MotorTrend did what few actual off-road truck shoppers will have the opportunity to do. They compared Ford’s ultimate off-road flier, the 700 hp gas-powered F-150 Raptor R, to the 1000 hp electron-powered Hummer EV 3X. While measuring these two vehicles side by side doesn’t quite seem like an apples-to-apples comparison, Benna Ford believes that the contrast brings forward the best of both powerhouse vehicles.
The Moon and Terra Firma
Perhaps inspired by the Hummer’s lunar-surface-themed interior details, Motor Trend starts their comparison with a reference to the Lunar Roving Vehicle, which was used on the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions. Colorfully describing it as “a $10 million buggy that looked like a pair of lawn chairs bolted to a VW Beetle floorplan”, they illustrate it as embodying “that treasured American value that we still hold dear today: Why walk when you can drive?” It is a viable comment since both the Hummer and Raptor R devote a lot of horsepower and hardware to something that can cover ground more easily traversed by two legs and a decent pair of hiking boots.
Big and Quick
MotorTrend quickly points out that while the Hummer’s three motors produce 43% more horsepower than the Raptor’s Supercharged 5.2-liter V8, it also weighs 49% more, thus delivering similar power-to-weight ratios. Nevertheless, in a drag race, the instant electric motor torque with the Watts to Freedom (WTF) mode temporary power boost gets the 9,000-pound Hummer from rest to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, which is 0.8 seconds faster than the Raptor. They point out that before launch, the WTF mode creates a vibration in the seats and a low rumble in the speakers to simulate what the Raptor does naturally.
A first glance at either vehicle would cause one to assume that they ride rough on the road. However, suspensions specializing in compliance from dune-jumping actually give them a soft ride on the highway, though this comes at the expense of a fair amount of roll in the curves and longer braking distances.
One is an Off-Road Monster
While the Hummer’s four-wheel steering makes it more nimble in parking lots, it ironically becomes an issue off-road where tire placement is essential. “When you’re not used to it, it’s just one more thing to plan for. Oh, and if there’s a practical use for the wow-factor, diagonal-driving Crab Walk mode, we haven’t found it.”
When it comes to the fun these trucks are built for, the Raptor R was the clear winner. “Its ability to turn small humps into big air and big air into cushy landings makes it the ultimate big-kid toy…the Raptor R traverses sand, mud, boulders, and slick rock with the casual competence of a Lexus making a Starbucks run.”
By contrast, the Hummer, already with an as-tested price over $5K more than the Raptor, really needed an extra $10K Extreme Off-Road package, which allows the truck to catch up with locking front and rear differentials, rear recovery hooks, front skid plates, and mud-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. Without it, the Hummer was described as clumsy off-road, more so than any other EV they have driven off-road. MotorTrend says, “…buyers shouldn’t need to shell out $10K for basic competence.”
They Can Tow, But…
While they have no shortage of power or structural robustness, the soft suspension of both models reduces their towing capacity to 8,700 pounds for the Raptor R and 8,500 pounds for the Hummer. If you want to tow something big, there are other F-150 models capable of up to 14,000 pounds, and as far as the Hummer is concerned, towing with EVs still means you better not plan on going far.
The Verdict
The “verdict” for each vehicle sums things up perfectly: For the Hummer, it was “Everything about the GMC Hummer EV is outrageous—including how much it struggled off-road.” And for the Raptor R: “It crawls! It jumps! It sprints! It shouts! It’s a Raptor R, and there is no substitute.”
As you may have guessed by now, the Raptor R is a specialty vehicle at Benna Ford. However, if you are interested in this monster performance truck, contact one of our sales professionals, and we will source one for you.
Top Five Reasons to Consider the F-150 Lightning
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 4×4. 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 4×4 models to choose from with this offer.
If you don’t need the second set of doors, Benna also has 27 XLT SuperCab 4×4 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.
Introducing the Redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger
The mid-size truck market has been very busy over the past two years, with redesigned models from Nissan, Chevrolet/GMC, and Toyota. Now it is Ford’s turn with the Ranger. The last Ranger first arrived at Benna Ford as a 2019 model, but it has been a design used worldwide for several years. The new Ranger will also be sold around the world, but its design puts US interests and preferences first.
Wider and Tougher
Prioritizing the U.S. market resulted in a burlier model with several more inches in width and more muscular, squared-off dimensions. It much more closely resembles a smaller F-150. All 2024 Rangers will have the same five-passenger, four-door crew cab and five-foot (59.6-inch) bed. A key feature of the bed is that the wider rear track now enables your standard 4-foot wide plywood or drywall to fit flat on the bed floor within the wheelhouses, and this is an ability you won’t find in the Nissan, GM, or Toyota models.
The tailgate now opens with a damped motion and features a torsion spring to ease closing. The Cab’s central locking mechanism also extends to the tailgate. An available deep and tall inset step just before the rear bumper on the side eases access to adjust things in the bed.
All Turbo-charged Engine Lineup
The Ranger was ahead of the game with its standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 engine, and you now see similarly sized turbocharged 4-cylinder engines becoming the standard across the category. The engine continues with the same power of 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and remains paired to the 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the GM and Toyota models, a V6 upgrade is still available in the form of the F-150’s EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6, which produces 315 horsepower and peak torque of 400 lb-ft. This powertrain will be available post-launch, and Ford has not yet specified it, but this will likely be tied to 4WD drivetrains. The maximum towing case for both models with either of these engines is 7,500 pounds.
