My first car was 2004 Ranger. Drove that bad boy for 371,000 miles. Absolutely loved it. Haven’t had a truck in 3 years. ( got married. Had a baby) Think I’m gonna get me the XLT.
I just bought an XLT about a week and half ago and after driving it for one full week, I really love it. It's more on the basic end of the XLT but it's such a nice truck to drive. It's so smooth and tall, I couldn't be happier with it.
I was in the market for a new truck in 2020. Did a bunch of research and number comparisons; landed on the Ranger. hands down better value in every category than any other truck, and by a wide margin.
My favorite thing about the ranger is def the powertrain. Comparing to the Taco TRD Pro I was driving around, this is way smoother and no where near as sluggish. The Taco does look nicer but my tremor looks pretty cool blacked out..
I think the ranger looks better personally. I'm struggling to choose between the ranger xlt and Tacoma sr5. I'm leaning more towards the ranger, I don't plan on off-roading, just want an affordable truck to get to and from work with the occasional trip to home depot
@@chimchu3232 XLT man. No Question. Imo, it only becomes a competition in the higher trim Tacos/Rangers. Not to mention that a Ranger xlt 2x4 produces much better MPG over the Taco.
Just bought this truck last week. Lariat Crew Cab FX4 White Platinum Tri coat and sport appearance. I love this truck. Sticker was 47k but end of year clearance (she’s a 2020) got it down to 39k. To all the people who say should’ve just bought a F150 for that money? If you can find me a 2020 Lariat F150 for 40k show it to me. Impossible to get this tech and trim for this price in a F150...plus I already have a full size RAM. This Ranger fits in my garage. *edit. For those complaining about the tailgate not being dampened? It’s a $18 part on Amazon and 12 minute install.
I test drove a new Ranger today, and I'm impressed. I would have taken it home if I could have. It was solid on the road, has plenty of spunk ( I was speeding the entire test drive, oops), and it was comfortable. I cannot wait to get one.
Been watching videos all day and finally found someone with the same features/trim as mine. Glad to see you like it as I just got mine so I'm looking forward to getting some use out of it. Cheers
My elderly dad leased one in 19 ... similar to yours except magnetic ... I was leery of it but now I grab it and drive it to work (30 miles each way) a couple times a week just to tack on miles ... it handles and drives great. That 2-3 is a great, peppy, unit. When the Broncos were announced with this as the base engine it was pleasant news. Only complaint - just one - is the tiny temperature controls!! And - my son had to have a Tacoma and bought one (a 2018 model year) last spring and wishes every day that he’d have got the Ranger.
The big deal about the undampened tailgate is the biggest gimmick out there. Nobody unlatches their tailgate and just lets it drop. You use your hand to lower the tailgate instead. I don't see the big deal with the interior being a lot of plastic. The only thing my hand is on is the steering wheel and the shifter. I see everyone make a big deal about it, but it has never once entered my mind while driving any vehicle. As far as the Ranger goes, the one thing I wish they offered was a manual transmission. Of course I wish every vehicle made offered one. Other than that it seems like a nice truck. I personally would opt for the extended cab instead of the crew cab so I would get a longer bed.
The Ranger was engineered and designed in Australia (Melbourne) and the Bronco as well. The Ranger started life in 2011. Since then it has been the number two best seller sometimes number 1. Approaching its 10 year on the road is still is number 1 or 2 in sales. If it was so unreliable as some comments suggest then why would it still sell so well. The fact is that's its a very good product. If you prefer Toyota or an F150 then go and buy one. Stop you big winge, the Ranger is a huge seller all around the world. The USA is the last country to get it as Ford believed that it would negatively impact on the F150 sales. In Australia we have so many more variations than you do in the USA.
@@Ghosthound_X I wish you did as well. Ford USA would NOT allow Ford Australia to engineer a Left hand drive Falcon and export it as they thought it would adversely effect the sales of the Crown. Victoria . Conversely GM did allow Holden to engineer and export a left hand drive Holden, and it went to the USA along with other countries. In the USA it appeared as the Pontiac GTO and as the G8 the longer model Statesman was used as police cars.
What's great about the interior with the hard touch is that it's super easy to clean I believe in my option in my experience driving my2020 xlt ranger. And let's be honest how often are you touching top of your dash when driving.
Outside the US Ford recently put in a new diesel in the Ranger. 210 hp and 369 fl-lb of torque from a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder biturbo. The engine is available in the higher trim levels one of which being the Ranger Raptor.
They have been running diesels in these trucks for years in Aus and in Europe. What's nice, is that the payload on those trucks is much higher there than in North America.
