Game Day Essentials: How the 2025 Ford F-150 Makes Tailgating Better

Game day starts the moment you pull into the stadium parking lot. And when it comes to turning any lot into tailgate central, nothing beats the 2026 Ford F-150. Built for hauling, powering, and impressing, the F-150 turns your parking spot into the best seat in the house. With a massive truck bed and best-in-class payload capacity, you never have to choose between coolers, folding chairs, tents, grills, and tables. Bring it all, plus the whole crew! Pair that with a bold, modern design and a suite of smart features, and you've got a truck built for legendary tailgates. more Here's what makes the 2026 F-150 the Ultimate Truck for Tailgating: Available Pro Access Tailgate Available Pro Power Onboard generator Available Tailgate Work Surface Spacious truck bed with smart cargo solutions Strong towing capabilities Comfortable SuperCrew® seating for the whole crew Advanced connectivity and entertainment features Equip your F-150 with the available Pro Access Tailgate and Pro Power Onboard generator, and you've got the most tailgate-ready truck on the market. Let's take a closer look at what makes these features such game-changers. Power Your Tailgate Party With Available Pro Power Onboard Generator Whether you're partying before kickoff or celebrating a big win afterward, you'll have room for everything and the power to keep the fun going with Pro Power Onboard. Instead of hauling a noisy, gas-guzzling portable generator in your truck bed, your F-150 silently generates electricity, freeing up cargo space. Available Pro Power Onboard Configurations 2.0-kW System Ideal for charging electronics, powering small appliances, portable fans, lights, and speakers. Perfect for casual tailgates or camping trips. 2.4-kW System Steps things up with capacity for electric grills, coffee makers, TVs, slow cookers, mini fridges, and multiple devices running at once. Great for hosting larger tailgate gatherings. 7.2-kW System (Available on select models with the 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6 powertrain) The strongest option in the lineup, built to run larger appliances, multiple cooking stations, power tools, inflatable games, outdoor projectors, and more. Confidently power a long day of football celebration from tailgate to final whistle. Note: Pro Power Onboard isn't available on the base F-150 XL in any configuration. If exportable onboard power is a priority for your tailgate setup, you'll want to look at trims above XL. Make Life Easier with Ford Pro Access Tailgate With the Ford Pro Access Tailgate, gone are the days of climbing over the bed rail or reaching awkwardly across the tailgate to grab your gear. Instead of a single drop-down panel, the available Pro Access Tailgate is a multi-functional system with swing-out doors, a traditional drop-down tailgate, and integrated steps. That means more ways to get in and out of your truck bed, whether you're wrestling a cooler full of ice or just grabbing the folding chairs on top. The result is better access and better ergonomics for everyone at the tailgate, no matter how the bed is loaded. Pair it with the available Tailgate Work Surface, and your tailgate becomes a durable, flat surface for food prep, serving, or just setting down a spread of snacks. Think of it as your mini kitchen counter and gathering spot, built right into the truck. Tow Your Game Day Essentials with Confidence When your crew's setup includes a trailer, a full grill station, tents, and enough coolers to keep everyone fed and hydrated through the fourth quarter, the 2026 Ford F-150 is built to bring it all. When properly equipped, the F-150 delivers impressive towing and hauling capabilities that make transporting your game-day equipment simple, even for the biggest setups: Maximum available towing capacity: Up to 13,500 pounds Maximum available payload: Up to 2,440 pounds Multiple engine options to match your performance needs Available Trailer Backup Assist™ for confident backing, even with a full trailer Available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ to make hooking up faster and easier Available integrated trailer brake controller for smoother, more controlled stops Whether you're towing a smoker trailer to the parking lot at sunrise or just loading up the bed with everything you need for an all-day celebration, the F-150 handles it without breaking a sweat. Kick Off Football Season in a New Ford F-150 for Sale in Manning, SC! With college football and NFL season right around the corner, there's no better time to find a truck that's as comfortable and dependable as it is game-day-ready. The 2026 Ford F-150 checks every box. Whether you're rooting for the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia or making the trip to Charlotte to cheer on the Panthers, the F-150 is the tailgating companion built to keep up with your season. Our team at Santee Ford is here to help you explore available models, packages, and features, and find the F-150 that fits your tailgate setup best. Explore our inventory online, then stop by and shop our new trucks for sale today!

The 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid is a smart pick for budget-conscious, eco-minded drivers. With smooth handling and strong fuel efficiency, this compact SUV is perfect whether you're cruising around Sumter or logging highway miles across South Carolina. The catch? You've got a choice to make: a conventional hybrid (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The right one for you comes down to battery size and how you charge. In this guide, we'll break down both powertrains, walk through their charging requirements, and help you figure out which model is the best fit for your life. more The 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Specs The biggest difference between the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models is convenience. There’s no need to plug in the Hybrid model like its PHEV counterpart. Here’s a closer look at the differences: Feature Ford Escape Hybrid Specs Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Specs Engine 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 Hybrid 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid Battery pack 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery Transmission Electronic CVT (eCVT) Electronic CVT (eCVT) Drivetrain AWD only FWD only Charging Required No Yes (120V mobile cord included, Level 2 compatible) Regenerative Braking Yes Yes Electric-Only Driving Limited Up to an EPA-estimated 37 miles on battery power alone The 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 192 horsepower along with 42 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 39 mpg combined. That translates to real savings at the pump. Step up to the plug-in hybrid, and you get even more muscle: 210 horsepower for stronger acceleration, plus an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 37 miles before it switches to standard hybrid driving. Charging is flexible, too. You can plug into a regular 120V household outlet using the included mobile cord, or upgrade to a Level 2 charger for faster charging at home. And if you'd rather skip the charging routine altogether, the PHEV runs perfectly well as a conventional hybrid thanks to regenerative braking. If you’re a daily commuter and have access to charging, the plug-in hybrid can dramatically cut your trips to the gas station. If you'd rather keep things simple and not have to worry about plugging in your Escape, the standard hybrid is the better fit. Either way, you get regenerative braking that recaptures energy on the go. Shop for a New Hybrid or EV at Your Ford Dealership in Manning, SC! If you’re ready to see this hybrid SUV, Santee Ford is here to help! Explore our Escape Hybrid inventory online, then visit us for your test drive. Discover the 2026 Ford Escape lineup here at Santee Ford--a short drive from Florence, Orangeburg, and Moncks Corner!

