Drove one last week

[Rangerx2]

I finally got the opportunity to drive a new Ranger last week. One of the largest volume dealers in the Pittsburgh area, Shults Ford has a bunch of them between their two locations. So I scheduled an appointment for last Thursday after work and went up drove an entry-level XL Supercab fleet truck with basically no other options except 4wd, locking diff, and a cool back up alarm. Salesman explained it was part of a fleet order that the company backed out of and didn't purchase all the trucks they had ordered. This truck even had vinyl seats with the rear seat delete package. The rear seat delete is one option I'm actually interested in as I would never be putting people back there. that area would be reserved for cargo and/or pets. For pets I can always put down a large pillow for them to lay on. I told the guy I'm thinking probably the STX package on the XL but I wanted to drive that one just to get an idea of how it drives and how much real interior space there is in a supercab. Numbers don't mean much until you see one.
All in all, I was impressed! I like that truck! The size is right, The 2.3 Ecoboost felt like it plenty of power at any given time with the 10-speed automatic. It rode and handled nice on some back roads. It had a quiet and solid feel to it. Visibility outside was great, which is one thing I've always felt my 2012 F-150 is lacking in. The side mirrors provide good visibility for that size of a truck. When we got back to the dealer afetr the drive I backed into a spot between two other trucks and found it very easy to park. Only used the rear camera to spot the distance between myself and the expensive new Super Duty behind me. This model of course did not have the Co-Pilot 360 option with the sonar in the back bumper. Not sure I'd want that package either since I want as few electro-nannies as possible in my truck.
Having owned two previous Rangers, an 86 and a 95, I think this 2019 model does a great job of carrying that torch. I would like to see a naturally-aspirated engine option but that's just me. Obviously this truck was way quieter and more solid-feeling than I remember my 1986 truck being, but then, it better be! It's got 33 years of technology improvements over that first-gen! Unfortunately it's also a lot heavier and more complex than even the last-generation Ranger of 2011. Doesn't seem to be a whole lot bigger than the 2011's though. If anyone has photos of the two lined up side-by side I'd be intetrested in seeing them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Size is on par with a 2nd gen Sport Trac.

Back seat is kind worthless on the Supercab, nice that it can be deleted.

 

[Rangerx2]

I think you can only delete the rear seat if you buy the XL. It does save you a couple hundred $ though. Not sure about crew cabs as I haven't spec'ed one out. I have no need for the crew cab and I'm too cheap to pay for it.

 

[Ramcharger90]

I drove one 3 weeks ago an orangeish color short cab I think xlt, which yes drives nice felt comfortable with the leather seats but I kept going for that clutch and shifter. I don't think I can bring myself to buy a new one, for 3 reason no single cab, no manual, only 1 engine option even though I would most likely take the 4 banger over a 6 unless a diesel engine was available. every ranger I have ever owned 89 (2.9 stx), 90 (2.3), 98 (3.0), drove an 04 (4.0) for a while for work was a manual transmission. All but the 98 3.0 5 spd was a single cab that was the one with the goofy jump seats. I love those single cabs. So maybe its just me but its almost my religious belief that a ranger should have a manual transmission and 2 seats. So i was disappointed in the end.

 

[toddiscdn]

New vs Old

more here
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/supercabs-new-vs-old-size-comparison.1959/

 

[TimberWolf2018]

I have owned an 88, and a 2011. But yes, my new 19 is significantly larger, but not in a bad way. I have had a standard cab, an extended cab, and a full crewcab on this new Ranger.
Much prefer the full crew. But you would have never convinced me of that until I got in one...
Now I will never buy a new truck that isnt a full crewcab.

 

[Earl764]

I test drove a fully pimped out Lariat. Was nice, but too much $$$$. Found an xlt extended cab without sync3/nav.

Replaced an ‘06 Colorado.

Ride is very nice.

 

[Ranger850]

I test drove a fully pimped out Lariat. Was nice, but too much $$$$. Found an xlt extended cab without sync3/nav.

Replaced an ‘06 Colorado.

Ride is very nice.

any pics???

 

[Earl764]

any pics???

Indeed!

 

[Rangerx2]

Very Nice! The white looks good with the chrome package.
Since it appears you traded a 2006 Colorado for this, I'm curious if you looked at the new Colorado? If so, what helped you make the decision to buy the Ranger? I'm asking because I would be tempted to buy the Colorado/Canyon over this Ranger for the simple fact that they offer a N/A V6 whereas the Ranger only offers the Turbo-4.

 

[Earl764]

Very Nice! The white looks good with the chrome package.
Since it appears you traded a 2006 Colorado for this, I'm curious if you looked at the new Colorado? If so, what helped you make the decision to buy the Ranger? I'm asking because I would be tempted to buy the Colorado/Canyon over this Ranger for the simple fact that they offer a N/A V6 whereas the Ranger only offers the Turbo-4.

Two words: Colorado shudder.

I too was watching the Colorado for some time. I likely would have bought sooner, but the forums are lit up with a gm transmission problem that is on its 4th or 5th fix.

I just couldn’t roll the dice on that kind of $ and issue.

 

[Rangerx2]

Thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye on GM forums as well as this one before pulling any triggers. I'm interested in the Nissan Frontier also but I've heard their transmissions don't like to pushed too hard either.

 

[toddiscdn]

Buddy at work has the diesel GM, hes a ball scout and puts a ton of miles on, but I think its more stout than the V6 and its tranny issues. I came from a Frontier and it was a decent truck, pig on fuel, around 16mpg average. Only issue I had was pinion bearing and seal, no long before I traded it, transmisiion was fine with light towing, v6 4x4 crew cab BTW.

Im a bit biased now, but the ecoboost is as stout or better than any of the many v6 mid sized trucks Ive had. I too being an old guy had a hard time wrapping my head around the 4 banger, a 2.3 was a Pinto motor back in the day and early boosted 2.3s like the SVO and turbo T-bird had thier share of issues, totally different motor back then.

This however is whole new ball game, after many positive early reviews I went for it, got the first one to roll of a truck around here in Jan., and was immediately impressed. It got even better the first time I hooked up the snowmobile trailer to head north, tows like a dream, wouldnt hardly know that brick of a trailer was back there, 500 klicks each way with lots of hills etc, no problems. Ya , 1 engine choice is a bit annoying, but its a good one.

Anyway, Im not trying to sell you the koolaid, just saying Im very happy with my move. Frontier isnt a bad truck, just very dated and hard on fuel, can be had for decent price though, just me but I wouldnt touch the GM, except maybe the diesel. YMMV