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When it comes to full-size SUVs, the biggest players in every sense of the word are the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban. Both of these vehicles offer the promise of seemingly limitless capability. They can carry large quantities of family and friends and their stuff, tow big toys, and, with available 4WD, plow through snow-covered and unpaved roads without a care in the world. Benna Ford compares these two big boys. Size Starting with these model’s obvious attributes, the Suburban is clearly much larger. Fifteen inches shorter, the Expedition is actually closer to the Chevrolet Tahoe in size, while the stretched Expedition MAX approaches the Suburban’s length, though it is still 3.8 inches shorter. The Suburban’s size means that it will not fit into many single-family home garages. The Expedition XL is a five-seater, but all other trims have a third row to seat eight. Most Suburbans also seat eight, though there is a seldom-ordered option to replace the front bucket seats with a bench for a total seating capacity of nine. While the Expedition MAX closes the gap, the Suburban still has greater cargo space: Cargo Space (cubic feet) Behind: 3rd row 2nd row 1st row Expedition 19.3 53.6 104.6 Expedition MAX 34.3 79.6 121.5 Suburban 41.5 93.8 144.7 The difference is diminished when it comes to passenger space. The Expedition and the MAX have the same passenger space, and when comparing legroom against the Suburban, both 2nd-row and 3rd-row legroom differs by about half an inch. Drivetrains The Expedition counters with more modern engines. The Suburban offers 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines as well as a V6 Duramax Turbodiesel. Generally, each Suburban trim offers two of the three engine choices. All Expeditions are powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in three available states of tune, which are determined by the trim level. V8 power may seem as American as apple pie, but the turbocharged V6s are the stars in this group. Expedition 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) XL, XLT, STX 380 @ 5,000 470 @ 2,250 Limited, King Ranch, Platinum 400 @ 5,000 480 @ 2,250 Limited Stealth Performance, Timberline 440 @ 5,000 510 @ 2,250 Suburban 5.3L V8 355 @ 5600 383 @ 4100 6.2L V8 420 @ 5600 460 @ 4100 3.0 Turbo Diesel V6 277 @ 3750 460 @1500 As seen above, the base engine of the Expedition has significantly more horsepower than the base Suburban engine. Its torque is greater than all available Suburban engines, including the diesel. Higher-tune Expedition engines increase the torque differences. At the same time, the Expedition provides greater fuel economy than both Suburban V8 engines. As the Superior, WI area is very much 4x4 country, the 4X4 figures are shown: Expedition 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 EPA city/hwy/comb. mpg XL, XLT, STX (4x4) 16 / 22 / 18 Limited, King Ranch, Platinum (4x4) 16 / 22 / 18 Limited Stealth Performance, Timberline (4x4) 16 / 19 / 17 Suburban 5.3L V8 (4x4) 15 / 18 / 16 6.2L V8 (4x4) 14 / 18 / 16 3.0L Turbodiesel V6 (4x4) 20 / 26 / 22 The Suburban’s diesel engine has the best mileage of all, though this is somewhat mitigated by the higher price of diesel fuel. The greater torque of the Expedition engines contributes to greater towing capacity. Again, focusing on 4X4 models, the Expedition has a maximum towing capacity of 9,200 lbs., dropping to 9,000 lbs. for the MAX model. By contrast, the maximum towing capacity for a 4x4 Suburban is 8,000 lbs. with the 5.3L V8, 7,900 lbs. with the 6.2L V8, and 7,800 lbs. with the diesel engine. Interior and Technology Both models range from basic accommodations with cloth seats to absolute indulgence bathed in soft leather. For the Suburban, which starts at $64,195 with 4WD, basic accommodations include an 8-inch infotainment screen bumping up to 10-inch for the rest of the model line, analog gauges with a 4.2-inch information screen, a 6-speaker audio system, 10-way power front seats, and tri-zone climate control. The Expedition starts at $57,660 for an XL STX with 4WD, though that only includes seating for five. The 8-passenger XLT with 4WD starts at $62,635, and the MAX version starts at $65,695. All three come standard with a 12-inch center screen, beating the largest on the Suburban. Also standard are 8-way power front seats, tri-zone climate control on XLT, analog gauges with an 8-inch information screen, and power-folding 3rd-row seats. A very large 15.5-inch center screen that can be seen throughout the cabin is an option on upper trim levels. At the top of each model line, along with soft leather, panoramic roofs, and 360-degree camera systems, the Suburban High Country offers a 10-speaker Bose ® Surround Sound audio system. Still, the Expedition outclasses it with a standard 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system on King Rang and Platinum models. Safety and Driver Assistance The Suburban and Expedition both carry standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and automatic high beams. The Expedition also has a standard blind-spot monitor, which you can use on vehicles of this size. The Expedition has an Overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA, including 5-star ratings for all impact tests. The Suburban has a 4-star overall rating, scoring less on frontal crash and rollover tests.  At the top of the model range, both models offer a hands-free highway driving system based on pre-mapped roads. For North America, GM claims over 400,000 highway miles for its Super Cruise, while Ford’s Blue Cruise claims coverage of 97% percent of controlled access highways. Either will probably be suitable for your long trips. Super Cruise does have automatic lane change, which Blue Cruise lacks. Expedition is a Winner Both models have their strengths. The Suburban is bigger, but the Expedition really stands out with better powertrains, gas efficiency, greater towing capacity, big touchscreens, and better safety scores. Take a closer look at the Expedition and Expedition MAX at Benna Ford in Superior, Wisconsin.

