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The award-winning F-150 Lightning, found at Benna Ford, is designed to adhere close to what has made the conventional F-150 the best-selling vehicle in America for about as long as anyone can remember. Still, it is clearly not for every F-150 user. If you regularly drive across states, it can be done in a Lighting, but it will require advanced planning on where you will recharge and what you will do while it charges. On the other hand, if you generally use your truck to drive to and around town or tow only short distances, such as to local worksites or a nearby lake, the F-150 Lighting could fit into your life. It may be a better option than a conventional F-150 for many good reasons. No Gas Stops and Greater Efficiency The best way to own an F-150 Lightning, or any EV for that matter, is to fully charge it at home. You come home for the day, plug it in, and the next day, it is fully ready to take you an estimated 230 or 320 miles (depending on your F-150 Lighting’s battery size). Again, if your driving is in and around town, you can drive all day without an interruption to refuel, the same for the next day, and so on. You will be doing it far more efficiently. Based on the EPA MPGe equation of 1 gallon = 33.7 kilowatt hours, the F-150 Lighting has a combined MPGe rating of 68, rising to 76 for city driving. This compares to the best conventional F-150 EPA rating of 21 combined and 19 in the city. Unfortunately, for every dollar you spend on gas, only about 20 cents goes to moving the vehicle. The rest of the energy is lost to heat and the mechanical drag of weight and friction. But for every dollar of electricity, 87 to 91 cents goes to moving the truck. So, no matter what gas prices versus electric rates are, the Lighting will give you more bang for your energy buck. No Drivetrain Maintenance Electric motors are far less complex than even the most straightforward internal combustion engine, and the engines in a modern F-150 are by no means simple. Each motor effectively has only one moving part, and there is no transmission because motors don’t need one. Thus, there are no filter or oil changes, spark or belt replacements, or tune-ups. Just every 20K to 30K miles, you will change the coolant. This also means there is very little that can break and need to be repaired. Of course, there is still non-drivetrain maintenance, like changing tires, wipers, and refilling washer fluid. There is no active battery maintenance either, but there are some guidelines to improve battery life. Fast Level-3 DC charging is fine for the occasional road trip, but it is best for battery endurance to charge only to 80%. Level-2 charging, such as at home, is best for extending battery life for day-to-day use. Also, extreme temperatures diminish battery effectiveness, so garaging the vehicle during the worst of winter is advisable. Better Performance Don’t drag race a F-150 Lighting unless you’re the one driving it. The base model churns out 452 horsepower, while extended-range models bump up to 580 horses.  Both systems crank out 775 lb-ft of torque, which is on hand the moment the tachometer is a click above zero. According to Car and Driver, 0-60 is in 4.0 seconds, and the quarter mile comes in 12.7. Until recently, those would be exclusively supercar performance figures, which all happens with a whisper. In addition, the floor-mounted battery gives the truck a low center of gravity, even with 9.0 inches of ground clearance. This keeps the truck planted in the curves, further enhanced by the independent rear suspension. That suspension also keeps the ride smoother than in a conventional F-150. You also have the around-town convenience of one-pedal driving mode that lets your right foot accelerate and brake the vehicle with the accelerator pedal alone. Preproduction model with optional equipment driven under test conditions. Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt. 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning production begins spring 2022. Tech and Features The base F-150 Lighting includes a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's latest Sync 4 software. This screen increases to 15.5 inches on the Lariat and Platinum models. Also standard across the model line are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You will also find heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and Pro Trailer Assist. When you take the truck out for an extended trip, you will have the Blue Cruise highway hands-free system and Ford’s exclusive "Intelligent Range," which evaluates the conditions under which it's being driven to give you a real-time estimate of your EV's driving range. It even has an on-board scale to help you distribute your payload from front to rear. To fully take advantage of the EV truck’s quiet operation, there are two available Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems: one with eight speakers in the Lariat and one with 18 speakers in the Platinum. A feature you won’t find on a standard F-150 is the front storage space. This locked 14 cubic feet of storage space where the engine would have been is perfect for keeping tools or anything else you want secure while leaving the bed and cabin space free. The F-150 Lightning’s bidirectional charging can power a standard-size home for three days during a power grid outage. It also brings plenty of power to any of its 11 power outlets for tools at the work site or electrical devices at the park or campsite. Emission Free The final top reason is probably the most obvious. The F-150 Lightning has no emissions. You will be doing your part in reducing your carbon footprint to preserve our current climate system for your children and grandchildren. This is even more effective if the electricity comes from your own solar panels (and thus free power) or a renewable source. Yet, with 100% of the electricity being coal-sourced, the carbon footprint of an F-150 Lightning is still less than its internal combustion counterpart because it is so much more efficient with the energy it uses. Again, the F-150 Lightning isn’t for every pickup truck owner, but it will fit in the lives of far more people than know it.  If it seems like it may fit yours, Benna Ford keeps a wide selection, so pay us a visit and experience the F-150 Lightning, the first all electric full sized truck.