A few things: there’s a secret plug under the left side of the truck bed just sitting there to be converted to power plug. There’s an upgrade for lighting in the bed in the Ford catalog. The tailgate can be dampened with a $40 damper you can pick up from Ford.
@@ChrisONeillUSA If you want to know how to convert that rear bed plug to a usable plug let me know and I'll send you the link to the plug. It's really cheap!
Great review! I just ordered a ‘23 XL crew cab 2wd with locking diff, tow pkg, & bedliner. It’s actually pretty utilitarian. I’m trading my ‘18 Wrangler JLU, which has been pretty disappointing in terms of reliability. It’s paid for, and they’re giving me almost what I paid for it 3 years ago, and I’ll only owe about 2K on the Ranger!
I just picked up a 2019 Lariat with 32K miles last week. Its fully loaded as well and I'm in love with it. Hands down the best vehicle I've ever owned in terms of build quality and comfort. I test drove a Tacoma and wasn't impressed. It felt cheaper on the inside and the floorboard was way too high in comparison to the Ranger. I've ridden in Chevy Colorados before and they are too cheap feeling. Didn't care for the reviews I saw of the new Frontier. Ranger is definitely the class leader.
I took a look at the Ranger as well and ended up going with the Gladiator. I actually traded out of a 2019 Tacoma, it was nice truck but it just wasn’t for me. I think for the segment that the build quality of the Tacoma is by the best. That being said, the Ranger is also a nice truck. I think it wins in the powertrain department, aside from the eco diesel in the gladiator (quite pricy though). I thought the interior was decent, and the legroom in the rear was a touch more usable then the Tacoma. I test drove and rented ones with the XLT + FX4 and they were relatively smooth but extremely floaty. Upgraded dampers would fix that easily if it’s not your cup of tea. Opinions are opinions for a reason, and mine is that the ranger is not the best mid size truck by far. In terms of pricing, you were a bit misleading. If you build a super crew 4X4 XL with FX4, it’s 36k and some change. Still competitive, but very similar in price to a TRD Off road or TRD Sport. The gladiator can be very expensive, but if you get a sport s model with reasonable options it really isn’t far off a reasonably well equipped ranger XLT or TRD off road. Yes, it won’t have lockers but let’s be honest even with lockers I am sure they are similarly capable off road given the Jeep’s superior articulation and longer wheel travel. The gladiator has a better rear suspension design, and more rear legroom bridging the gap between mid size and full size a bit. It definitely has its downsides, it can be very pricy and noisier than the rest on the highway. But, it’s unique. I’m not saying the gladiator is the best mid size on the market either, but it’s certainly not just a toy. To the same coin, I can definitely understand someone purchasing a Ranger, Tacoma, or Colorado/Canyon (these actually handle the best of the bunch). Point is, I don’t think any model in the segment is clearly the best, it just depends on your usage case.
Good overview. Looking forward to the 2023 update. Hopefully they go full aluminum body (no rust would be nice), 2.7L Ecoboost V6, and better interior and headlights. Those are my wishes anyway lol. I'd consider one then. I doubt Ford will do those things because it would cannibalize sales from the F150 but I have no need for a full size.
Fuel filter removes water and dirt ,f149 builds up in tank needs a $1000 pump out and disposal ,did myself for less than 2nd 1000 prices. Gave me a 55gallon drum with 25 gallons in it ! Apparently I overfilled the tank?
there are after market accessories for the bed via adding power outlets and dampening system for the tailgate so when I get mine i will most likely do that! Great video
Nice review. I have a Tacoma but appreciate the payload benefits of the Ranger. I don’t plan to load up my Taco that much so not a huge deal. For me it was the look and the interior on the Taco that won it for me. If I remember correctly the rear seats don’t fold flat in the Ranger right? Nice to have strong competition in this segment!
@@justinl8455 I like it better than the Tacoma’s .. Nicer interior. More power. Looks sharper inside and outside. Still running tight with no squeaking or any kind of noises. Spent an extra $700 to get it professionally under coated. I don’t keep it garaged. Plan on keeping it for a long time. Never been a Ford person. Always was a GM and Toyota owner. But I could not resist buying the new Ranger Lariat.
@@barryarsenault9796 they are good trucks .. I have Ford F-150, dodge 2500 , Chevy 1500 and now I am on my third 3rd Tacoma .. but I have driving a few rangers and they are bad ass ..
I have a 2020 Ranger XLT, FX4. I love it! I was always wanting a Tacoma but I did the research and went with the Ranger. Can’t wait to go camping! I’ll be towing a small camper trailer.
