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Shopping for a new family vehicle can be stressful. You know you need more space than a car or truck, but there are more options between those extremes than there used to be and the differences can be hard to understand. If you are wondering whether you need a crossover or an SUV, here are the answers to your questions. What's the Difference? Before deciding whether you need a crossover or an SUV, it's helpful to review what exactly separates the two. Often, these terms seem interchangeable — more a matter of semantics or marketing decisions than any tangible difference. However, the technical definitions do offer one definite distinction: a crossover has the unibody platform of a car, while an SUV uses the frame-on-body platform of a truck. Typically SUVs are bigger, but size is not the most reliable indicator. Many vehicles commonly referred to as SUVs, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer, are actually crossovers. You can't always tell the difference by looking. Who Benefits From a Crossover? Crossovers were designed to combine the fuel efficiency of a car (hence the unibody design) with the space of an SUV. For the everyday use of most families, a crossover provides everything you need. Depending on the specific model you choose, you are likely to get better gas mileage from a crossover, making them a good option for anyone whose primary concern is fuel costs. If you are worried that a crossover might not be as safe as an SUV, don't be. Crossovers can actually shield your family more effectively than the rigid body of an SUV. Their car-like design features more crumple zones, which protects passengers by absorbing more of the impact in a collision. Your vehicle may be totaled, but your family will likely walk away with fewer injuries than they would have experienced in an SUV. When Is an SUV Better? The sturdier, more rugged design of an SUV makes it a better option for towing and hauling. As with a truck, the body of an SUV houses its drivetrain and is constructed separately from the frame, which is attached later in the process. If you need your vehicle to handle heavy loads, such as towing the family boat or camper, an SUV is your best bet. An SUV will also serve you better on rugged terrain and conditions that require high clearance. Many of the traditional downsides to an SUV can be positives for some drivers. SUVs are heavier and handle more like trucks. If you prefer the feel of driving a truck to driving a car, an SUV may be a better match for you than a crossover. More weight means lower fuel economy, but some drivers will make that trade willingly for the added protection they believe an SUV offers. Although this faith is not entirely misplaced, it is worth noting that while an SUV may take less damage in a collision, passengers often fare better in a crossover. The line between SUVs and crossovers is becoming more blurred with each passing year. As SUVs increase their fuel economy and crossovers improve their performance, the best pick for your family often comes down to personal preferences. No matter which you choose, you can trust Ford to provide some of the best options on the market.

The loyal customers that frequent Lance Cunningham Ford understand the meaning of "Ford Tough." With the rugged Smoky Mountains lurking overhead, you need a high performance truck that handles the undulating backcountry terrain inside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We believe Ford has raised the stakes in the "Ford Tough" slogan by introducing the 2016 Ford F-150 limited pickup truck. High End Performance at an Affordable Price First, let's check under the hood of the 2016 Ford F-150 Limited. The 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine comes with every trim to generate incredible 365 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque. Paired with the six-speed automatic transmission, the 3.5-liter turbocharged engine provides drivers with the perfect truck for hauling timber and other heavy objects deep within the eastern Tennessee wilderness. The 2016 Ford F-150 comes with either rear or four-wheel drive to give customers flexibility in choosing the drivetrain that matches your driving criteria. Class unique 22-inch wheels guide the 2016 Ford F-150 Limited over the most rugged driving conditions. Ford prices the Ford F-150 to compete with the Dodge Ram and Chevy Silverado. A Ford spokesman said that the 2015 Ford F-150 Limited responds to the "growing needs of discerning truck customers interested in exclusivity, capability, and craftsmanship." Reuters published an article that said Ford customers want "trucks that substitute for higher end German sedans." High Tech Changes Dominate the 2016 Ford F-150 Conversation Touted as the most advanced, luxurious Ford F-150 to ever roll off the assembly line, many automotive experts believe the "advanced" description has special meaning for the 2016 F-150 Limited. Ford has loaded the high performance pickup truck with myriad new technology features. A Panoramic sunroof invites cool Smoky Mountain breezes to enhance the comfort during steamy hot summer day trips to Gatlinburg, TN. LED headlights slice through the dense fog that often develops in the valleys surrounding Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Remote start with tailgate release provides instant access to greater Knoxville roads and highways. The new Sync 3 infotainment system, which is like bringing your home entertainment system on the road with you. The new infotainment system replaces the often-criticized MyFord Touch system. Other high tech features include 10 powerful Sony speakers and a large high-resolution touchscreen. All of the new technology features found inside of the 2015 Ford F-150 Limited complement aesthetically appealing interior materials and aluminum trim. Truck Safety Matters to Ford Engineers In a recent press release, a Ford executive emphasized the importance of the safety features installed for the 2016 F-150 Limited. In addition to standard blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the 2016 Ford F-150 Limited includes lane-keep assist, which represents groundbreaking vehicle safety technology that automatically alerts drivers, whenever they veer of the straight and narrow course. Stability and Traction Control ensures the rugged pickup truck maintains its balance, especially around sharp mountain turns and over Knoxville, Tennessee area streets glazed over with ice. Trailer Sway Control keeps the trailer firmly attached to the hitch, even during extended periods of windy driving conditions. Stopping the 2016 Ford F-150 from 60 miles per hour covers a shortage distance than the stopping distances covered by other full size pickup truck models. Lance Cunningham plans to keep our Knoxville, Tennessee area customers updated on the release date for the 2016 Ford F-150 Limited. The luxuriously designed, yet powerful full size pickup truck works as the quintessential commercial hauling vehicle, as well as a truck to take out for a night on the town. Our Ford dealership conveniently sits near the intersection of interstates 275 and 640, less than a 15-minute drive from downtown Knoxville, TN.

