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There is no more iconic moniker in the history of the auto industry especially when it comes to full-size pickup trucks than the Ford F-Series. For the past 42 years, the Ford F-150 has been the best selling truck in America. For those seeking the highest performance and the greatest in off-road capabilities, there is a model in the F-Series lineup that sets itself apart. If there ever was a full-size pickup truck to epitomize the term “beast mode,” the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is definitely that truck. While it may be difficult to associate work with the high-powered, adventure-seeking 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor, many of its features make it very capable of getting the job done. If your job requires you to venture off-road to get to your work, then the Ford Raptor has several options that will help you do just that. Performance When it comes to high-performance power, the engine of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is in a class all by itself. The Raptor comes equipped with a 3.5-liter Twin Turbo V-6 engine. This beast produces 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Accompanied by its 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain has no equal when it comes to power and performance. High-Performance Shocks For some, their work can often take them away from civilization. Having the ability to travel safely and securely off-road requires high-performance shocks. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor has some of the most highly advanced ones on the market. The Raptor's Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with Live Valve technology are found nowhere else in the full-size truck segment. This technology was brought to the consumer even sooner than expected due to Ford's goal of making the Raptor the pinnacle of high-performance trucks. more Where the Rubber Meets the Road The old saying of “where the rubber meets the road” is made especially true with the Ford Raptor. The tires on the 2019 edition are the BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. To increase the performance of those tires, the Raptor offers available Beadlock-Capable Wheels. This feature has the tire clamped to the wheel for added security during those times when the tire pressure is decreased for added traction. Trail Control Trail Control is another feature designed to make the driving of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor safer and more secure when driving off-road. This driver-assist feature acts similar to cruise control when driving off-road. Trail Control takes over the acceleration and braking, letting the driver focus on the steering for more secure travel when driving in rugged terrain. Along with Trail Control, the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor has a Terrain Management System with six preset modes to adapt the handling and responsiveness for all sorts of driving conditions. The six modes of the Terrain Management System include Normal, Sport, Weather, Rock, Sand, and Mud. To experience the full range of features offered in the 2019 Ford F-150, a test drive is a must. Stop in at Chestatee Ford and check out the Ford Raptor in person to see what all the talk and excitement is about.   Image via Ford.com

One of the most obvious ways one can go greener is to buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Apart from doing your bit for the environment, such vehicles will also save you on gas. If you're in the market for a green vehicle, the new and exciting 2019 Ford Fusion Energi is a very viable option. Let's take a closer look at the eco-friendly features this plug-in hybrid offers. SmartGauge With EcoGuide This system, which functions with dual LCD screens, provides you with real-time information in regard to your driving, in order to assist you in using your Fusion Energi as efficiently as possible. It enables you to monitor powertrain operations, such as hybrid and electric drives, gas engine, and fuel economy, as well as maximize efficiency by, for instance, accessing the Brake Coach screen. If you're driving at optimal efficiency, you will see leaves and vines growing on the right-side display screen. more On the left-side display, you will find the Engage and Empower modes. The Engage mode will show you gauges for engine and lithium-ion battery power, while the Empower mode will inform you about how much power you are using, based on the accelerator pedal, and how far you are from the gasoline engine on/off threshold. Improved Battery The 2019 Fusion Energy boasts a new, bigger battery with an increased electric range. While the previous battery was able to store 7 kWh and had a range of 21 miles, the new battery is able to store 9 kWh and provide a range of up to 25 electric miles. Driving Modes To help you drive as efficiently as possible, the Ford Fusion Energi offers three different driving modes, allowing you to select gas, electric, or a combination of the two. The EV Now mode utilizes primarily plug-in power, while the EV Later mode saves plug-in power for later use. With the Auto EV mode, your Energi will switch between plug-in power and gas engine as needed. To assist you in monitoring your battery's charge, and to also schedule charging, you can use the convenient MyFord Mobile application or visit the myfordmobile.com website. Regenerative Braking In a normal vehicle, a lot of kinetic energy is lost because of friction while braking. But the Energi provides efficient regenerative braking, which saves up to 94 percent of this energy and returns it to the battery to use later. Apart from all its eco-friendly features, the 2019 Fusion Energi comes with the impressive Ford Co-Pilot360 package, which is a suite consisting of the latest driver-assist systems, and also offers an attractive exterior and comfortable and convenient cabin. If you want to take the 2019 Fusion Energi for a drive, pop in to see us at Chestatee Ford. Image by mariordo59 via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