I bought a 2022 so I’m waiting a bit, I went ahead and got the 18in wheels, do you think I’ll see much of a difference? I’m going for the XLT sport package... I’m so excited I just wanna hear your take.
@@Yungsizzlerr My understanding is that the FX4 has a higher lift. I’m not 100% sure on this though. But the FX4 is the off road package. I haven’t gone off road yet but I’m looking forward to trying it!
I bought a 202 Lariat with 19,000 miles for $34 and I love it. If you wany luxury get a GMC or upper trims in the full-size market but you'll be paying $70k starting I'm all about bang for buck. And there is a great after market for the Ranger.
I have the 2019, love it. Have been a Ford buyer for many years and my main complaint with Ford has been the use of the hard plastics, they seem to be stuck on it. Its ok, it works, only cheapens a fine truck in my opinion. Other than that I really do love my truck. I have just a RCH over 36K and the only issues Ive had is with the battery! I am on my third one! All within warranty. Also, what is up with tail gate dampening! Sorry Im old school, just lower the damn tailgate by hand and get over it! Takes what 2 seconds! This seems to be a big issue and I just dont get it! By the way my wife has a Tacoma with a dampened tailgate, and yes I give her grief over it. 🤣 All in fun...
Whatever it is don't pay it! Dealer mark up is a ridiculous concept and only exists because a handful of people will actually pay it. Resist! Cars aren't that special.
Tremor package is actually priced fairly decent vs the fx4. Especially if you were planning on upgrading your suspension/tires. You dont need the sports or black on black package for the upgraded look. Also includes running boards saving you another 600$+.
Imo if you’re going to buy a truck , USE IT as a truck . Can’t expect the ride quality and materials to be luxury level if that’s not the purpose of it . Too much people now a days worried about all that stuff .
These comments are so bizarre. I'm advocating for a for-profit company to give consumers more for their money, and this is people's reaction. Also, the word is 'Damped'. 'Dampened' means to make wet with water.
It's true, I love my 2020 Ranger, turbocharged is the way, this baby flies and can carry heavy loads like nothing, the only thing that gets annoying it;s the Echo Boost system, but all you have to do is press one button to turn it off.
I have owned an early 2000's Taco, mid 2010 F150 and Ram. Out of all my cars the 90s mazda Rx7 and my 2019 Ranger xlt fx4 are the best car/truck Ive owned.
March 23 I got a 2021 Trd off-road 4x4. Made in Mexico mind you. 35k for the car and thanks to California it cameout to 39k otd. April 21st I sold it for 42k. Good riddance. I don't understand why it's so popular. It's very uncomfortable, the back seat is very cramped. I drove it on a 1800 mile trip and the rear seat occupants hated me for taking my truck. I was uncomfortable in the driver seat too. Engine is definitely underpowered and the automatic transmission feels like I'm driving a truck from the 80s so bad. Going 80 on the hwy good luck, so much wind noise and rattling from the windows. The transmission constantly changing gears down to 4th because the other 2 gears are way too tall. All of this is Unacceptable for a new truck. My particular car had a payload of 900lbs which I quickly learned is a very ridiculously low amount. The infotainment system is very dated and super laggy. If it wasn't for Carplay I would have hated the truck even more. Buy it if you want 1 a good platform to modify 2 resale value. Now I'm looking into the rangers.
That's tough, glad you were able to get rid of it, and make a nice little profit for your troubles. I'd argue that the Tacoma isn't even a good platform to modify, given the pitifully low payload. Resale value is frustrating - the reason it has high resale value is because people perceive it to be a better vehicle than the facts say it is. Available manual transmission and bed-mounted AC-inverter are two of the Tacoma's selling points though, when comparing it to the Ranger.
Love the ranger. Went with a 2019 frontier pro-4x due to cost but the ranger’s a fantastic truck and was a close #2 for me. The taco, Colorado and canyon were all far behind.
@@C.Lopez-SWFL-Off-Road-Trucks my 2017 Tacoma was made in US and never had any major problems, but I refuse to pay 40 K for a truck made in Mexico, sorry is not going to happen. I had a Ford ranger back in the 98 never a had a single problem with it.
When I drive my 2021 around 30mph it always seems to want to stay in to high of a gear. It will downshift if I push on the gas but it will then want to go back into to high of a gear. Have you experienced this? Other than that I love the ranger.