2024 is the Mustang’s 60th birthday. As it turns out, the car in Mustang GT3 form gave us the present with a podium finish in its first run in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 88 Mustang GT3, driven by Dennis Olsen, Giorgio Roda, and Mikkel O. Pedersen, hit the 24-hour mark third in the LMGT3 category. The No. 44 car, driven by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck, finished close behind in fourth place. This Benna Ford blog post elaborates on this achievement. It is generally understood that you don’t go to Le Mans the first time to win. You go with the hope of just finishing. You then lick your wounds and determine what you need to do to actually win. Even the now Hollywood-famous Ford GT failed to finish in its first run at LeMans in 1964, only to have its legendary 1-2-3 win two years later. While there is nothing like taking first place, reaching third and fourth in a car’s first LeMans run is quite the accomplishment. As an additional victory, all three Mustang GT3s that entered the race finished it 24 hours later. 2024 is not only the Mustang’s 60th anniversary. It is also the 60th anniversary of the nameplate’s first racing win in France when the freshly born 1964 Mustang won its class in the 1964 Tour de France, another automotive endurance race that is now better known as the multi-day bicycle race of the same name. Of the 117 cars that started that race in 1964, only 36 finished. The winner of the Touring 3.0-liter+ Class was the 1964 Mustang, which snatched a victory from Jaguar’s sedans, which had won the class for the previous four years. The third Mustang GT3 entered the 2024 LeMans was #77, driven by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Barker, and Zacharie Robichon. The car experienced early challenges on the track during the race but completed the 24 hours in the 17th class position. They had a victory earlier in the week when they recorded the fastest qualifying lap on Thursday, advancing to the Hyperpole, a pre-race ceremony of the fastest cars in each class to qualify. It also marked the first lead qualifying position by a Mustang GT3 after four rounds of WEC racing so far in 2024. “Today’s podium performance shows that Mustang can come and compete on the global stage against the best sports cars in the world,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “It is such a fantastic feeling to be able to do it in the first outing for Mustang at Le Mans. It’s a great testament to our company, our employees and all our fans who are celebrating Mustang’s 60 th anniversary this year and all the great partners we have with Proton Competition, M-Sport and Multimatic Motorsports. We’re racing and winning all around the world, but to have a podium here at Le Mans is such a special moment.” “It’s always great to be on the podium and especially at Le Mans,” said Christian Ried, Proton Competition Team Principal. “But also, in the first year of a new car, and in the 60th Anniversary of Mustang, there are just so many things that came together to make today possible. It’s unbelievable. We saw that this was a good car at its debut in Daytona, and we’ve since taken all the steps in order to make this work in its first season. From Daytona, Sebring and Long Beach, to Qatar, Imola and Spa, we felt like we could bring a car here after those six months that could fight for the win. To finish on the podium in third is amazing. I’m proud of everyone.” While the Mustang GT3 is heavily modified to compete in the GT3 class, all GT3 competitors must be based on production models. Redesigned for its 60th year, the production Mustang is quite impressive in its own right. Even the smallest 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 315 horsepower, over 100 horsepower more than the V8 of the original model. The 4th generation Coyote V8 is rated at 480 - 486 horsepower in the GT, while the Dark Horse model achieves 500 hp. Benna Ford invites you to take a close look at this winning vehicle in its street-legal form.