The Ranger is Ford's compact pickup truck, and it's been that way for over 10 years. However, for much of that time, the company didn't sell the Ranger in the United States and focused on the F-Series full-size pickups instead. Now that's changed again: the Ranger is back in North American markets for 2019 and a lot has changed about its design in the years since Ford discontinued sales. A Ford-Tough Design Some companies switch their compact pickup trucks to a unibody design, but the Ranger uses the same body-on-frame design as a full-size truck. That decision gives the Ranger extra towing strength, up to 7,500 pounds, plus it comes with frame-mounted steel bumpers, bash plates, and tow hooks. The payload limit is also high — up to 1,860 pounds. The Ranger might be smaller than the F-150 or the rest of the F-Series, but it still manages to do its big brothers proud by offering some impressive numbers for the class. more Off-Road Prowess The 2019 Ford Ranger offers several features that make it easier to take on off-road adventures. The FX4 and FX2 are off-road packages for 4x4 and 2x4 Ranger models, and they offer important features like all-terrain tires, skid plates on the undercarriage, and an electronic system that tracks the truck's pitch and roll. You also get Trail Control (an off-road version of cruise control), a terrain management system, and an electronic locking rear differential. Since the Ranger is smaller than an F-150, it's better able to handle rough terrain like this. Driver Assistance Features The Ford Ranger might not have had any driver assistance when it left America, but now that it's back, it has plenty to offer. Available features include an adaptive cruise control that changes speed based on the speed of traffic ahead, the Lane-Keeping System that gently nudges your vehicle to the center of the lane if you start wandering, and the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Technology — a feature that warns you if you're about to run into another vehicle or a pedestrian and can start braking before you have time to react. The Trims Like the F-Series, the new 2019 Ford Ranger comes with a number of trim levels and configurations that can meet different customers' needs. The XL trim with a Double Cab doesn't have much in the way of features, but that's because it's a work truck made for people who need a low-cost pickup without any extras. At the other end of the trim list is the Lariat, and with this, you get things like the Crew Cab size, leather seats, LED headlights, and an 8-inch touchscreen that runs Sync 3. A lot has happened to cars and trucks since the last time Ford sold a Ranger in the United States, and the new Ranger's power and features reflect all of these changes. So have a look for yourself at the differences between the new Ranger and the F-150 and decide whether you'd prefer one pickup truck or the other.   Image via Ford.com

As a large crossover, the 2019 Ford Explorer offers plenty of interior space, three rows of seats, and a powerful set of engine options. It's not quite as big as the full-size Expedition, but in exchange, the Explorer is more efficient and comes with a lower starting MSRP. Aside from that, the Explorer has plenty of features to love. Three Excellent Engines Depending on the trim, a 2019 Explorer can come with one of three engines. The first is an ordinary V-6, an engine that can offer 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, a good figure for the class. You can also swap in a smaller I-4 engine, and thanks to a turbocharger it gets 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. However, its towing limit drops to 3,000 pounds. Then there's the turbo V-6 engine — it gets 365 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque, and the 5,000-pound towing max. more Four-Wheel Drive With Terrain Management The 2019 Ford Explorer comes with a true four-wheel-drive system, which means you can set it to power all four wheels manually. Not only that, but the 4WD system also comes with the Terrain Management System, a setting that lets you pick between four terrain types and change how the vehicle behaves. The terrains covered include normal, mud, sand, and snow/grass/gravel. Thanks to this, the Explorer lives up to its name by letting drivers go off-road without worrying about losing an axle. Curve Control Curve Control is a class-exclusive feature, which means the Explorer is the only SUV of its size you'll see with this feature. What Curve Control does is limit your speed when you start driving down a sharp curve. If it detects that you're moving too fast for the kind of curve you're on, the system will automatically slow you down by up to 10 