Agree - drove the Ford, Chevy, Toyota, & Nissan. 1) Ford - best interior & powertrain. 2) Chevy - ZR2 trim level is a nice setup. 3) Toyota - horrid seats & dated interior, but a proven design. 4) Nissan - ancient; only angle is that it’s cheap.
Ranger just gives you so much more for your money. The GM trucks are fine from a payload and powertrain standpoint, but lack the tech and refinement. Toyota sells too many Tacomas on reputation alone - if buyers behaved rationally, most all Tacoma buyers would instead buy Rangers. The old Frontier was novel in that it was so old, the new one does absolutely nothing to disrupt the midsize truck hierarchy. Honda Ridgeline is the dark horse and is the right truck for the majority of people. Gladiator is a very capable but expensive toy.
@@lythium6878 I dont know why people keep spreading this misinformation. I work in a business (Construction) where virtually everyone has a truck. The Toyotas are getting fixed just as much as the rest of them. No truck stands out as 'this truck lasts forever and the rest dont'. Its a fanboy myth.
I had a 2nd Gen raptor and it always in reviews kind knocked for interior like all older F150’s but it was so cool to grab a rag and a lil windex and no matter how filthy that dash and screen and door panels was clean it in 30 min and it looks brand new I now have a 3rd Gen with all the soft touch materials and I can’t wipe them off I actually damaged the new soft touch lower portion of the dash. Trucks need tuff interiors period if u want a luxury interior to off road or drive your pick up trucks your off base
I get it, there needs to be a balance. Ranger interior feels a little third-world though, and I take issue when that's accompanied by a first-world price tag.
dont mind this rig. Have a 2022 sr 5 taco. Only draw back a bit shy on torque. seriously considered a ranger though. If you really want to increas power on you taco there are super chargers available for them, bout 100 bhp and torque.
Sure, but goodbye warranty, and goodbye several thousand dollars. The Ford Performance tune for the Ranger on the other hand costs $850, adds 45 hp/60 lb-ft, and preserves the warranty. Really hard to beat Ford these days, by my analysis.
@@ChrisONeillUSA no one really buys the rangers. The rangers are more for street use rather then off road. I like all the new mid size trucks. But prefer the tacomas and jeeps for off road. Colorados and rangers are more for pavement. Like them all myself.
I got my Lariat chrome loaded FX4 in Dec 2019 and delivered March 2020, 2020 model. I've only put 3600 miles as of March 2020. Only added a tailgate dampener and Micheline LTX's. Looking at the Mishimoto catch can right now. Bad ass truck get so many looks from the full size guys....thinkin they are saying do I need all this truck at the grocery store....ahahahh No Toycoma has pulled up to this Ranger yet. I'm ready......
I went from a Dakota to the Ranger, I’m completely happy with the Ranger but a new Dakota would have been a strong consideration. I don’t need a full size.
I hear you. But this is another common trait of trucks designed primarily for markets outside the US - no aggro styling. Only us Americans have been conditioned to want our trucks to look like they want to kill someone.
My only issue with this is the eco boost it’s a powerful engine with great specs but I make a lot of money working on eco boosts ranger is still pretty new so I haven’t done much work one. If there’s anyone who’s reading and owns one, how have they held up so far?
The 2.3l has been around since what 2015 in the Focus RS and Mustang? Chassis has also been around overseas for about 10 years now. These are a couple of the reasons I bought a 2nd year model; technically its not. Both the engine and chassis have been around for quite some time already.
@@tehagent1321 if I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen coolant dump into a combustion chamber through a scope I could buy a new snap on tool box lol!
Hey Chris, great review. Very competently So I subscribed. The Ford Ranger out here has a payload of 1119kg (2466lbs) in a pretty high trim level. Greetings from Germany
Thanks Stefan! The Ranger's payload elsewhere is even more impressive. Here in the US it comes down a little because in order to be competitive, and compliant with regulations, Ford has to add in additional safety structure and some extra tech, which adds to the base weight. Still, it's a shame the bar is so low for towing and payload here when it comes to midsize trucks. Another part of it is that the truck manufacturers want to protect their full-size offerings, which are the real money makers.
@@ChrisONeillUSA the last part I suggeseted as well. And in other parts of the world your fullsizes are either to big (smaller streets down town, parking space) and/or they need to much gas. And gas in Germany e.g. is right now US-$ 6.44 a gallon and that is not premium. Diesel is today at 5.60 right here. And so these midsize trucks have to do the work of your bigger ones. Towing is limited in a lot of parts of the world to 3.5 tons (7700lbs). For more you need at least a 7.5 ton truck and a special drivers license. Anyway I realy enjoyed your review. The only thing to criticize is that the camera was a bit dark at the interior.