A general rule with EVs is that they work best when you can charge them at home. When you leave home fully charged, you will have 200-300 miles to cover your day’s travel, and when you get home, plug it into the home charger and do the same the next day. But deep in the rocky mountains, Ben Westby and his family have turned that completely around. Ben has an F-150 Lightning and lives in a house off the electric grid. This Benna Ford post describes his experiences, and explains how this truck fits into his lifestyle. Ben is an elementary school teacher who also worked in China for seven years. In addition to his wife and two pre-teen daughters, the family has fostered 13 children over the years and raises goats and chickens. Finding a big enough house and plot of land for their large family that was also affordable sent him 9,000 feet into the mountains to a home outside the electric grid. A previous Tesla owner and EV enthusiast, Ben set his sights on the F-150 Lightning from its first reveal and finally traded in his ICE vehicle for one in September 2023. He wishes he could have made the move sooner. “ the utility of the F-150 plus the benefits of the battery. Being off-grid in the Rockies is an extreme case for owning an EV, but we're maximizing it. We're absolutely loving it.” Obviously, Ben doesn’t charge his Lightning at home, but he can charge it at work. Since his round-trip commute is significantly shorter than the Lightning’s range, Ben has plenty of electricity from his truck to use at home. It isn’t the home’s sole source of electricity. The home is fitted with solar panels and an additional propane generator. Days can go by without sunlight or with snow covering the panels, and the propane generator is expensive to run and quite noisy in the otherwise silent mountain woods. Ben speaks of when one of his solar inverters failed. Using the Pro Power Onboard system, he was able to run the “refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, all of our essential devices off the F-150 Lightning.” He is also a fan of the truck’s Zone Lighting. Deep in the woods, there are no street lamps, and Colorado can get dark early in the winter. The vehicle’s lighting helps him with the outdoor after-work chores that come with raising goats and chickens. He also uses the Pro Power Onboard system for various cordless electric tools, such as his electric snow blower and chainsaw. He has even used it to charge the kids' phones and devices before a significant snowfall. Ben Westby and family may not be typical EV owners, but they demonstrate how versatile the F-150 Lightning can be and that you don’t need to have the perfect setup to be a happy EV owner. If you think there is even a chance that the F-150 Lighting can become a companion in your life, come to Benna Ford, take one for a drive, and learn all of what Ford’s big, versatile EV can do for you.

As we take a closer look at the Mustang Mach-E Rally, we see an all-electric SUV designed for optimal performance on city streets or off-roading excursions. The engineering that went on behind the scenes to make the Mach-E is something to be celebrated as Ford takes an innovative leap into the Electric SUV segment. Pushing the Boundaries When thinking of the design in early 2022, Peter Schultz and Craig Migliori were racking their brains to create a rally version of the Mach-E. What is a true rally version, you ask? A rally version can withstand harsher weather conditions and rough terrain and includes various competitive motoring elements. The new build was put to the test at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds and confirmed that the Mach-E had triumphed in creating a Mach-E rally model. Chris Berchin is Ford’s off-road attributes engineer, and Jay Kistler is a vehicle engineering supervisor. Together, they put the Mach-E Rally to the test with a 500-mile torture test. To determine if the vehicle was rally-approved, they consulted rallycross drivers to create a rallycross testing course. Once completed, the Mach-E Rally passed the test with flying colors, proving that it was not only rally-worthy but also a cut above. Enhancing Every Drive While designing the Mach-E Rally, there were some major things to consider to make it rally-ready. It would need great suspension and tires built to handle rugged terrain, so they added one inch to the suspension, rally crossed-tuned shocks and springs, 19-inch wheels, and CrossClimate2 tires. When off-roading, things can get messy, and rough terrain can damage a car if it is not properly equipped. Underbody protection was added to keep the vehicle in good working condition, no matter the obstacle. Lastly, we need that rally look and feel! To enhance the appearance of the Mach-E, contrasting elements were added: a front splitter, body moldings, a rear spoiler, and rally fog lights. Come on Down Here at Benna Ford, we are excited to present this new Rally version of the Mach-E. The original Mach-E was already a leap in innovative design, but the Mach-E Rally takes it a step further with its incredible capabilities and rally-approved stance. Electric vehicles are becoming the way of the future, and the Mach-E Rally is an excellent example of what EV vehicles are truly capable of. Are you looking for a capable, durable, and thrilling EV vehicle? The all-electric Mach-E Rally is the perfect vehicle for you! Contact us today at Benna Ford to learn more about the Mach-E Rally and see all that Benna Ford has to offer!