Here at Benna Ford, we know we have a winner on our hands with the Maverick on the lot. It has been listed as one of Car and Driver’s 10Best. MotorWeek gave it a Top Driver’s Award. Now that it has been out for a few years, S&P Global Mobility bestowed it the Automotive Loyalty Award, and Vincentric gave it the 2024 Best CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Value in America Award. There are others, but what we wish to point to today is the latest accolade from Consumer Reports. This best-known reviewer of consumer products has awarded the Maverick and Maverick Hybrid as a Top Pick for Small Pickups for the second year in a row. This is after they have already given the Maverick the title of “Best Small Truck” and “Best Fuel Efficient Truck” in the Consumer Reports 2024 Buying Guide. In describing their choice, Consumer Reports stated: “The Maverick’s civilized ride, maneuverability, simple step-in access, fuel economy, and low price distinguish it among trucks. The crew cab interior is roomy and practical, with good legroom and headroom in front and back for such a small vehicle. The controls are easy to use, and convenient spots for storage are placed throughout. The 191-hp hybrid stands out for its terrific fuel efficiency and added refinement. The Maverick is a high-value offering that puts the “fun” in functional.” When even the staid Consumer Reports describes your vehicle as “fun,” you know you have accomplished something. They also have the Maverick Hybrid tied for 3rd in their Most Satisfying list of models (the first two were the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911). This is not based on Consumer Reports’ opinions but on answers to a survey question: “Given the opportunity, would you buy or lease this vehicle again?” 88% of Ford Maverick Hybrid owners said “Yes.” Consumer Reports has had positive things to say about the Maverick from their first review in 2022: “ The Maverick is better suited to “truck stuff” than the similarly sized Santa Cruz. For instance, the Ford’s 4.5-foot-long bed is about one-and-a-half times the volume and the bed’s low height makes it easier to load. Owners are likely to appreciate the handy sliding tie-down rings and in-bed lighting” They then ranked it second to the larger and more expensive Honda Ridgeline among all Pickup trucks priced between $25K and $45K, including those from Toyota, Nissan, and Chevrolet. Anyone in the area considering the efficiency and utility of a small pickup truck simply has to come to Benna Ford and take a close look at the Maverick. Meanwhile, we will be expanding our trophy case.

Most car buyers usually finance new vehicle purchases and thus have to keep an eye on interest rates if it is time for a new vehicle. That could be a problem now, as the average APR interest rate for a new truck loan is 7.01%, and that is with a Prime credit score. But not if you come to Benna Ford for Truck Month. We are offering several F-150 models with a low 1.9% APR. The offer is from Ford Motor Credit, which is providing loans with 1.9% APR for 72 months along with an available deferred payment plan that will not require the first payment until 90 days after purchase. The plan is subject to credit approval. The offer can make quite a difference. For instance, it is available on a model right in the heart of the F-150 range, such as a 2023 F-150 XLT Crew Cab 4x4. The model has an original MSRP of $62,705. The financing alone saves you $6,301. When you add multiple discounts offered by Benna, the cost of the model comes down to $54,404. As of this writing, Benna has 17 such XLT CrewCab 4x4 models to choose from with this offer. If you don’t need the second set of doors, Benna also has 27 XLT SuperCab 4x4 models with the 1.9% offer, which can amount to savings of about $6,300. You will also find 1.9% financing on multiple 2023 F-150 Roush custom trucks, where you can save $8,700 to over $9,000 on the truck of your dreams! Ford also offers a Flex Buy arrangement on several models. For example, the desirable 2024 Edge Titanium AWD model which has a normal MSRP of $45,605. With the Flex Buy plan and $5,000 down, you can finance the vehicle with a 5.9% APR, which is still better than the national Prime average. With Flex Buy, you’ll have a payment of $489.71 for 36 months. After three years, the remaining 39 payments are $674.45. You can find Flex Buy offers on several models, including the Escape, Bronco, Mustang Mach-E, and F150 models. Keep in mind that with Benna Ford, any new vehicle purchase, no matter how it is financed, will include Benna’s 20-Year, 200,000-Mile Limited Warranty. No matter how extensive the repair is after the normal factory warranty, you will only pay a $100 deductible. Forget high interest rates and visit Benna Ford first and last for your new vehicle shopping.

The 2024 Ford Mustang is celebrating its 60th year, and for that special anniversary, Ford is partnering with twice-Emmy-nominated actress and current TV and film star Sydney Sweeney. The talented actress is best known for her roles in such shows as HBO’s White Lotus and Euphoria, as well as the recent summer romantic-comedy blockbuster, “Anyone But You,” which made $190.5 million on a $25 million budget. Sydney’s Very Own Classic Mustang Sweeney owns a 1965 Mustang she has lovingly named Britney. Thanks to Ford, the new Britney will be produced for her, as well as for a yet-to-be-announced contest winner. A Word From Sydney Sweeney “It’s heartening to see Ford celebrate individuals who are pushing past stereotypes to do what they love. That’s why I was so excited to work with Ford on designing my dream car, and I can’t wait to surprise someone special with a matching vehicle,” said Sydney Sweeney, the superstar actress. A Special Custom Mustang The actress's own Mustang is painted in Brittany Blue. This new custom Mustang will be painted in Robin’s Egg Blue with a crushed glass clear coat, as well as feature stylings and appointments that are meant to evoke the classic taste with a modern flair and feel, including unique 20-inch wheels, heart bolt emblems on the fenders and in the interior, plus LEDs in the headliner that change colors to look like a starry night drive. A Message From Ford One of the things that makes this a fantastic match is the relationship Ms. Sweeney has with her own ‘65 Mustang. As Laurie Transou, Ford Mustang Chief Engineer, said, "Like me, Sydney is a Mustang girl. Each generation has its own distinct personality, but at their core, they embody a spirit of disruption, edge, and undeniable allure. Sydney's interpretation of the Mustang captures this essence perfectly, reflecting the expressive and individualistic nature of those who are drawn to this iconic vehicle." A Great Relationship In March of 2023, Ford and Sydney teamed up for the new workwear collection from the Ford x Sydney collaboration. In addition, a TikTok account called Syd’s Garage was introduced that is dedicated to showcasing Sydney's love for her various Ford project cars that she works on in her free time. 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.