Ever since making its debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2016 Ford Explorer has captivated consumers who want to own a high performance SUV that delivers top of the class fuel economy. The Explorer dazzles the eyes with satin chrome accents that run through the entire body of the vehicle. Ford engineers created a unique platinum grill that encircles the rear liftgate. The standard two-panel moonroof enhances the exterior appearance of the 2016 Explorer, while guiding moonlight to reflect off the sleek SUV frame. Our team of Ford automotive experts makes sure to point out the 20-inch bright-faced wheels that include artistically designed dark painted pockets. The 2015 Explorer Gives You Lots Of Options Not many SUVs provide three engine options, but that is exactly what the 2016 Ford Explorer offers its owners. The new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers more horsepower and torque than what the previously installed 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivered. Twin independent camshaft timing highlights the features that power the 3.5-liter V6 engine. As the most powerful engine for the 2016 Explorer, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost comes equipped with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. Here are the standard specifications for the 2016 Ford Explorer: Engine Size: 2.3-liter EcoBoost Cylinders: 4 Cylinder Engine Horsepower: Estimated 270 HP Transmission: 6-Speed SelectShift® Automatic Comfortable Rides to Knoxville Area Landmarks The seven-seat Explorer SUV provides plenty of room to take large families to and from Knoxville area landmarks such as the Sunsphere, Ramsey House, and Bijou Theater. Adults can stretch their legs in the back seat and never have to worry about bothering the passenger sitting next to them. Plush leather provides a high degree of breathability, which helps remove perspiration on the sultry days when you and your family head for the Great Smoky Mountain foothills or decide to enjoy a leisurely walk through the Gatlinburg business district. Quilted inserts provide multi-contour functionality and the leather-draped dashboard with contesting stitiching exudes top of the class style. Finding the Best Parking Spot for Shakespeare on the Square The 2016 Ford Explorer includes several safety features that help our customers avoid collisions. Ford engineers also make it much easier to parallel park and back out of crowded parking lots by installing a front 180-degree camera. The camera surveys alleys, parking lots, and around sharp bends to ensure you park safely. Camera sensors alert you to potential dangers, such as oncoming vehicles and pedestrians that you cannot see. The 180-degree parking camera helps you park in the full capacity Knoxville Museum of Art parking lot, as well as next to Knoxville parking meters that you fill for annual events such as the Foothills Fall Festival and Feast with the Beasts. The 2016 Explorer Continues the Safety Tradition of the Popular SUV The Ford Explorer is not only one of the safest Ford vehicles, it is one of the safest vehicle manufactured by any other automaker. Safety innovations that include inflatable rear seatbelts and traction control technology keep you and your family out of harm's way. Whether you attend a University of Tennessee football game or decide to pack up the gear form a camping trip to Lookout Mountain, you can travel with the peace of mind that Ford cannot measure in dollars and cents. Stop By Lance Cunningham Ford In Spring 2015 To Test Drive The Explorer Lance Cunningham Ford plans to promote the 2016 Ford Explorer throughout 2015. Visit our Knoxville dealership to learn more about the top of the class SUV. You can also revisit our website for additional updates on the release date of the 2016 Explorer and features that Ford plans to add before unveiling the SUV on showroom floors. We are conveniently located at the intersection of interstates 75 and 275, less than a mile from Sharp Ridge Memorial Park.