Other markets around the world had a Ranger Raptor available to them for years, but Ford waited for the Ranger redesign to bring the Raptor to its home turf. It is ready to deliver the Raptor experience on a slightly smaller platform than its F-150 sibling, and the Motor1 enthusiast website took it for a spin. This Benna Ford blog post relays the Motor1 driving impression of the new Ranger Raptor. After the Raptor versions of the F-150 and the Bronco, the Raptor formula is fairly well understood. which Motor1 describes as “A heaping dose of power, dune-tuned suspension, the biggest A/Ts that’ll fit under the fenders, and a shot of testosterone to the styling.” The Ranger Raptor is no different. In a segment that is rapidly going to all 4-cylinders, it boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, which is more power than you will find anywhere in the class and 92 more ponies in the stable than the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. It’s combined with a 10-speed automatic, and you won’t find more ratios in the class either, assuming you don’t count CVTs. The truck rides on 33-inch BFGoodrich K03 All Terrain tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. The front suspension consists of forged aluminum double-A arms with 2.5-inch Fox ® Live Valve Shocks in the front with a Watts-link rear suspension with trailing arms also fitted with Fox ® Live Valve Shocks. The shocks feature external fluid reservoirs, each with an electronically adjustable internal bypass. There are no less than seven drive modes, with three for the pavement (Normal, Sport, and Slippery) and four for off-road (Sand, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Baja). Each mode adjusts engine response, transmission settings, ABS sensitivity and traction control calibrations, brake and steering feel, and even the instrument cluster arrangement. Motor1 found the truck most at home in Baja Mode, the purpose of which is fast driving over rough terrain and is described by Ford as the Raptor’s most extreme mode for on-the-limit driving. “The suspension in Baja Mode cossets body motions enough to soak up dips and potholes without allowing excessive roll or float. The steering is heavy in Baja mode, but it’s precise and easily adjusted mid-slide, which gave me confidence the moment I flicked the Raptor’s rear end out.” They felt that this was the Raptor’s forte as opposed to slow rock crawling despite the dedicated driving mode for it. The Raptor is not shy about promoting its capability. The two things that stand out in the front are the front skid plate and the grille, where the humble Ford blue oval has been replaced by “FORD” with nearly 10-inch-wide letters. The Raptor typeface extends half the bed length on each side. Bulging fender flares accommodate the 3.5 extra inches of track width. Inside, “Code Orange” trim appears throughout, including stitching and a bold centerline on the steering wheel. A big portrait-format 12-inch touch screen dominates the dash with an even larger 12.3 digital information center for the driver. Physical controls remain for the most common HVAC adjustments. Motor1 points out how the tires and suspension do not exactly produce a quiet and luxurious ride on the highway. It is clear at all times what you bought this truck for. But they conclude with a reminder of its class-leading power plus: “It’s lacking in manners, but the Raptor is your best bet for taming the Wild West.” All Raptors are specialty models that Benna Ford doesn’t always keep in stock. If none appear in our inventory, contact one of our sales professionals to have them bring in a model for your own driving impression.

Like the Raptor versions of the F-150 and the Bronco, the Ranger Raptor is the most hard-core off-road trim level in the model line. The internal hardware enhances both slow rock crawling and high-speed desert running. From rock-hopping to leaping in the air to heading home in reasonable comfort, the Ranger Raptor promises to do it all.  This Benna Ford blog gives you a closer look at the truck that's ready for any adventure, instilling confidence in your off-roading capabilities. Positioned at the pinnacle of the Ranger Line, the Raptor is the culmination of a series that commences with the $32,670 XL and progresses through the XLT and Lariat grades. With a starting MSRP of $55,470, the Raptor represents the ultimate expression of the Ranger. Like all 2024 Rangers, the Raptor is available in a single configuration, featuring a crew cab with a 5-foot bed. The Raptor's design elements speak to its superior off-road capabilities. The bulging fender flares reveal a 3.5-inch wider track than other 4WD Rangers. 17-inch aluminum wheels paired with 33-inch BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, the Raptor is ready to tackle any terrain. Beadlock wheels are an option. Going Fast The Raptor replaces the tow-friendly rear leaf-spring suspension of other Rangers with a Watts Link suspension, which effectively controls lateral movement during high-speed off-roading. The Raptor also introduces a unique Baja mode to the drive-mode selector, which optimizes the thresholds for the ABS and traction control systems and adjusts steering weight for an enhanced off-road experience. The mode can be activated in either 2H or 4H transfer case settings. Going Slow For the opposite form of off-roading, Ford adds a very sophisticated Rock Crawl mode that acts as a cruise control for slow traversing over the rough stuff. The speed, or lack thereof, can be controlled by 0.5 increments up to 10 mph using the dial on the center console. In Off-Road mode, the limit rises to 20 mph, which can be adjusted in 1 mph increments. Just as with standard cruise control, you can speed things up with the throttle, and it will return to the setting after release, and the system is canceled with a tap of the brake pedal. The 360-degree camera views also help you spot obstacles on all sides of the truck. Going with Authority Unlike the competitors from GM and Toyota, which have turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, the Ranger Raptor uses the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 found in the Bronco Raptor, which produces a beyond-respectable 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.  