mph. Curve Control is a standard feature on every trim of the 2019 Explorer, including the front-wheel drive models. The Ford Safe and Smart Package This available package is practically a must-have for the 2019 Explorer. The features that come with this trim include automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, the Lane-Keeping System that alerts you when you're about to wander out of your lane without using your turn signals, and an adaptive cruise control system with a forward collision warning and brake support. These systems can tell how fast the vehicle ahead is driving and can adjust your speed to match, and it can hit the brakes if it senses an accident about to happen. Thanks to modern technology, the spacious 2019 Ford Explorer is more than just the amount of cargo it can carry. The Explorer also has a set of powerful engines, an advanced four-wheel-drive system with terrain settings, and modern driver assistance features that can make it much easier to detect accidents before they happen and avoid them thanks to the automated systems on board.   Image via Ford.com

The 2019 Ford Flex is a full-size sports utility vehicle that packs the nimble agility and flexibility of a compact car or midsize sedan. It also comes in three trim levels, so finding the right trim for your lifestyle shouldn't be a hassle. With plenty of performance perks and modern touches in tow, here's how the 2019 Ford Flex aims to impress. Exterior Design The SE, SEL, and Limited trims all boast a sleek and refined body style. For one, you get signature Flex badging on the hood, a monochromatic (or body-color) roof, and Bright dual exhaust tips. Amenities meant to improve utility include a reverse sensing system, intermittent speed-sensitive front windshield wipers, and a rear-window defroster with two-speed wiper and washer. Want an even more decked-out exterior? You can add optional accessories such as power-folding heated mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, a Multipanel Vista Roof, and a power liftgate to your final vehicle package. more Performance The 2019 Ford Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine. It's capable of producing 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Available for the Limited trim is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that gets 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Both units pack a similar six-speed automatic transmission under the hood. You might be wondering what else gives the Ford Flex its excellent handling on the road. That would be its electric power-assisted steering, its independent front and rear suspension system, and its AdvanceTrac with RSC (roll stability control) feature. It's also offered as a four-wheel-drive model but can be customized with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in the SEL and Limited. Interior There's plenty of room for friends and family inside this full-size vehicle. In fact, it seats up to seven and offers second- and third-row bench seats that are easily adjustable to suit your passenger and cargo needs. Other practical amenities include a rear climate-control system, solar-tinted glass, and cargo area-mounted grocery bag hooks. Want even more? Consider adding an available wood-accented steering wheel with memory functions, heated and cooled front seats, and all-weather floor mats to the list. If you have the budget, Ford has the perfect accessories for any road trip. Technology Speaking of road trips, none would be as enjoyable without a modern multimedia hub and tech layout. Fortunately, the all-new Ford Flex has the upgrades you want. Consider adding a 12-speaker Sony audio system with cutting-edge sound quality; a navigation system with SiriusXM Travel Link for up-to-date weather conditions; and a SYNC 3 infotainment system with a touch screen, voice command, and smartphone integration to your tech blueprint. Safety There's nothing quite like a vehicle backed with top-notch safety systems to put your mind at ease. The 2019 Ford Flex meets these demands thanks to its front seat-mounted sideairbagss, perimeter anti-theft alarm, and child safety rear door locks. Have a bit of wiggle room in your budget? Features such as inflatable second-row outboard safety belts and collision warning with brake support are optional. Are you in the market for a full-size sports utility vehicle with agile precision and sporty flair? The 2019 Ford Flex is waiting for a test drive!   Image via Ford.com

For 2018, Ford introduced the new EcoSport to their crossover SUV lineup. This subcompact SUV sits below the Escape and offers drivers a small turning radius and a spirited ride. Ford based the EcoSport on the Fiesta, which is no longer available, and this little vehicle is the little engine that could. Here are some details about the 2018 Ford EcoSport. The Exterior The Ecosport comes in four different trim levels. These start with the S which has 16-inch alloy wheels and power accessories. Just a step up, the SE adds LED running lights and roof rails along with rear privacy glass, and it also gets a sunroof. The SES is the sporty model and comes with 17-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. This trim also adds black exterior trim elements and automatic windshield wipers. At the top of the lineup, the Titanium trim adds 17-inch wheels to the SE, and it also comes with body-colored front and