Lance Cunningham Ford customers started calling us about the 2015 Ford Edge months before we received the first load at our dealership. One of the frequently asked questions was, "What's the one thing about this car that makes it unique." In One Word: Options The All New 2015 Ford Edge Coming Soon Ford has designed the 2015 Edge to offer our customers multiple design and performance options that match your driving needs. The crossover SUV has two engine size options that produce 245 and 287 horsepower, respectively. Lance Cunningham Ford customers who drive the 2015 Edge mostly to and from work probably do not need as much horsepower as the construction worker who needs to traverse hilly eastern Tennessee terrain. With four trim options, Ford certainly delivers on its promise to provide variety for the 2015 Edge. Sensing Danger Before You Find It The 2015 Ford Edge includes smart sensor technology to keep you and your family out of harm's way. Ford engineers created ultrasonic sensors that detect unseen vehicles and provide you with a sneak peak of pedestrians lurking around street corners. You benefit from three upgraded safety systems when you buy the Ford Edge. Lane Keeping System Ford developed the cutting edge Lane-Keeping System to use a forward facing camera to scan the road in front of you. The camera especially comes in handy during travel through thick fog on your way to one of Knoxville's iconic landmarks. When you inadvertently leave your lane, the steering wheel begins to vibrate as a signal that you need to recalibrate the vehicle. Safely Navigating Crosstown Traffic The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) deploys two obscured rear radar sensors to detect vehicles that enter either one of your blind spots. Cross Traffic Alert issues a warning whenever you back out of tight parking spaces and cannot see oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Both blind spot safety systems take the guesswork out of backing away from driveways and congested street parking spaces. Adaptive Cruise Control What if we told you that Ford has created a safety feature that alerts you to unexpected slowdowns on area roads and highways. The 2015 Ford Edge comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, a safety features that detects traffic slowdowns hundreds of yards before you encounter the potentially dangerous bumper-to-bumper traffic. The system automatically reduces the speed of the Edge and after traffic clears, the car returns to its previously set speed. The 2015 Edge Has Been Redesigned From The Tires to The Roof Ford expects the redesigned 2015 Edge to provide owners with a premium crossover vehicle that has no other rival. With a more rigid frame structure and a suspension system finely tuned to exceed the highest global standards, Lance Cunningham Ford has confidence that our customers will enjoy a special driving experience the first time they get behind the wheel of the Edge. The redesigned frame and suspension system does a much better job of handling isolated road undulations. Ford redesigned the 2015 Edge by featuring a highly sophisticated integral link independent rear suspension and a 23-millimeter anti-roll bar. Crossover SUVs remain a concern for owners who fear the loss of vehicle balance. The 2015 Ford Edge eliminates those concerns by adding the anti-roll bar. Paddle (Shift) Your Way around Knoxville Tennessee Ford installs the paddle-activated SelectShift six speed automatic transmission under the hood of every 2015 Edge. Paddle-shift activation allows you to select gears manually by operating race-car inspired paddles on the steering wheel. Instead of fighting the drag caused by steep uphill climbs, you activate one of the paddles to compensate for the increased resistance. You can deploy the Sport mode of operation to ensure a more aggressive shifting pattern. The drive operation mode works best for commuting to and from work. Ford makes the paddle-activated transmission system a standard feature for all trims.

What Makes the 2015 Ford F-150 Unique There are still a few months to go before buyers can see the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 in Knoxville TN at Lance Cunningham Ford. That may actually be a good thing because the 13th generation has a number of features that are the first among its competitors, from all-aluminum body construction to new engine options to a focus on the little details that matter for prospective truck owners. In fact, while it still retains the essence of its predecessors, it represents a significant step forward as well. Powertrain and Weight Savings It’s hard to talk about a pickup truck without going into how much it can haul. For a lot of people, that means the full-throated engine note of a V8. That will not be the most powerful powertrain option on the 2015 Ford F-150, and the auto maker’s engineers say that owners will not notice the difference. Instead, while a V8 is the third option, the most powerful will be an EcoBoost V6 engine with twin turbochargers. The effect should be better power and torque numbers with significantly better fuel economy. There is also a similar 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that also is a newcomer. Concerns over its reliability should be close to nil: Motor Trend reports that it got a “road test” of sorts by racing the full Baja 1000 with no problems. New engines still have to work with the weight of the truck, but buyers shopping the 2015 Ford F-150 near Oak Ridge, TN should know that engineers focused on that area as well. By using aluminum for every body panel except the firewall, savings of up to 700 pounds are possible. Ford also used stronger steel in the chassis that also shaved off some weight. That translates into higher cargo capacity. Exterior Features Follow Function in the 2015 Ford F-150 People who keep track of auto shows will note that the newest model hews fairly closely to a 2013 concept truck that still maintains the grille and stance of the outgoing vehicles. As noted above, however, the devil is in the details. One key vulnerability for many drivers is visibility, and engineers have slightly decreased the beltline of the doors and combined it with larger glass overall. In addition, the trunk will have some parts that any pickup truck buyer will appreciate. The tie-downs are midway through the bed which affords more flexibility in securing bulky items and there is an available ladder that swings down all in one motion. Commercial and personal buyers will likely appreciate the available power tailgate that drops at the push of a button on the keyfob. Interior and Safety Features of the 2015 Ford F-150 Buyers considering the 2015 Ford F-150 in Knoxville will also likely appreciate the updated interior; on higher trim lines, automotive journalists compare the amenities to luxury. Even on base models, there is an infotainment screen to control the air conditioning, stereo and other features. Available options include cameras that allow all-angle viewing outside of the vehicle along with the lane-keeping, collision-mitigating and similar safety systems that are still more common on expensive luxury sedans. While the crash test data has not come in yet, many observers feel that with the addition of the higher-strength aluminum panels and stronger steel, the 2015 Ford F-150 should provide even better collision protection for all occupants.