With that kind of torque, you could probably get by with a two-speed transmission, but Ford gives you ten instead with manual control on hand. From there, the power heads to all four wheels through electronic front and rear locking differentials. Going with Stuff It is worth noting that the Ranger Raptor is also fully prepared to be a truck and do truck things. The model lines' increased width enables 4x8 sheets of plywood to fit between the wheel wells in the bed. Six clamps in the bed help you keep your load secure, and available LED lighting enables you to do that securing at night when necessary.  Also included in the bed is a 120-volt outlet for power accessories. Despite the rear suspension swap, the Ranger Raptor can still tow up to 5,510 pounds and includes a trick piece of technology to help you with that. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist dramatically simplifies reverse travel with a trailer. Engage it and you can use the drive mode dial to steer the vehicle in reverse and without the need to counter-steer.  You simply turn in the direction you want the trailer to go. Another interesting feature that comes with the purchase of a Ford Ranger Raptor is a complementary day of off-roading at Ford’s Ranger Raptor Assault School in Tooele Valley, Utah. You don’t have to drive your Raptor there either, as you take the class and course in the school’s trucks, so you can make mistakes on them rather than your shiny new truck. Going For It While its starting MSRP of $55,470 is at the top of the Ranger range, so to speak, it is the most cost-effective path to Raptor fun, costing over $20K and $35K less than the F-150 and Bronco Raptors, respectively.  If this sounds like your kind of truck, you need to check it out for yourself at Benna Ford, where it, like all new models, comes with the Benna Ford 20-year,200,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty. Happy Trails!

Now entering its third year, the Mustang Mach-E looks the same but has undergone some significant engineering improvements under the skin. In short, the 2024 Mach-E has a more extended range, charges faster, and the top performance models are even quicker than before. Benna Ford fills you in on the details. Quicker Performance Never Hurts Let’s start with the most fun part. A Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade results in a tested 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds, a speed that beats both direct competitor Tesla Model Y Performance and a less direct competitor, but we will take it anyway, the Porsche Macan 4 Electric. With this upgrade, the GT goes on for a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 114 mph. The changes come from a new in-house eMotor that will be available in 2024 on all Mach-E models, along with improved thermal modeling and control algorithms that deliver an additional 100 lb-ft of torque. The Performance upgrade is standard on the new Mach-E Rally and available on the Mach-E GT. In another example of how things are different for electric cars, Mustang Mach-E GT customers have the choice of getting the Performance Upgrade at purchase or purchasing the upgrade at a later date. The Mach-E GT also receives new standard features that were former performance options such as the Ford Performance front seats, MagneRide ® Damping System, and Brembo™ branded front brake calipers. The Mach-E Rally The Mach-E Rally joins the lineup as the first-ever rally-inspired EV from Ford. The Mach-E Rally has standard AWD, and its two motors combined with the standard Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade result in 480 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The body features a 1-inch higher suspension lift riding on gloss white 19-inch wheels.  Wrapping those wheels are 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 tires with plenty of sidewall and loose surface traction that lets you enjoy all that power on and off the pavement. Besides the wheels and lift, the Mach-E Rally distinguishes itself with unique upper and lower body moldings, a front splitter, a black steel roof, and bespoke fog lights. The color pallet is noticeable on its own with Grabber Yellow, Grabber Blue, and Eruption Green, in addition to Shadow Black and optional Star White and Glacier Gray. Thanks to the more efficient in-house motor, all 2024 Mustang Mach-E models also get improved range: Model 2024 EPA Estimated Range (miles) Improvement Mach-E Select, standard-range battery (72 kWh), RWD 250 +20 Mach-E Premium, extended-range battery (91 kWh), RWD 320 +20 Mach-E GT (91 kWh), AWD 280 +10 Mach-E Rally (91 kWh), AWD 265 n/a As important as the range, the Mustang Mach-E now charges faster. Models with the 91 kWh battery will now charge 20% faster at fast charging stations on the road. Using a Level 3 DC-direct station, the 91kWh battery can now charge from 10-80% in 36.3 minutes, an 8.8-minute improvement. Models with the 72kWh battery can charge from 10-80% in 32.3 minutes, which is a 5.7-minute improvement. For more good charging news, all Mach-E owners can reserve a complimentary adapter that enables owners access to over 15,000 Tesla superchargers across North America, which are now part of the BlueOval Charge network. These charge locations will be added to the EV routing functionality of both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Bronze Age Mach-E The Mach-E GT will have a new Bronze Appearance Package featuring 20-inch bronze-painted mesh-styled alloy wheels, a bespoke bronze mesh grille, and other bronze trim. Price Range MSRPs for the Mustang Mach-E now start at $39,995 for the select model with the standard battery and RWD, and top out with the Mach-E Rally with the extended battery, AWD, and all the goodies listed above for $59,995. If you haven’t checked out the spectacularly performing Mustang Mach-E that doubles as an SUV when needed, this is the time to do it. Visit Benna Ford and see what EV performance is all about. We have 2023 models with discounts to make way for the 2024 models that are on their way.

