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The customer-favorite 2021 Ford Escape brings an array of new features to give shoppers more flexibility to customize a car that suits their driving needs. We've listed the top features drivers say they love about this sporty and fun compact SUV. 1. Efficiency Drivers love that they can get more miles per gallon with the 2021 hybrid Ford Escape. If you're looking for a car that saves you money on gas, the new model gives you two hybrid options. You can choose between a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. Both are optional for the SE and SEL trims but standard for the highest tier Titanium trim. You'll get about 40 mpg, sparing you more dollars when you go to the pump. And the next time there's a pipeline problem or fuel shortage, you can keep driving without worry. more 2. Safety Drivers love the safety features of the new Escape thanks to the Co-Pilot Assist technology that provides many standard features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera to make navigating our mountain roads safer. You can also add options like a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and parallel parking assistance. 3. Hands-free Communication The standard voice-activated Sync-3 infotainment system makes it easier for drivers to talk and message safely while driving. They love that they can stay connected to work and family while they're on the road. The S model has a 4.2-inch display while the SE models and up boast an 8-inch touch screen. They come standard with a USB port, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo. All models are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also add a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation to make it easier to get to your destination. 4. Space The five-passenger Ford Escape might be considered a compact SUV but it doesn't skimp on interior space for comfort and cargo. Drivers say they love that they can slide and fold the second-row seats to fit more items. And it still gives them plenty of legroom to stretch out and enjoy the ride. If you're looking for a spacious cabin with maximum personal space, the Escape is a solid choice. 5. Versatility Ford designed the new Escape with a nod to customers who want more say in picking features that suit their individual needs. Drivers love that they can choose between two powerful turbocharged engines, two hybrid versions, four trim models, six custom packages, and four new colors. With different options comes different pricing so you'll get to select options that match your budget. The Escape base model starts at $26,800 making it an affordable SUV without the typical SUV price tag. If you're not sure which options to choose, the friendly staff at Franklin Ford in Franklin, NC, can help you decide. Visit Franklin Ford today and test drive the new Ford Escape so you can see why our customers love this car. Image Courtesy of Ford

The beautiful camping destinations near Franklin, NC, provide campers with serene mountain getaways. Here you can relax and unwind while enjoying magnificent views and spectacular sunsets. 1. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campgrounds Just 22.3 miles away, Georgia's highest state park stretches out for 1,743 acres over the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides campers with breathtaking 80-mile panoramic views. Camp out at sites nestled between oaks and rhododendrons and explore the waterfalls, streams, and lush forests filled with wildflowers and animal life on 11 miles of trails. Bring your fishing tackle along and fish in the 17-acre lake, paddle, and swim. The park has secluded walk-in sites and tent, trailer, and RV sites on steep, winding roads to campgrounds with spectacular views. If you prefer to sleep under a roof, there are beautiful mountaintop cottages available. more 2. Gorges State Park Primitive Campsites Go on a backpack camp expedition through rugged river gorges and past roaring waterfalls in the 7,500-acre Gorges State Park. The park provides campers with excellent trout fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. Hike down the Foothills Trail along Lake Jocassee and pitch your tent at one of the primitive backcountry sites for solitude in beautiful natural surroundings. There are six backpack sites along the trail free of charge. You can access the Foothills Trail at the Frozen Creek parking lot. Fish in the rivers and streams for rainbow and brown trout and smallmouth bass and hike to the waterfall overlook from the Bearwallow Picnic Area past rare plant species that thrive in the misty environment. The park's more challenging trails cut through secluded areas and rugged terrain with steep inclines and spectacular views. 3. Rose Creek Campground and Cabins Relax and unwind in a tranquil, lush green valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the foothills of the Great Smokies. The secluded RV and tent sites have full hookups, or you can choose between water-only campsites near a central modern bathhouse. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are also primitive tent sites and lovely cabins with air conditioning available. Rose Creek has a catch and release fishing pond, a sparkling pool, a gem mine, and a dog park where Fido can stretch his legs. You can play horseshoes, corn hole and participate in team sports on the open grassy fields. 4. The Great Outdoors RV Resort Park your RV between the trees in this beautiful wooded resort at premium mountain top sites with magnificent views and spectacular sunsets. There are shaded and sunny back-in sites, and some can accommodate big rigs. The sites have 30 and 50 amp electricity, water, and sewer hookups. Each site has a patio with a picnic table, cable TV, and WiFi. Meet new friends at the clubhouse, watch a movie on the big-screen TV, and get comfortable on a rocking chair on the porch. There is a camp store, laundry room, and exercise room. Relax around the swimming pool and enjoy the fabulous views of the Smokey Mountains, play a few games in the game area, or take a stroll through the beautiful surroundings. The resort has a Bark Park where your pooch can run around and play and a Doggy Wash Station. Camp out in your RV or tent at scenic shaded campsites with magnificent mountain views. Visit Franklin Ford today, and our qualified and experienced technicians will ensure your vehicle is in perfect running condition. Image Courtesy of Pixabay

The Ford F-150 has been a classic for decades, with the first model available in 1948. While the design and features have changed over the years, it has kept its rugged appearance and immense power. This year, Ford has redesigned the vehicle, adding a hybrid engine option and improving the functionality and driving experience. Let's have a look at why the 2021 Ford F-150 is the top option in its class and how you can customize it to fit your needs. Basics About the 2021 Ford F-150 In 2021, the F-150 has been rebuilt from the ground up, and the manufacturer has created a tougher and more functional vehicle than ever. It leads its class in many aspects, such as its towing and hauling capabilities, the powerful engine options, and the infotainment system that is comprehensive and easy to use. This full-size pickup truck offers several different engines that include a V6, V8, diesel, and a new hybrid option. While the regular cab seats three people, the SuperCab and SuperCrew models can accommodate up to six. Seating is comfortable and driver visibility is good, and if you opt for one of the higher trims, you'll have access to max recline seats that make it easy to take a nap in your truck. more Pricing There are eight different models available. The basic one is the Ford F-150 XL and comes at a starting price of $29,290. As you move up the range, there are the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Tremor models. The most luxurious and powerful car in the range is called the Raptor, which costs $64,145 and features a high-performance engine, specialized suspension pieces, wheels, and tires. Because there are so many different options available, you can design your F-150 to your exact needs. Both the exterior and the interior can be customized, and with so many possibilities when it comes to your engine and cab size, you'll have a hard time deciding which F-150 you'd like to purchase. New and Unique Features Because the truck has been completely redesigned this year, there are plenty of noteworthy changes. One of the most interesting developments is the brand-new hybrid engine with 430 horsepower. Also new is the SYNC 4 infotainment system with its 8-inch screen, USB ports, WiFi hotspot, and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity. If you're looking to tow heavy items, the 2021 model boasts 800 lbs more towing capacity than the 2020 version, so it can now pull up to 14,000 pounds. There are several bed sizes available, the largest measuring 8 feet. Some models even come with a power outlet in the bed, and there are also stowable loading ramps and a fold-out step that makes climbing in and out easier. In 2021, Ford has redesigned the F-150 to be better than ever, and you'll be delighted by the increased power and greater range of options that have been added. The best way to find out more about this vehicle is to visit your local dealership and test drive a variety of trims. Call us at Franklin Ford in Franklin, NC and speak to our sales team.