What Are the Best Certified Pre-Owned Ford SUVs Near Creve Coeur for a Family of Five?
For a family of five, the Ford Explorer is usually the best all-around certified pre-owned pick: it has a third row, seats up to seven, and the 2023 AWD/4WD model earned a 5-Star Overall rating from NHTSA. If you need more cargo space, the Ford Expedition seats up to eight, and the Edge, Escape, and Bronco Sport are two-row, five-seat options for families who don't need a third row. Suntrup Ford Westport, at 2020 Kratky Road in Saint Louis, MO 63114, is a short drive from Creve Coeur. See how the dealership handles reliable certified pre-owned Fords near St. Louis, or browse its certified pre-owned inventory.
Five people can technically fit in any five-seat SUV, but three children across a second row (especially in car seats), plus strollers, sports bags, and groceries, is a different story. When you shop certified pre-owned, the useful comparison is seating layout, real cargo space, and crash-test results. Ford Blue Advantage has two certification tiers. Gold Certified covers Ford vehicles up to six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles that pass a 172-point inspection. Blue Certified covers vehicles of any make up to 10 years old with fewer than 150,000 miles that pass a 139-point inspection. Families in West County who want a nearby store can also read why shoppers call Suntrup a trusted Ford dealer near Creve Coeur.
Family-Size Ford SUVs Compared: Seats, Cargo, and Safety Ratings
| Ford SUV | Seating & Cargo Space | NHTSA Overall Rating (2023, AWD/4WD) |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer (3 rows) | Seats 6 or 7; 18.2 cu ft behind the 3rd row, 47.9 cu ft behind the 2nd row, and 87.8 cu ft maximum | 5 Stars overall: 5-Star frontal, 5-Star side, 4-Star rollover |
| Expedition / Expedition Max (3 rows) | Seats 7 or 8 on most trims; 20.9 cu ft behind the 3rd row (36 cu ft in the Max) | 5 Stars overall (Expedition 4WD): 5-Star frontal, 5-Star side, 4-Star rollover |
| Edge (2 rows) | Seats 5; 39.2 cu ft behind the rear seat and 73.4 cu ft maximum | 5 Stars overall: 5-Star frontal, 5-Star side, 4-Star rollover |
| Escape (2 rows) | Seats 5; about 37.5 cu ft behind the rear seat and about 65.4 cu ft maximum | 5 Stars overall: 5-Star frontal, 5-Star side, 4-Star rollover |
| Bronco Sport (2 rows) | Seats 5; about 32.5 cu ft behind the rear seat and about 65.2 cu ft maximum | 5 Stars overall: 5-Star frontal, 5-Star side, 4-Star rollover |
Ratings are from NHTSA for 2023 AWD/4WD models; other model years and drivetrains can differ. Cargo figures are manufacturer-published 2023 specifications. Look up a specific vehicle's ratings by year at NHTSA.gov before you buy.
Why the Explorer Fits a Family of Five Best
Ford Explorer: a three-row SUV with room for five and space to spare.
A family of five rarely needs a full-size SUV, but a five-seat SUV leaves no spare seat when a grandparent or friend comes along. The Explorer splits the difference. Its third row folds flat when you need cargo space and comes back up when you need extra seats, and you can choose a second-row bench for seven seats or captain's chairs for six, which gives older kids a walkway to the back. If you regularly carry sports equipment or tow, the Expedition's longer body and the Expedition Max's 36 cu ft behind the third row are worth the larger footprint. If everyone fits in two rows, the Edge has the most cargo space behind the rear seat of the five-seat Ford SUVs in the table. Note that 2024 was the Edge's final North American model year, so every Edge you find now is pre-owned. Model years, trims, and certification status change every week, so use the payment calculator to compare an Explorer with an Expedition on monthly cost before you visit.
How to Choose a Certified Pre-Owned Family SUV
- Check which certification tier the SUV has. Gold Certified includes a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Blue Certified includes a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.
- Test-fit your car seats. Bring every car seat and booster you use and install them in the second row (and third row if needed) before you commit.
- Read the CARFAX report. Every Ford Blue Advantage vehicle comes with a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
- Know your total cost. Suntrup's transparent pricing with zero doc and admin fees keeps the out-the-door number close to the listed price.
- Bring your current vehicle into the math. Get an estimate on your trade-in and pre-qualify online without affecting your credit score.
Certified Pre-Owned Family SUV Questions, Answered
What are the best certified pre-owned Ford SUVs near Creve Coeur for a family of five?
The Ford Explorer is the best all-around fit because it has three rows, seats up to seven, and the 2023 AWD/4WD model earned a 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating. The Expedition is the pick for maximum space, and the Edge, Escape, and Bronco Sport are five-seat options. Suntrup Ford Westport is a short drive from Creve Coeur.
Do I need a three-row SUV for a family of five?
No. A two-row, five-seat SUV such as the Edge or Escape can carry five people. A three-row Explorer or Expedition adds room for extra passengers and makes it easier to fit three car seats or boosters without crowding.
What is the difference between Ford Gold Certified and Blue Certified?
Gold Certified is for Ford vehicles up to six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles. They pass a 172-point inspection and come with a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Blue Certified covers vehicles of any make up to 10 years old with fewer than 150,000 miles. They pass a 139-point inspection and come with a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.
Are certified pre-owned Ford SUVs safe for families?
Yes. NHTSA gave the 2023 AWD/4WD Explorer, Expedition, Edge, Escape, and Bronco Sport 5-Star Overall safety ratings. Ratings vary by model year and drivetrain, so check the specific vehicle on NHTSA.gov.
How far is Suntrup Ford Westport from Creve Coeur?
Suntrup Ford Westport is at 2020 Kratky Road in Saint Louis, MO 63114, in the Westport area just north of Creve Coeur. For most Creve Coeur drivers it is roughly a 10–15 minute drive, depending on traffic and starting point.
Find the Right Certified Family SUV
Schedule a test drive and bring your car seats, or request a Quick Quote on a specific SUV.
Certified pre-owned availability, pricing, and program terms change frequently and are not guaranteed until confirmed at the time of sale. Ford Blue Advantage warranty terms are summarized here; see your dealer for full coverage details and limitations. NHTSA ratings shown apply to the 2023 model year AWD/4WD versions and may differ for other years and configurations. This is general information, not a quote. Confirm current inventory and details with Suntrup Ford Westport, 2020 Kratky Road, Saint Louis, MO 63114, Sales: (314) 697-1796.