New Tacoma vs Colorado vs Ranger

[hyfi]

On my '23 ZR2, HVAC interactions are via actual buttons or knobs, though the buttons are that godawful piano black plastic. The lights thing is something I've gotten used to but still think is kinda stupid, particularly for the fog lights where you actually have to go into the menus to toggle them.

I haven't experienced most of the other issues that were posted upthread, though I did have to open up the front fender liners a bit to reseat the fender flares, which weren't clipped fully in. Also, I already have a recall to deal with when they come up with a solution to the automatic braking activating spontaneously, but I've kept that 'feature' disabled from day one anyway. I do wish that they made the electronic nannies optional for those of us that spend their time driving actually driving instead of dorking around with their phones.

Overall I'm pretty happy with the truck over the first thousand miles, but we'll see as the miles and hours add up.

I switched off of adaptative cruise control and maintain the "old" cruise (speed) control with good effect: no more random braking. I'm with you, I like to drive, steer, and actively categorize the drivers I encounter as I cruise the road (Nissan Altima drivers are the worst, with room for Prius exceptions).

I've also got a Subaru and was adaptive cruise control initiated by them (two cameras w/Eyesight). Considering the one camera used in the twins and higher placement, traditional CC is fine. I am not interested in any auto-drive feature (On-Star poll asked if I liked the hands-free driving routes... NO), but that's my preference. I'm not clocking any more than 15k in a year.

And confirm, HVAC has standard knobs and buttons. I would suggest a screen protector for your infotainment screen. The reduced glare off that makes the piano black plastic buttons less of an aesthetic and/or glare issue.

 

[D45]

The prices on used Ranger trucks are very low compared to used Tacomas and Colorado/Canyon trucks

I just can't get through the front end of the Ranger enough to even test drive one

 

[plainjaneFJC]

The prices on used Ranger trucks are very low compared to used Tacomas and Colorado/Canyon trucks

I just can't get through the front end of the Ranger enough to even test drive one

The new rangers? Front end seems fine to me- really all the new midsize trucks look good imo.

 

[Zillon]

The new rangers? Front end seems fine to me- really all the new midsize trucks look good imo.

They look better in person, honestly.

The real travesty is the total abandonment of the extended cab/long bed body style.

 

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

They look better in person, honestly.

The real travesty is the total abandonment of the extended cab/long bed body style.

Understated!

edit: if Ford made a Ranger CC with a 6’ bed, I’d stand in line to buy one.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

I

Understated!

edit: if Ford made a Ranger CC with a 6’ bed, I’d stand in line to buy one.

Would an extend cab F150 serve the same purpose or a crew cab for that matter. You get to the point of overlapping footprints

 

[MisterNoisy]

So after about 6k miles, I'm still pretty happy with my ZR2. It's shockingly comfortable in daily driving and still a perfect surf fishing, trail riding or camping companion. Mileage hasn't changed - I get about 16.5 mpg regardless of the environment or duty cycle - this isn't awesome, but it's predictable at least. The L3B has tons of grunt and road manners are no different from any other tall/non-car vehicle.

In hindsight, a Trail Boss would be the smart money pick, but I'm a sucker for top trims that deliver meaningful capability versus lower ones and skipping any other options.

 

[D45]

I will say that the front end of the 2024 Ranger looks 100% better than the previous model year

2.3L I4
270 HP @ 5,500 RPM
310 TQ @ 3,000 RPM

2.7L V6
315 HP @ ????
400 TQ @ ????

 

[plainjaneFJC]

I will say that the front end of the 2024 Ranger looks 100% better than the previous model year

2.3L I4
270 HP @ 5,500 RPM
310 TQ @ 3,000 RPM

2.7L V6
315 HP @ ????
400 TQ @ ????

The 2.3 runs really good in testing its the same at the 2.7 in the Chevy- I imagine the 2.7 eco will be a rocket

 

[Buddha.]

The 2.3 runs really good in testing its the same at the 2.7 in the Chevy- I imagine the 2.7 eco will be a rocket

My old ‘19 Ranger was referred to as the “race truck” by the guys at work after I surprised one of them in his old three series. (335i I think, the one with a turbo) I kinda miss it.

 

[MisterNoisy]

The 2.3 EB is excellent (if somewhat heretical) in the Mustang and made the Focus RS a complete riot to drive. Not surprised that it's a very solid truck motor.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

The 2.3 EB is excellent (if somewhat heretical) in the Mustang and made the Focus RS a complete riot to drive. Not surprised that it's a very solid truck motor.

Didn’t they have some head gasket issues- was that ever a big concern or just hyped up? Seems I watched a video of a tear down and they showed a very thin surface between two cylinder walls that didn’t allow for much gasket surface

 

[MisterNoisy]

Didn’t they have some head gasket issues- was that ever a big concern or just hyped up? Seems I watched a video of a tear down and they showed a very thin surface between two cylinder walls that didn’t allow for much gasket surface

There were some Focus RSs that had the Mustang head gasket installed instead of the one specific to the higher output of the RS tune. They started giving out so Ford had to replace a few motors and recall the rest.

 

[Transit720]

sorry if this has been covered already, but what's the largest size tire you can get in the factory location under the bed for each of the 3 trucks?

 

[MisterNoisy]

sorry if this has been covered already, but what's the largest size tire you can get in the factory location under the bed for each of the 3 trucks?

33 for the Colorado. The Bison package moved its 35s to the bed because they don't fit.