Here in Superior, we may not use our air conditioning as much as most of our fellow Americans, but we occasionally have our hot days. One thing about living near the top of the nation is that when we take our summer vacations, simple probability suggests we will head somewhere south. Nothing can ruin a summer trip more than an air conditioning system that is not in top operating shape. Benna Ford offers the following operating and maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning system in top shape. Open Your Windows First If the car has been baking in the sun, don’t depend on the AC to cool the cabin rapidly. The best course of action is to open your windows once you enter your car. No matter how hot it is outside, your cabin is likely to be hotter, and so are your AC ducts. After starting your car, open the windows and turn your AC on to help push out the hot air. After about a minute of driving, close the windows and adjust the AC controls for your comfort. The car will cool your cabin more quickly. Use the Fresh Air Setting as the Default The recirculate setting is useful when there is smoke, dust, foul outside odors, or very high humidity. The rest of the time, using the fresh air setting is best. The recirculating mode is just as it sounds: It keeps using the same cabin air. Over time, this can make the car stuffy and even make the driver sleepy. It is best to bring in outside air whenever possible. Use the Coldest Setting If your vehicle does not have automatic climate control, choosing the lowest temperature is actually the most efficient and effective. Most cooling systems can only bring the cabin down by 30 degrees and stop. At that point, a middling setting might activate the heater, which stresses both systems. Set it to the coolest setting and then regulate your comfort by turning the fan down or directing the vents away from you. Monitor Engine Temperature when the Engine is Experiencing High Load If your vacation includes a trip to the mountains, be aware of the stress that your engine may be undertaking during a long incline with the AC on, a car full of family and their stuff, or possibly even towing. If the temperature starts rising, shutting off the AC is the first measure. It may be uncomfortable for a few minutes, but turning on the heat at full blast also helps cool the engine. If the temperature climbs too high, simply find a place for the car to stop and cool down. Then, proceed without the AC until the grade lessons. Read the Air Condition Section of the Owner’s Manual Yes, that thick little book stored in your glove box is meant to be read. It can provide valuable tips that apply to your model’s specific system. It will tell you how and when to change your cabin filter. It may have advice on routine AC maintenance, including how often to check refrigerant pressure. It is a good idea to have this done at least once before every summer. Keep AC Induction Vents Clear The vents on your vehicle’s exterior near the windshield base are where your climate system brings in the outside air. These vents can collect leaves, pine needles, and other flora as they are pointed upward. If left long enough, they may plug the water drains in the system, which runs the risk of the organic matter developing mold that can then be drawn through your climate system. Regularly, such as whenever you check your oil, take a moment to clear out any nature that may have found its way on these vents. Be Aware of These Odors Odors can come from the outside or linger after a smoker or pet has been in the car, but there are certain odors you want to watch out for. A musty or mildew odor may be from mold accumulating in your induction vents. Running your heater for a while may help dry out these areas. A distinctly sweet smell could indicate an antifreeze leak. A professional should service this. A gas smell could come from something as simple as an improperly tightened gas cap, or it could be a leak in the system, which should be looked at quickly. When listed out like this, it may seem like a lot, but much of this can simply become routine. If you are having issues outside of what is covered here, inquire with our Benna Ford service professionals on the proper next steps.