rear bumpers. The EcoSport has a side-hinged rear door that swings open for easy access to the back, and its tall stance makes it easy to get in and out. more The Engine All the trims except for the SES get a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine that generates 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The SES comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder which is also an available option for the other three trims. This engine produces 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. You'll get a six-speed automatic transmission no matter which engine you choose. The Technology While the entry-level S trim comes modestly equipped with technology, just a step up to the SE will get you some added equipment such as a 6.5-inch touch-screen display and the Sync 3 infotainment system. Add the Convenience package, and the touch screen is even larger and it adds a seven-speaker stereo system along with a 110-volt power outlet. The Titanium trim upgrades the technology again with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and HD radio. Safety The Ford EcoSport comes standard with a rearview camera, and if you choose the SE, it adds rear parking sensors. The SE with the Convenience Package adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Convenience Package comes standard on both the SES and the Titanium. The Interior Inside, this little compact has comfortable seats with a height-adjustable feature in the front. In the back, there are 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and with a 60/40 split, it's easy to customize the amount of passenger and cargo space. Fold both the seat backs down and it opens up some extra room. Ford also offers the Cold Weather package for all trims except the S, and this adds a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and a keyless entry pad along with remote engine start. The 2018 Ford EcoSport is the little engine that could. Its small size and peppy engine make it a great choice for urban driving, and it has just the right amount of space for zipping around town.   Photo via Ford.com

Initially designed as a pony car, the Mustang did an epic crossover to muscle car, which cemented an already successful range for the Ford brand. But Ford didn't stop there, as the launch of the Shelby in 1965 made the Mustang a formidable opponent on the road and track. Discover why the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 sizzles. It's Racetrack Ready Strip away everything that weighs a muscle car down and it instantly boosts its chances on the track. With the Shelby GT350R, drivers don't have the hassle of doing this themselves since Ford decided to release it track ready. This means no superfluous seating and gadgets. It also means that it's released with race equipment that can take the car directly to the track, such as the carbon fiber wheels. more It Has Performance in Mind In order for a car to be track ready, there are a number of things that need to take place under the hood. The generous V-8 engine gets things off to a good start as it provides that much-needed power on the track. Drivers can expect to reach up to 526 horsepower, which will create quite some competition. Although it does pretty well at the drag strip, it's the racetrack that's the Shelby's home ground. The Shelby Always Looks Top Dollar It's hard to miss a Mustang, especially when the driver decides to take on one of the more bold colors. The Mustang is meant to stand out, and with the unique features of the Shelby, a decent paint job is a must. Drivers have the option of three additional paint colors such as Kona Blue, Orange Fury, and Lead Foot Gray. Getting off the Mark Without Fuss Whether on the track or the on the road, there is nothing more frustrating than chugging away once it's time to go. The Shelby doesn't have this problem as it's fast off the mark, and with an 8200-RPM redline, shifting between the different gears won't slow it down along the straight either. The Shelby GT350 goes from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds and the GT350R in an impressive 3.9 seconds Drive It Home After the Race There's nothing worse for gearheads than having to load their muscle cars onto a flatbed after a race just to get home. With the Shelby GT350, drivers won't have to face this disappointment as it includes a Normal and Sports mode to ensure that drivers remain compliant on the highways. This is thanks to the MagneRide adaptive dampers that ensure compliance for more peace of mind. The lightweight yet strong chassis is perfect for both the track and the road. The GT350R takes things up a notch thanks to the Comfort mode that's added to the Sports and Normal. In this mode, drivers can expect a luxurious cruise to their destination Ford put a lot of work into the handling and braking capabilities of the Shelby and the benefits are felt off the track too. Not only is the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 sizzling in terms of performance, but it has the looks to go with it too.   Photo via Ford.com