Lance Cunningham Ford has a tough time keeping a secret. Ever since our customers from the greater Knoxville, TN area, including the outlying suburbs of Maryville and Oak Ridge, learned about the unveiling of the 2015 Ford Mustang, our call center has been swamped with inquires from eager customers who want to know one thing. What is the great secret that Ford keeps talking about that concerns the 2015 Ford Mustang? In December of 2013, Mustang Chief Engineer Dave Pericak told Fox News that the 2015 Ford Mustang has a special feature that would be a manufacturer first. The feature brings out the kid in all of us, said Pericak, and that was all he said. Like all good secrets, the best-kept Mustang secret ever finally came out recently when Ford announced the 2015 Ford Mustang includes an electronic line-lock that applies pressure to the front brakes, while releasing the rear brakes. The cutting edge engineering feat allows accomplished drivers to execute the quintessential burnout every time. Ford packages the 2015 Mustang with an electronic launch control system, which makes the latest Mustang model the perfect car for bracket racers. Not Just for Drag Racers Although Lance Cunningham Ford is extremely proud to welcome the 2015 Ford Mustang into our family of high quality cars, we believe our customers from greater Nashville that includes Oak Ridge, TN, and Maryville, TN, deserve the complete picture painted by the number one rated sports car on the market. The 2015 Ford mustang may leave behind a lot of rubber, but it also provides owners with myriad functional benefits that include several advanced technology features. Intelligent Access Advanced technology brought to you by Ford engineers has produced a vehicle access system unparalleled in convenience. Intelligent Access means all you have to do to get inside the 2015 Ford Mustang is simply have the ignition key inside of a pants or shirt pocket. The vehicles sensors alert the ignition system of the key’s presence and from there, you gain entrance and start the 2015 Mustang by the push of a button. MyFord Touch The 2015 Mustang represents the first time Ford has integrated the MyFord Touch system with a Mustang model. Ford developed the advanced in-car communication system to include a center touch screen form navigational purposes and a voice activated control system that allows drivers to pay more attention to what lies in front of them on the road, not the dashboard. Open Your Eyes Ford has created the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to expand the vision of drivers who cannot see cross traffic, as they back out of crowded parking lot spaces or their own driveways. Two rear radar sensors detect the motion of cars that approach from either side of your new 2015 Ford Mustang. Not only does the system alert you of vehicle cross traffic, it also detects the movement of pedestrians and animals. Ford Performance Rules the Day Your vision for the 2015 Ford Mustang most likely does not include screeching across the finish line at a drag racing event. However, you can enjoy the tremendous performance provided by the newest Mustang model, whenever you need a power surge to pass lagging motorists or a burst of speed to overcome the tallest peak inside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Regardless of your power needs, Lance Cunningham ford has you covered with the 2015 Mustang. The Heart that Beats the Power With every new Mustang release comes thousands of hours refining the heart of the most popular sports car on the market. The 2015 Ford Mustang boasts a 5.0-liter V8 that provides the most power Mustang has ever offered owners. Yet, Ford combines the raw power of the V8 with an EcoBoost powertrain system that includes a high-capacity direct injection system to control fuel delivery to the engine. The incredibly fast time-to-toque ration ensures you receive optimal fuel economy in one of the most powerful sports cars. The 2015 Ford Mustangs Handle Everything From slick downtown Knoxville roads to winding back roads around Maryville and Oak ridge, the 2015 Ford Mustang provdes drivers with smooth handling. The independent rear suspension positions the car to match road conditions, whether you drive an extended stretch of flat pavement or move over undulating terrain in the backcountry. The suspension system works in conjunction with the steering wheel to isolate road defects and handles the 2015 Mustang accordingly.The friendly team at Lance Cunningham Ford has learned one secret, but we know that another secret is just around the corner. When will Ford ship the 2015 Mustang to Lance Cunningham Ford of Knoxville, TN.?Stay tuned for updates!