There will also be a Ford Ranger Raptor model for the first time in the U.S. It will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that is good for a class-leading 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The Raptor will also feature full-time 4WD, front and rear locking differentials, and 2.5-inch Fox Live valve dampers.
Updated Suspension
Models without the prehistoric moniker have their own updated suspensions. The geometry is largely the same, but the front upper and lower control arms are now aluminum for greater stiffness and lighter weight. In the rear, the dampers are moved outside the leaf springs, and the helper leaf spring is composite instead of steel. When combined with new tuning for the dampers and springs, the result is a smoother and more refined ride.
All-New Cabin
Naturally, the interior is fully redesigned. Anchoring the center of the dash is a vertical 12.4-inch touchscreen. Within the tall screen, smartphone mirroring from either Apple CarPlay or Android fills the top two-thirds of the screen, while the lower portion features permanent controls for climate and other controls. Physical controls for the climate remain just below. Allow-profile electronic shifters sit on the driver’s side of the center console. Another new cabin feature is that the back seat folds flat when needed for additional in-cabin storage.
The model line remains with XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $34,265 for the XL. The Tremor model goes away to be replaced by the Raptor, which will arrive after the launch of the rest of the model line. As of this writing, 2024 Rangers are just starting to make their way into the Benna Ford Inventory. Check our site for a model you may be interested in, or check out what’s here, and if you like what you see, we will find one that meets your specifications.
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.
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.
Autoblog Digs The Ford Bronco Sport
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.
Ford electric vehicle customers are now eligible to get a free Tesla Supercharger adapter thanks to a visionary relationship that allows customers to take advantage of the more than 2,000 Tesla Supercharger stations with over 20,000 actual ports to charge an EV in America and Canada.
A Word From Ford
Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, announced the news on Twitter, saying, “When we announced Ford EVs would get access to Tesla Superchargers, I said we’d send customers a Fast Charging Adapter. I’m pleased to confirm that eligible Mustang Mach E & F150 Lightning owners in the U.S. + Canada can reserve a complimentary adapter starting soon. This is our way of saying thank you! We want to make charging more convenient for our Ford EV owners, so we’re excited to add Tesla chargers and will continue growing our BlueOval Charge Network. More details soon.”
A Partnership To Benefit All
This partnership allows Ford EV drivers to enjoy the cars and trucks even more than they already do, knowing that there are thousands of places where they can easily charge their vehicles on the go.
BlueOval Charge Network
The BlueOval Charge Network from Ford was already the most extensive public charging network in the United States, with over 106,000 chargers available nationwide. Adding the ability to charge via a Tesla Supercharger makes it easier for drivers to feel more freedom when driving longer distances.
NACS Charge Port
The adapter will allow the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E to charge on Tesla V3 and above Superchargers. Starting in 2025, all Ford electric vehicles will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port so that customers will no longer have to get an adapter to charge their vehicles on any other charging network.
Strong EV Sales
For 2023, Ford announced they had record EV sales and were now the number 2 best-selling electric vehicle automaker in the United States. Each EV model line enjoyed an increase in sales, with the F-150 Lightning rising 55% compared to 2022, while the Mustang Mach-E enjoyed a modest bump of 3%, and the E-Transit work van jumped by 18%.
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. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.
MAMA Names Ford Maverick as “Favorite Pickup Truck”
The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced seven category winners for MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024 awards. Benna Ford is pleased that MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck Award winner went to the Ford Maverick. The Maverick will join the six other category winners as finalists in competing for the overall title of MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle.
What is MAMA?
This is the 33rd year for the Midwest Automotive Media Association, which is composed of 273 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country and Canada. The automotive journalists test drive vehicles individually throughout the year for their own media organizations year, and gather three times a year for three drive events:
- The MAMA Spring Rally
- Chicago Drives Electric
- MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest
Before this year, MAMA only granted awards for the Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. This year, the organization expanded its award categories to “recognize the diversity of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base.”
Voting on their category favorites narrowed a field of over 100 eligible models to a few select members in each category. They selected the Maverick and the six other category winners and finalists at the Favorites Fall Fest.
“With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.”
Let no one say MAMA isn’t self-aware of how its acronym reads.
Why the Maverick?
While details weren’t released for the reasoning behind the Maverick’s recognition, it is easy to guess. The Maverick harks back to the small, efficient, and useful vehicles that spurred the small pickup truck market explosion about 45 years ago. It can take on almost any task a homeowner or small service business requires. At the same time, it leaves plenty of room around it in the garage and is easy on the gas credit card. The latter is particularly the case with the hybrid model, which has an EPA city/highway/combined rating of 42 / 33 / 37.
However, unlike those original small trucks, its Escape-derived platform means it drives and feels like a compact SUV. It has two rows of seats and four doors, making it practical as a passenger carrier. It is a best-of-several-worlds vehicle with a straightforward design inside and out that doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t and just happens to be Ford’s most affordable model.
MAMA members will decide which of the seven finalists they will award as MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024. They will announce the winner on February 8th at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show during a MAMA-hosted breakfast. If the Maverick wins, it will add another trophy to its case, and we at Benna Ford will undoubtedly be pleased and will likely post about it in this blog. But it has already won among pickup trucks, which is what really counts. If a small light-duty pickup truck can fill your hauling and transportation needs, you should visit Benna Ford and explore the Ford Maverick.
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