or trailers with confidence. On the other hand, the Explorer delivers a more maneuverable driving experience, making it ideal for daily commuting, smaller families, and those who want the versatility of an SUV without the extra bulk. Now, let's dive a little deeper into these key differences. Expedition: Built for Big Adventures When it comes to size, the Expedition has a clear advantage. Measuring 209.9 inches in length, it's nearly a foot longer than the Explorer. That extra size translates into significantly more passenger and cargo space, making it the perfect choice for larger families or anyone who never seems to travel light. With seating for up to eight passengers and up to 108.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the Expedition is ready for family vacations, weekends at the cabin, sports tournaments, and everything in between. Whether you're packing luggage, coolers, camping gear, or hockey equipment, you'll have room to spare. The Expedition also shines when it comes to towing. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped, it's built for boat owners, campers, and adventure seekers who need serious muscle. Its powerful performance and commanding presence make it feel right at home on long-distance road trips and outdoor excursions. While the Expedition prioritizes power and space, it remains surprisingly efficient for a full-size SUV, offering up to 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway depending on configuration. Key Highlights Length: 209.9 inches Seating: Up to 8 passengers Maximum Cargo Space: 108.5 cu. ft. Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,600 lbs Fuel Economy: Up to 17 MPG city / 23 MPG highway Best For: Large families, towing, road trips, and maximizing cargo space Explorer: Everyday Versatility The Ford Explorer may be smaller than the Expedition, but that's exactly what makes it so appealing for many drivers. At approximately 198.8 inches in length, it's easier to park, navigate city streets, and maneuver in tight spaces while still providing plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Explorer can seat up to seven passengers and offers up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, striking a balance between practicality and everyday convenience. Its more compact size gives it a sportier and more agile feel, making it an excellent choice for commuters, growing families, and weekend adventurers alike. While it doesn't match the Expedition's towing power, the Explorer still delivers an impressive maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped—more than enough for many boats, utility trailers, and smaller campers. Another advantage of the Explorer is fuel efficiency. Depending on the engine and drivetrain, the Explorer can achieve up to 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, helping drivers spend less time and money at the pump. Key Highlights Length: 198.8 inches Seating: Up to 7 passengers Maximum Cargo Space: 87.8 cu. ft. Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,600 lbs Fuel Economy: Up to 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway Best For: Daily driving, growing families, weekend adventures, and easier maneuverability The Verdict When comparing the Ford Explorer and Expedition, there's no wrong choice, just the right choice for your lifestyle. If maximum space, towing capability, and family-hauling power are at the top of your list, the Expedition comes out swinging. If you want a versatile SUV that's easier to drive, park, delivers better fuel economy, and fits seamlessly into everyday life, the Explorer lands a few solid punches of its own. Fortunately, whichever corner you choose, you'll be driving home in a champion. Ready to find your perfect match? Visit Northstar Ford and experience the Explorer and Expedition for yourself. One test drive may be all it takes to declare your winner.

What Employee Pricing Means for You at Northstar Ford in Duluth, MN If you have seen signs or ads for employee pricing and wondered what that means for you, you are not alone. The simple answer is this: it is a chance to shop with added confidence and real savings. At Northstar Ford in Duluth, employee pricing is all about making it easier for local drivers to get a great value on a new vehicle without feeling like they have to overthink every part of the process. Buying a vehicle should feel exciting, not stressful. That is one reason employee pricing gets so much attention. Instead of wondering whether you are getting a fair deal, you can focus on finding the Ford that fits your life, your budget, and your daily needs here in Duluth and the surrounding area. What Employee Pricing Means for the Customer At the heart of employee pricing is a simple idea: You pay what we pay. That message matters because it helps take some of the guesswork out of shopping for your next vehicle. For you, that can mean a better value, a more straightforward experience, and more confidence from the moment you start looking. How Employee Pricing Typically Works Every employee pricing event can be a little different, but the main idea stays the same. It gives qualified shoppers access to a lower price than the standard retail price. That is why so many people get excited when they see an employee pricing offer. It feels easier to understand, easier to trust, and easier to compare while you shop. Why This Message Matters Right Now Right now, drivers want more than just a low price. They want to feel good about where they buy and how they buy. That is why American Value. For American Values. means so much. It speaks to fairness, hard work, and giving customers an offer that feels honest and worthwhile. Why So Many Shoppers Like Employee Pricing Most shoppers do a lot of research before buying a vehicle. They compare models, look at payment options, think about trade-in value, and try to make the smartest choice for their family. Employee pricing helps because it makes the pricing side feel simpler. Instead of feeling like you have to figure everything out on your own, you can start with an offer that is designed to be clear and customer-friendly. Why Employee Pricing Connects with Twin Ports Drivers At Northstar Ford, we work with drivers from Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, Superior, and across the Twin Ports area. Some are looking for a reliable daily driver. Others need an SUV for family life or a truck that is ready for the jobsite, the weekend, and everything in between. Employee pricing stands out because it gives local shoppers a chance to save while shopping close to home. Key Benefits of Employee Pricing Who Benefits Most from Employee Pricing? Employee pricing can be a great fit for all kinds of shoppers. If this is your first time buying a new vehicle, it can make the process feel less overwhelming. If you are shopping for your family, it can help you focus on value. If you are looking for a truck or SUV, it can make it easier to compare the features you want with a price that feels more within reach. Lower pricing compared with standard retail offers A simpler, more transparent buying experience Less pressure to negotiate from scratch Better confidence in the overall value of the purchase A clearer starting point when comparing financing and trade-in options Final Thoughts If you are shopping for a new vehicle in Duluth, MN or anywhere near the Twin Ports, employee pricing is a great time to take a closer look. It is a simple way to shop with more confidence, enjoy real savings, and feel good about your decision. If you want to explore current inventory, compare options, or talk through the details, the team at Northstar Ford is here to help. Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Pricing Is employee pricing really a good deal? For many shoppers, yes. Employee pricing can be a great way to save while also making the buying process feel easier to understand. If you like the idea of a more straightforward offer, it is definitely worth exploring. Does employee pricing help local buyers? Absolutely. If you live in Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, Superior, or nearby, employee pricing gives you a chance to find a strong offer at a dealership that is close and convenient. What should I do next? Take a look at current inventory, see which vehicles fit your needs, and reach out to the Northstar Ford team if you want help. We are happy to answer questions and help you find the right fit.