The transition to the new year is a popular time for automotive awards. On January 4th, esteemed automotive publisher and website, Kelly Blue Book (KBB), weighed in with their prestigious annual Best Buy Awards. KBB divides the industry offering into 14 categories, and the good news for Benna Ford is that Ford models won four of them. That is more wins than any other manufacturer. Ford’s strength in the truck market was evident as three winners were pickup trucks, and one was a truck-based, full-size SUV.
How KBB Determines Their Winners
Best Buy candidates comprise all-new, redesigned, and otherwise significantly changed vehicles. Throughout the year, KBB thoroughly tests each candidate. “We’re looking for overall appeal, of course, with important factors like comfort, convenience, technology, and driving refinement factoring into our final judgment.” The most trusted resource in used vehicle values, KBB combines these findings with their proprietary resale and 5-year Cost-to-Own data estimates.
KBB further describes its testing program: “The previous year’s category winner is tested side by side against the crop of the latest challengers. We evaluate seating comfort, ease of entry and exit, luggage space, amenities, and infotainment systems. In addition, we look closely at build quality, cabin materials, pricing against the competition, and expected resale value and operating costs. We also get behind the wheel and test drive the vehicles over a series of loops involving everyday traffic and road conditions to experience the cars as an owner would. A manufacturer’s reputation for quality, reliability, durability, and various warranties, including bumper-to-bumper and powertrain, also factor into our decision.”
After their extensive evaluation and testing program, KBB awards one new best model and 13 “Best in Class” segment winners. Here are the four Ford category winners and what KBB had to say about them:
Best Full-Size SUV
2024 Ford Expedition – The 2024 Ford Expedition combines incredible capability with refinement, comfort, and useful tech.
Highlights:
- Up to 440 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque
- 9,300-pound towing capacity
- Intuitive infotainment and towing tech
- Excellent safety suite comes standard
- Roomy and comfortable in every row
- Pricing starts at $55,525 (plus $1,895 destination)
Best Compact Truck
2024 Ford Maverick – The 2024 Ford Maverick is everything you want in a compact pickup truck. It can carry 1,500 pounds of payload, tow up to 4,000 pounds, is fuel-efficient, and is easy to maneuver and park around town.
Highlights:
- Optional hybrid powertrain with exceptional fuel economy
- Swift acceleration from the turbocharged engine
- Tremor package allows for off-road fun
- 4,000-pound max towing/1,500-pound max payload
- Priced from $23,400 (plus $1,595 destination)
Best Full-size Truck
2024 Ford F-150 – Whether you need a basic work truck, a luxurious people mover, a capable off-roader, or something in between, there’s a Ford F-150 for the job. The 2024 Ford F-150 is loaded with technology that helps when towing or off-roading, too.
Highlights:
- Best-in-class payload and towing
- Available BlueCruise hands-free driving
- Outstanding luxury and off-road trims
- Priced from $36,570 (plus $1,995 destination)
Best Electric Truck
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning – The Ford F-150 Lightning, the all-electric version of the Ford F-Series, is a great buy for its reasonable pricing, impressive range, and advanced tech features.
Highlights:
- Up to 320 miles of range
- Quick acceleration
- Advanced tech features
- Pricing starts at $49,995 (plus $1,995 destination)
You always knew that Ford builds quality trucks. We did, too! But it is always nice to have third-party validation from the experts. Come to Benna Ford and look at what Kelly Blue Book considers the best buys in the truck market.
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