The Ford Maverick has been a firestarter as a brand new truck for people who wouldn’t usually look at buying a truck. The Maverick is available as either a hybrid or a turbocharged 4-cylinder, each getting excellent fuel mileage and still having a 4.5-foot bed in which you can haul up to 1,500 lbs of stuff. Who Is Autoblog.com? Autoblog.com, one of the largest automotive news and review websites, ranked the best compact trucks for 2024 and gave the Maverick an 8 out of 10 score, besting its nearest rival, the Hyundai Santa Cruz. What made Autoblog love the Maverick so much? What Autoblog Had To Say “There was a time in America when choosing the best compact truck was an extremely difficult proposition. Not terribly long ago, buyers could find a small pickup truck or two in virtually every new-car showroom. Those days are long gone, as offerings like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10 (and later Colorado), Nissan Hardbody and Toyota Tacoma grew in size over the years or were discontinued (and in some cases reborn or renamed) to make up the category we now know as midsize trucks. Interestingly enough, a couple of automakers re-entered the compact pickup segment in 2022 with surprisingly different takes on the small truck formula. So which of the two options is the best compact truck in America? We think most buyers will be best served by the Ford Maverick if they are buying a truck to serve as an implement to move people and cargo.” Price, Engines, And Drivetrain, Oh My Besides being a small truck, what makes the Maverick so appealing to prospective buyers? For 2024, the small Ford has a base MSRP of $23,815. It is available with either a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder that has a combined output of 191 horsepower and standard front-wheel drive or the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque available in either front or all-wheel drive. Both engines can be optioned with three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard for all models. Fuel Economy When equipped with the hybrid motor, the Maverick can achieve 42 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. When opting for the EcoBoost, customers can see up to 23 city and 30 highway mpg when equipped with front-wheel drive or 22 and 29 when optioned with all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line Tremor option will get 20 mpg city and 24 on the highway. Towing Capabilities All Maverick models can tow 2,000 lbs as standard. However, a towing package can be optioned that increases the usability to 4,000 lbs. Interior Technology No matter which Maverick you choose, buyers will get an 8-inch center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With FordPass Connect, you will have a WiFi hotspot that as many as ten devices can access simultaneously. Safety Features Ford CoPilot 360 is also standard on all Maverick models and features Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High Beam Headlamps, as well as available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Centering, and Evasive Steering Assist. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

It is hard not to fall in love with small vehicles that have loads of charm and character. The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is one such vehicle. While it isn’t the rabid off-roader like its larger brother, the Bronco, it can play on any surface and hold its own without feeling out of place. Most small and medium-sized crossovers are just cars with a taller stance, while the Bronco Sport is an SUV with purpose. Autoblog.com Review With a recent review by Autoblog.com, one of the internet’s largest and most respected automotive news and review websites, they appreciated that the Bronco Sport was precisely what it said it was. It didn’t try to act fancy or shy away from its abilities. Instead, it made them feel comfortable and confident in all types of driving conditions. What Autoblog Had To Say “The rugged Bronco Sport is charming and different in a segment that skews toward the on-road side of the SUV spectrum. The steering has a hint of play/liveliness, making for a small truck feeling on the road, but still possesses the precision we've come to expect from Ford's cars and crossovers,” Autoblog said. Trim & Pricing The 2024 Bronco Sport is available in five different trim levels, including: Big Bend: $32,825 Heritage: $35,295 Free Wheeling: $35,325 Outer Banks: $37,470 Badlands: $39,985 Engines & Fuel Economy Each trim under the Badlands is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that outputs 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Sport can achieve up to 25 mpg city and 29 highway with this motor. The Badlands has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder under its hood that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and the EPA estimates drivers will be able to get 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The top-of-the-line Badlands also receives a torque-vectoring rear differential; all models have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Information Screens The Sport has a standard 4.2-inch digital screen between the gauges, with a 6.5-inch screen optional on higher trim levels. All models get an 8-inch touchscreen, which is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some models are available with the powerful Bang & Olufsen sound system. Autoblog Praises The Bronco Sport Off-Road When putting the Bronco Sport through its paces off the main roads, Autoblog.com reported, “When off-road, though, the Bronco Sport shines and is way better than you might expect. Each GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) mode makes the Bronco Sport drive noticeably different by altering the all-wheel-drive torque split, transmission shift points, traction control/stability control settings, throttle tuning, brake tuning and steering weight. It's also important to note that the Badlands has an extra inch of ground clearance over the other versions. While inching along a trail, we could hear an Outer Banks and Big Bend Bronco Sport bottoming out in places where our Badlands was just fine. Its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system was also beneficial when driving in sand.” Safety Ratings The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Bronco five stars overall in its crash test ratings, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Sport with its coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation. This shows that the small Ford SUV does not skimp on taking care of the occupants inside the vehicle. