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 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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

Y’all. I just bought it 2 days ago. GET IT. You won’t REGRET it!!!!!!

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.

Picking up my XLT tremor on Friday can’t wait.

Love my Ranger, got it Memorial Day weekend. Lariat FX4 with the black appearance package as well “all murdered out look”

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.

finally somebody who knows this vehicle has been in Australia since 2011, its only new to North America since 2019

It’s not a heavy tailgate....it’s one of the only pieces of Aluminum on the truck. Man up dude!

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.

I just went over 1000 miles on my 2022 4x4 Ranger. I went from Phoenix to Los Angeles and back getting 27.2 MPG at an average of 70-72 MPH.

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.

I love my full size truck but the Ranger makes me want to be unfaithful.

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.

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.

The ranger may beat the Tacoma in comfort and modern features but we all know Toyota is king when it comes to reliability.

Just got my ranger XLT 4x4 and I'm in love.

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

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.

Nice review! The videos are getting better and better!

Just got my lariat Ranger last week. After owning two Tacoma’s which were great. I LOVE my new Ranger! First time Ford owner.

I love my 2019 Lariat 4x4. I drive it comfortably from Indiana to Virginia often. Nice review thanks.

Fanboys of any car brand are annoying but this is gonna piss off those mental midget Toyota guys for sure

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.

The Ranger is a top selling vehicle in my country.

What a outstanding review. So articulate and relatable. I'm ordering a 2023 right now. Thanks and bravo.

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.

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 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...

I say this to everyone that complains about the tailgate not being dampened. HOLD ONTO IT.

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.

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 got one right not in Australia,King cab, best engine 3.2L 5 cylinder Turbo diesel. Towing beast

The tailgate that I can let down with one finger isn't dampened, lol.

Thinking about getting a ranger with the Tremor package. Wonder how much dealers will be putting on them once they come out.

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!

They can take the start, stop and stuff it. I hate having to remember to shut the damn thing off every time I get in

It is indeed the best midsized truck on the market.

Have a 2005 Ranger.Build Tough. The Best never rest. JUST Pick up a 2021.Ranger just love it.

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.

Trading my 17 Tacoma for a Ranger tomorrow. Can't wait!

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

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.

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.

You are spot on bro , not even close!

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.

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......

We test drove a ranger , on the way home we stopped at the GMC dealer . We bought a Canyon .

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 .

I suspect that the 270 HP rating is with premium fuel that's about 50 cents more per gallon than with regular.

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

Just bought the exact one ..except XLT... Gladiator or Taco price bang for the buck cant touch it.....Nice Job Ford

I have the 2021 STX GREAT TRUCK how many miles are on yours.???

I own Ford Everest 2016 , i really love it...

I dont really care for the front facia..reminds me of a small sedan.. just wish they would've squared it off just a little..but I still like it

Are you happy with the engine?

how is there snow in the bed with this great ford tonneau cover on it?

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.

Yep!

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.

What tunnel cover is this? I need one! Love it

why does a small pu with a 4cyl. get similar mpg to a full size with a v8???

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?

I am shocked you did not mention the LACK of a heated steering wheel.

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!!!

Minus a 4 cylinder turbo with no manual transmission

Just bought a 21 on Friday.

Do you think RAM should bring back the Dakota?

Just bought one 4 days ago!!

the 2022 Nissan frontier is awesome

$46K is pricey.

What's the real mpg in this thing?

stupid question, the f150 have a bigger cabin over the ranger right? which full size truck brand has the biggest crew cabin? thanks

The 2021 Ranger has a 110 power outlet in the back of the console... Who takes a refrigerator camping anyway??? Geez...

It’s pretty fast for what it is

When that turbo seal goes bad, you will need a rebuild or replacement. $$$$$$

$46.000 are you kidding me, WOW

What did you say you avg on mpg ?

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.

Interior effects could be better?? It is only a $46,000.00 truck!

That’s not a spray in bed liner. The spray liner doesn’t have the Ford logo stamped in

How long will a 4 cyl turbo charged engine last?

With a 4 cylinder turbo time will tell if it's a good truck. I'd give it a few years.

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.

Quoted: "...and it Isn't Even Close"?? .... Then it must be so ...

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.

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 😳

Ranger has limited... range with small gas tank.

Gas Tank is too small, trying towing with it and gets 11.6 mpg.

Just don’t drop the tailgate.

Its a truck want a touchy feely truck by Toyota or Honda.

Tempted to get an xlt supercab 4x4 with the dealer installed engine tune but I hear the 4x4s get poor fuel economy.

id take a tacoma. The ford engines don't last much longer than 50k miles.