It’s overpriced like every truck nowadays. No matter what anyone says if you need to use this as an actual truck meaning towing or payloads, that 4 banger will not last. Plus it already looks a decade old, being that it actually is.
WHY did you even touch on the subject of reliability, or longevity??? Will this 270 HP turbo boost 4 cyl. engine burn out sooner??? lets get to the meat of the subject Chris!!!
What are you talking about… 😂 These rangers have been around for many years overseas, especially Australia and many people including people in the United States with the 2019 Ford Ranger have over 200k miles without any problems. Just normal minor things and maintenance is key!
@@seadoo4life127 nope...toyotas suck.....and inly suckers buy them.. but tge new turbo rangers will have expensive problems.....i just got me a 2020 nissan frontier...awesome alternative.
My 2019 xlt sport 4x4 has been absolutely amazing. Unlike the 2019 Tacoma trd pro I had prior that ended up with axle hop and Toyota didn’t want any part of fixing it and I can’t more happy to get rid of that crap of a “truck”
Ford has been using 4 cylinder turbos in other models for years and they have not had any issues. My 2016 fusion which has a turbo has been been running just like day 1 with 145k miles. Also, other car manufacturers are adopting this same path as well. Even though they criticized Ford in the beginning.
I currently drive a 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 with a very similar 2.3 Turbo as Ford and Mazda worked together on it and I have beat on that thing for 265,000 kms and it hasnt skipped a beat. Ford uses this new 4cyl in quite a bit of their range and the one in the Ranger actually gets some beefed up components compared to those.
The Ranger is nice in size and exterior. I had a 2003 which looks very much like the 2020 inside and out. I prefer the V6 I had. I think the new 2022 Nissan Frontier this summer looks great. The next Gen Ranger will be great.
The Frontier looks cool but it's a disappointment with regard to towing, payload, and overall technology. They hardly improved it from the outgoing model in these areas, and after all this lead up, they did nothing to set it apart from the competition. It's unfortunate that they benchmarked it against the Tacoma. Especially frustrating when the Navara/foreign market Frontier is significantly more capable.
The Tacoma is bottom tier on everything... except sales numbers. Funny thing is; there are NO old Tacoma on the road around my area. Just old Fords and Chevys. Even first gen Rangers and S-10s. Lots of them.
The Ford Ranger will not age well. My 2015 Tacoma feels like a bank vault. The Ford is too new to judge its reliability yet. Based off the focus rs Mustang GT 500 And the gt350 Ford can't keep engines together too long. Lol.
@@TheDboy82 well I would take that bastard back and say where is my logo! Just kidding. Haven’t you watched any Ranger videos on RU-vid? All the “Ford factory spray in bedliner‘s“ have the Ford logo that I have seen.
@@rustlesee Ive heard numbers like 20mpg going 70mph in no traffic for 2 hours. That defeats the purpose of a turbo 4 imo. Leaning 5.0 fx4 f150, we'll see which one cost less come August.
It's the same truck as before. New panels and interior bits. It's how Nissan works, just add some shiny bits and call it all new.. even though it's not.
Really want to get this truck but have two boys ages 2 and 4. Not sure the backseat is big enough 🤔??? Edit- it's July 2021 and this truck is $47,000 😳
My 2005 4Runner with a boxed frame and 250,000 miles will still be running great when this is ranger is no longer a vehicle and has been recycled into a Hyundai Sonata
not where i live. toyotas rust out completely in 15 years here in alaska. my good friend had to scrap his tacoma cuz the frame was gone. body was still in decent shape. my other good buddy has a 13 year old izuzu flat bed truck. he had to replace the frame in it this winter. it's a very wet climate. we have a 1998 ford explorer. 200,000 miles, still running strong. body and frame are still in excellent condition. this ford explorer has never spent 1 day in a garage. it's been out side in the elements it's entire life here in alaska... the rear bumper has rusted out but that is it. my wife is thinking about buying a new toyota 4 runner. i'm like lets just cherry out the explorer and repaint it and put a new rear bumper on it and call it good. wife and i are building a new house this year with a shop. if we do buy a 4 runner i'm gonna paint the frame with a better paint plus keep it in a nice heated shop/ garage. we've had around a dozen vehicles over the years, this explorer has been our most reliable rig. never gonna sell it. it's going in the shop also...
Put weight in the bed. The spring rates are designed to allow it to actually do truck things. The Tremor I loaded down with 1,200lbs for a mountain biking trip a few weeks ago rode great.