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Used cars are an essential part of the automotive industry. While many people can’t afford a new car, there are also many buyers who don’t want to purchase a depreciating asset, instead opting for a vehicle that is anywhere from 1 to 5 years old so they can get the best bang for their buck. With that in mind, Ford offers some of the best value on the used car market. Used Car Data With data compiled by iSeeCars and reported by Autoweek, we can see that 9.2 million used vehicles from model years 2018 to 2022 were sold in 2023. Some of the most popular models that were bought as used were the Ford F-150, Explorer, and Escape. Ford F-150 It should come as no surprise that the Ford F-150, the best-selling vehicle in America, just so happens to be the best-selling vehicle on the used car market, too. When reporting on the used car trends, Autoweek said, “Making up 3.3% of the 9.2 million used car sales examined, the Ford F-150 retained its top spot for another year, not just in the used market. According to Ford's recently released 2023 sales data, over 700,000 buyers chose the F-150 as their truck of choice, making it the best-selling truck of last year.” Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer ranked 9th among the top 20 best-selling used cars. According to data, the Explorer was 11th in 2022, meaning that more people see the overall utility and charm of one of the most well-established SUV monikers. The current Explorer arrived in 2020 as an all-new vehicle, which makes the 2020-2022 models popular since they have all the same features and amenities as the current Explorer. The mid-size Ford is an excellent 3-row SUV for buyers who don’t want to break the bank and get a greater return on their investment. What Autoweek Said When discussing where the Explorer ranks amongst used vehicles purchased in 2023, Autoweek said, “1.5% of used cars sold from the 2018-2022 model years were Ford Explorers, bumping the midsize crossover to the ninth spot for 2023. That's a significant jump from 11th in 2022, beating out the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. It also holds the third spot for most popular used SUVs in America, representing 3.4% of the sales mix.” Ford Escape Ranking in 13th place is the Ford Escape, which is an excellent option for buyers looking for a vehicle that sits higher and has more interior usability but doesn’t have the poor fuel economy of a larger SUV. The Escape accounted for 1.4% of 2018-2022 model year cars sold in 2023, not far behind the larger Explorer and ahead of cars like the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and the Jeep Cherokee. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

The Ford Maverick has been popular since its very launch. Benna Ford is pleased to announce that Consumer Reports has given it suitable recognition in its 2024 Buying Guide, which names the Maverick as the “Best Small Truck” and the Maverick Hybrid as the “Best Fuel Efficient Truck.” A Different Kind of Truck The Maverick is definitely a different truck from Ford with its unibody construction and front-wheel drive architecture. But the reasoning is sound. Not every pickup owner needs to load a Bobcat skid-steer in the bed, tow a 30-foot Airstream, or forge its way through a long-neglected two-track. Many pickup truck owners just want something that can bring home a washing machine, treadmill, or chest of drawers. The fact is, the Maverick can handle most, if not all, of the hauling tasks of the average homeowner. And it can do it with a car-like ride and leave plenty of room around it in the garage. Stretching the Miles Between Gas Stations It can also do it quite efficiently. The standard Maverick with the Ecoboost 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, front-wheel drive, and 8-speed automatic has an EPA city/highway/combined MPG estimate of 23 / 30 / 26 with AWD figures of 22 / 29 / 25. The Maverick Hybrid, with its 2.5-liter engine, hybrid system, and CVT, is only available with front-wheel drive but delivers an impressive 42 city mpg along with 33 on the highway for a combined mpg of 37. For the sake of comparison, the rear-wheel drive Ranger gets a combined 22 mpg. At the same time, the Maverick can haul 1,500 pounds in the bed and up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. Solid Bones The earlier crossover reference is apt because the Maverick rides on the same platform as the Bronco Sport. This means it has the Bronco Sport’s front strut suspension with a trailing arm rear suspension on front-wheel drive models and a fully independent multi-link design on all-wheel-drive models, the latter offering better ground clearance and improved handling, particularly on bumpy curves. While the Maverick dashboard is not filled with swoopy curves and exotic materials, it features a straightforward, functional design that is in keeping with the truck’s mission. High in the center is an 8-inch touchscreen that can display AppleCarPlay and Android Auto interfaces as well as its own. A rotary transmission selector on the center console is simple to use and stays out of the way of access to cupholders and the forward storage bin, which is just one of many storage spaces throughout the cabin. Of particular note are the large bins under the swing-up rear seat cushions for secure and hidden placement of tools, emergency items, and whatever else you want to have on hand at all times. Flat Out Affordable Not to be overlooked is the Maverick’s price. With the departure of the Focus, the Maverick takes over as the most affordable model in the Ford model lineup, with a starting MSRP of $23,815 and $25,315 for the Maverick Hybrid. For an entry-level vehicle, it checks off a lot of capability boxes. Visit Benna Ford and see what the Maverick is all about and why it may be the perfect new vehicle for your garage.