After a long hiatus, Ford revealed the resurrected Ranger pickup at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Long sought-after for its versatility and medium size, the Ranger has been dominating the world since it left our shores in 2011. Let's discuss what's to love about the new world-trekking 2019 Ford Ranger. European T6 Design Quite similar to the beloved European T6 model, the Ranger is available in an FX2 extended twin- or an FX4 quad-cab body style and three trim levels: XL, XLT, and the lavish Lariat. With a single wheelbase, you'll get a 6-foot bed or a shorter, 5-foot one with the four-door SuperCrew. Ford used more steel than aluminum when constructing the Ranger, giving it the same reliable durability as their lineup of full-size trucks. Quite dynamic and sporty to look at, the offshore Ranger got a facelift just for us here in America. Ford added a new grille, a distinctive bumper, and twin hood accents with a bit of a front overhang. Available leather seating on the Lariat trim gives the new Ranger a classy feel and a sleek appearance, and it's more maneuverable than its big brother, the legendary F-150. more A Slew of Hot Features If you want more "off" in your "roading," then upgrade to the FX4 package. The ruggedly equipped Ranger features variable driving modes such as normal, grass, gravel, snow, mud, and sand, and the innovative Trail Control system that acts like cruise control for trekking through the wilderness. All terrain tires, heavy-duty steel bash and skid plates, off-road tuned dampers, and a locking rear differential round out FX4's cross-country amenities. An 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system is loaded with available Sync 3, and the standbys Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Ford's new Alexa personal voice assistant and navigation. Opt for the FordPass Connect and plug-in wherever you roam with a 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot that delivers enough power to operate 10 devices. Best-In-Class Towing Power Hook up that boat or camper, and leave the world behind. The engineers at Ford are boasting all about the Ranger's best-in-class towing capacity, which means it has to exceed the Chevy Colorado's 7,700 pounds. Hardcore numbers aren't released yet. For added safety, Ford's handy Smart Trailer tow connector will alert drivers to any faulty wiring issues on the trailer. World-Class Performance Perhaps a bit of puzzling news coming out of Ford headquarters — the Ranger will only have one powertrain option. Interesting. Despite the success of the Ranger diesel overseas, America gets a direct-injected 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. But never fear, this engine has been tried and tested for years under the hood of Ford's celebrated pony car. There is some good news with that surprise, though. Midsize trucks like the Ranger are becoming increasingly popular on our side of the pond due to improved fuel economy over larger sized pickups. The Ford Ranger is back to reclaim its place in mid-size pickup history. Keep a lookout for one at your local Ford showroom soon.   Photo via Ford.com

For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer topped the charts as America's family favorite vehicle and the country's best-selling SUV. The seven-passenger 2018 Explorer offers a rugged stance, tons of power, a roomy, upscale interior, and all-wheel drive. From the inside, outside, and under the hood, discover what makes the new Ford Explorer Platinum stand out from the crowd. Take the Road Less Traveled With four-wheel drive standard on every Explorer Platinum, what's stopping you from taking the road less traveled? Fear no trail with Ford's four terrain management driving modes that handle whatever you encounter from normal conditions, mud and ruts, sand and grass, gravel or snow. A maximum trailering capacity of 5,000 pounds with the companion trailer tow package is just right for that fishing boat or small camper. With safety technology like hill descent control, hit the rough country with confidence in your new Platinum. Performance You Demand Unleash 365 horsepower with the Explorer Platinum's twin turbo 3.5-liter V-6, alongside an eager six-speed automatic transmission. With excellent passing and pulling power, the Platinum has enough gusto to tackle most jobs you put to it. The Platinum won't break the bank at the pump either, earning a decent 22 mpg highway. The Explorer's taut suspension gives this big SUV impressive cornering agility and offers a balanced and comfortable feel with its 20-inch wheels. A smooth suspension makes the Platinum trim an ideal choice for a relaxing road trip. more Luxury Amenities You Love Platinum has long been a symbol of success, and this Explorer trim truly shines. Enjoy all the available advanced tech-based safety systems with Ford's Safe and Smart Package, including adaptive cruise control and cross traffic alerts. Ultrasonic sensors help drivers parallel park the Explorer, then safely pull out from parking spots. Never drop your packages or fumble for your key fob again with the new Platinum's liftgate. With just the wave of your foot under the rear bumper, the lift automatically opens or closes. Discover the latest connectivity and technology with Ford's Sync Connect, a voice-activated navigation system and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Experience premium sound from Sony's 500-watt 12-speaker system with subwoofer and Clear Phase and Live Acoustics functionality to enhance the quality of your music for a crisp, clean experience. That's right — your Platinum is a rolling rave. Refined Interior Highlights Have a seat in your new Explorer and take your adventures to a luxurious new level. Appreciate the Platinum's interior, loaded with real wood accents, premium quilted Nirvana leather upholstery, and a dual-panel moonroof. With a third-row, power folding 50/50 split bench seat, and generous cargo space of 80.7 cubic feet, there's room for whatever moves you. Striking Appearance Prepare to turn some heads with the Platinum's bold craftsmanship and unique satin-chrome finish. Run your eyes over a sporty liftgate spoiler and the striking chrome-plated quad exhaust tips. With its fresh new look, notice the dynamic grille and distinct, energy-efficient LED headlamps to light your way. Discover your next SUV: the 2018 Explorer Platinum. Stand out from the crowd, starting at $53,940.   Photo via Ford.com