At Santee Ford, we know that choosing a truck is all about finding the one that fits your life. With four distinct trim levels, three available engines, and multiple cab and bed configurations, the 2026 Ranger lineup is built with real life in mind. But with more choices comes more to compare. That's why we've broken down every 2026 Ford Ranger trim level in plain language, including cost, performance, hauling/towing, and standard features. By the end, you'll know exactly which Ranger is built for you. more Which 2026 Ford Ranger Trim Fits Your Lifestyle? Ranger XL: The Practical Work Truck Starting Around $31,000 The Ranger XL is the entry-level trim, but don't let that fool you! It's a seriously capable truck built for those who want maximum value without paying for extras they'll never use. Contractors, small business owners, and no-nonsense drivers will find everything they need here and nothing they don't. Right out of the gate, the XL comes equipped with Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, producing approximately 270 horsepower, delivering performance you can count on. Durable cloth bucket seats, an available 4WD system, and a SYNC® 4 infotainment system round out a package that covers the essentials. And when it comes to the numbers that matter most on a job site—towing capacity and payload—the XL holds its own against pricier competition. What makes the 2026 XL especially interesting is a significant new addition: the FX4 Off-Road Package is now available on the XL 4x4 trim. That means you can add serious trail hardware like an electronic-locking rear differential, protective skid plates, and Ford's Trail Control™ system without stepping up to a higher trim level. It’s off-road capability at a work-truck price. Ranger XLT: The Most Popular Choice Starting Around $33,000 There's a reason the Ranger XLT is the trim most buyers choose. Starting just above the XL, it adds more comfort, convenience, and technology features without a huge price jump. If you want your truck to feel as good during your daily commute as it does on the weekend, the XLT hits the spot. Under the hood, you’ll have two engine options. You can stick with the proven 2.3L EcoBoost® four-cylinder, or step up to the available 2.7L EcoBoost® V6, a worthwhile upgrade that bumps output to 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. That extra muscle makes a noticeable difference when you're towing a trailer or merging onto the highway. Inside and out, the XLT is where the Ranger starts to feel like a more complete package. The cabin features upgraded materials and a larger infotainment screen, while everyday conveniences like wireless charging, remote start, and enhanced driver-assist features make each drive smoother and more connected. If you’re looking to add style to the exterior, you can add sport appearance upgrades and a new optional power moonroof that brings in natural light and open-air appeal. Ranger Lariat: Premium Comfort Meets Capability Starting Around $41,000 If you spend serious time behind the wheel, the Ranger Lariat is proof that you don't have to choose between a capable work truck and a comfortable one. This is the trim where the Ranger's interior starts to feel genuinely upscale. Step inside, and the upgrade is immediately noticeable. The Lariat ditches standard cloth in favor of Ford's ActiveX upholstered seating, a premium leather-alternative that's both durable and comfortable. A 12-inch digital instrument cluster puts key information front and center in a clean, modern display, while ambient interior lighting and available zone lighting let you set a mood more refined than you'd expect at this price point. For audiophiles, the available Bang & Olufsen® audio system turns every drive into something worth savoring. On the capability side, the available 2.7L EcoBoost® V6—offered on 4×4 configurations—delivers the same 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque found in the XLT, paired here with advanced driver-assist technology. Ranger Raptor: Built for Serious Off-Road Adventure Starting Around $57,000 At the top of the 2026 Ranger lineup is the Ranger Raptor. It isn't just the most expensive trim, though. It’s a pickup designed for drivers who push beyond the pavement. Where the XL, XLT, and Lariat offer varying degrees of off-road capability, the Raptor was designed with the trail in mind. The performance difference starts under the hood. The Raptor comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 producing 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Standard four-wheel drive is a given, but it's what surrounds the drivetrain that truly sets this truck apart. A FOX® suspension system soaks up the punishment that would stop other trucks cold, while 33-inch all-terrain tires and advanced terrain management systems give the Raptor sure-footed control across desert runs, muddy trails, sand, and technical rocky terrain alike. The Ford Ranger Raptor also makes no apologies for looking the part. Its unique off-road styling includes a wider stance, bold front fascia, and aggressive bodywork, signaling exactly what this truck is built to do before it ever leaves the lot. And despite all that trail-ready hardware, the Raptor remains a fully capable daily driver, so you're not sacrificing comfort and convenience. Explore the 2026 Ford Ranger Trim Levels at Your Ford Dealership in Manning! The 2026 Ford Ranger proves that the right mid-size truck exists for every kind of driver. Ready to take the next step? You can get pre-approved from the comfort of your home with our quick, easy online pre-approval form. We're proud to work with buyers across all credit situations and budgets, because we believe everyone deserves a truck that works as hard as they do. And if a new Ranger isn't the right fit right now, don't overlook our selection of top-quality used trucks for sale. Whatever your budget, our goal is simple: match you with the right vehicle at the right price. Stop by Santee Ford in Manning or browse our current Ranger inventory online today. Your next truck is waiting!