The 2018 Ford Explorer is a sporty and bold entry in today's auto market. It's not only stylish, though! It's spacious enough to seat seven, making it a great SUV for an upcoming family road trip. And with five trims in the lineup, you know the Ford Explorer doesn't lack variety. Take a look at what makes each model so unique. Base The 2018 Explorer starts at $32,140 and offers a lot even at the base level. The outside gets black-accented bumpers and heated power mirrors, while the interior sports cloth seating and single-zone climate control with air filtration. On the multimedia end, SiriusXM satellite radio offers hundreds of channels for your listening pleasure. In terms of performance, this trim is backed by a 3.5-liter V-6 that sees 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Lastly, enjoy peace of mind thanks to an SOS post-crash alert system and AdvanceTrac roll stability control. more XLT The XLT can be yours for only $2,035 more. This higher model includes extras like LED signature lighting, plus an available power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and nearly a dozen paint options. The interior is fancy too, with an available Wi-Fi hotspot, voice-activated navigation, and twin-panel moonroof added to the list. The engine lineup remains unchanged, though security features get a slight upgrade. You now have access to to a perimeter alarm and a SecuriCode keyless entry keypad. Limited This trim will set you back about $10,000 more than the base, but you just may find it worth the investment. A foot-activated liftgate makes way for seamless loading and unloading, while all-around LED lighting offers clear illumination at night. As you head inside the cabin, you'll find ample accessories to keep comfort levels high. These include dual-zone air conditioning, a power-adjustable steering column, and a SYNC 3 infotainment system. Under the hood sits a 2.3-liter EcoBoost getting up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Sport The Sport trim is every bit as adventurous and capable as you'd imagine. It starts at $45,950 and features plenty of stylish add-ons. Show off your SUV with a gloss-black grille and mirrors, plus distinct hood badging. Inside you're greeted with first-row lighted scuff plates, leather-trimmed seats with red stitching, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Performance really takes a step forward here, as you now have a sport-tuned suspension system and intelligent four-wheel drive as standard, not to mention a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that gets 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Platinum If you're someone who craves luxury, the Platinum trim is a great option. It starts at $53,940 and features plenty of high-end amenities. Enjoy an exterior adorned with automatic high beams and satin chrome styling, while the interior boasts premium leather seating and a 500-watt Sony sound system. Performance is hardly different, though safety is even better than before. Lane departure warning with lane keep assist work in tandem to reduce drifting, and state-of-the-art inflatable safety belts offer an extra layer of protection for rear outboard occupants. After reading this guide, how can you narrow down your choices to just one? Test drive the 2018 Ford Explorer to find your best match!   Photo via Ford.com

Hybrid and electric cars have increased in popularity over the past few years, with new models popping up every year. Ford has an impressive lineup of electric and hybrid models, encouraging more drivers to choose these options and reduce their environmental impacts. When you choose a Ford model, you can get a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly model that will get you to where you need to go. Impressive Fuel Economy Some of the most popular vehicles from Ford are those that help drivers save at the pump. The 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid returns an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it a great option for your daily commute or your next road trip. Beneath the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter hybrid electric powertrain and a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. The 2018 Fusion is also available with a hybrid engine, with estimates coming in at 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. This powertrain uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. Ford released an all-electric version of its popular compact sedan, the Focus, which goes up to 118 miles in the city and 96 mpg on the highway. This model has a one-speed automatic transmission, along with a 107-kWh motor and a 35-kWh lithium-ion battery. more High-End Features When you choose an electric or hybrid vehicle from Ford, you don't have to skimp on the latest comfort and convenience features. The C-MAX Hybrid comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an overhead storage console, keyless entry, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Tech features include a six-speaker sound system with advanced voice recognition, while Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system and navigation are available as upgrades. Within the Fusion Hybrid, features include manually adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker audio system, a 4.2-inch central display screen, active noise control, and rear air vents. The Ford Focus tacks on Ford's MyKey system, which allows parents to set controls on speed and audio system volume for their teen drivers, as well as track the vehicle location and set fences. It's also available with high-end tech options, such as a Sony audio system, smart USB charging ports, and an 8-inch touch screen. Sleek Exterior Styling When you think of a hybrid vehicle, you might imagine a clunky, dated-looking model, but that's certainly not the case when it comes to these options from Ford. In fact, most people can't immediately tell that these vehicles are hybrid or electric-powered. From the outside, you'll spot eye-catching features like chrome accents, LED lighting, exhausts, fog lights, tinted glass, and rear spoilers. The front end of the Focus Hybrid shows off a unique front grille in piano black, while the other models have their own unique features as well. Visit Chestatee Ford to test drive one of these Ford hybrid or electric models, and see how it stacks up against other environmentally friendly vehicles. We'll show you the latest features and help you as you make the decision about which model is right for you.   Photo via ford.com

The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion are two brand favorites battling it out in the sedan segment this year. As you shop for your next vehicle, consider this comparison guide to help you decide which of the two — the Ford Taurus or Ford Fusion — works best for you. Trim Variety The Ford Taurus is available in four trims: the SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO. The 2018 Ford Fusion triples that amount with an astounding 12-trim lineup, which includes a mix of standard trims, plus Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid variants. Both models start for less than $30,000, but the Ford Fusion's base comes in at $5,475 less than the Ford Taurus SE, making it a likelier choice for buyers on a budget. more Exterior Accents The Taurus and Fusion are undeniably attractive in appearance. They both feature similar elements, such as body-color door handles, LED taillamps, an Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, and an optional power moonroof. On the other hand, the Fusion adds an additional paint option to its lineup (Lightning Blue), giving you one extra color choice to consider. Performance Specs The Taurus offers a quieter ride thanks to its cabin and engine insulation, but the Fusion has a shorter turning radius that handles corners and tight spaces like a pro. Fuel efficiency also varies between models. In short, the Taurus SE, SEL, and Limited offer the best model rating at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the Fusion Energi trims reach an MPGe of 104 city and 91 highway, a driving range that's hard to beat. Interior Space These sedans both accommodate up to five passengers, though the Fusion's added head and legroom provide a slightly more comfortable fit than the compact Taurus. However, the latter's 20.1-cubic-foot trunk ranks among the largest in its class for cargo capacity, while the Fusion offers 4.1 cubic feet less. Technology Features You don't have to settle for basic tech amenities in these two sedans. Ford's signature MyKey system, for example, offers advanced functions such as allowing you to set speed and audio volume limits for young drivers, reminding you to buckle up before taking off, and alerting you of a nearly empty fuel tank. A SYNC 3 infotainment system is also available with the 2018 Ford Taurus and Fusion. This interactive hardware features a touch screen that's highly responsive and user-friendly. You can easily access features such as smartphone integration for Android and Apple devices, turn-by-turn navigation, satellite radio, and a variety of voice-activated functions. Safety Systems The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion both received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. That says a lot about these two models, but so do the many driver-assist features they offer. These include adaptive cruise control, individual tire pressure monitoring, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. Where we see a difference in advanced safety measures is with the Fusion's available inflatable rear seat belts, a first for the mid-size sedan segment. They reduce the amount of crash force to the head and neck following a collision. Whether you're shopping for your first sedan or upgrading from a previous model, we hope this guide has helped you decide which of these two Fords, the Taurus or Fusion, is right for you.   Photo: " Fusion " by Shawn Nystrand licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original