Newb here. Researched all of the midsize trucks and so far I like the Ranger. Anyone compare the Ranger to Frontier or Colorado? If I go with the Ranger I am not sure which year and trim level. This will be my everyday driver and I plan on using it for traveling with a small travel trailer. I also live in New England and winters can get rough. We may do some very light off roading. Right now, I am leaning toward an XLT FX4. My budget is $40k or less but I may be willing to go more for the new 2024 If it is worth it. I am confused on which year would be the best. 2019 was the first come back year so that may have had more issues according to car complaints. Thoughts on best year, trim level and packages and how it compares to other trucks?
To possibly meet your budget, you are definitely going to need to go used. My 2019 STX FX4 was $42K new.
The STX package is required to get the FX4 package on the XL trim.
If you don’t need the terrain management of the FX4, you can get a Ranger with a rear locker without it. Also, the dampening of the shocks on the FX4 rides like an LTD. Not optimal for an off road truck. You can replace them with something else but something to think about.
As far as comparing the Ranger to the Colorado, Tundra, or the Frontier, I have nothing to offer you since I didn’t test drive any of them or owned one. I suggest checking out reviews on youtube for that. TFL truck did a good job comparing the Ranger vs it’s competition when I was deciding what I wanted to get.
The Ranger can tow a pretty decent amount for it’s size. So it should meet your needs as far as a trailer. Just keep in mind you need to factor in all your clothing, food, propane, and water for the total weight of the trailer so you don’t go over. People forget about that stuff.
As far as reliability, my 2019 has been problem free. There has been infotainment center issues that seem to be associated with the higher end systems with the bigger screens. The other issue seems to be with the transmission. I don’t know if it’s a lack of maintenance problem, an actual issue with them, or a combination of both. Or of it is certain years that are having the problem. I don’t recall anyone on here mentioning anything beyond a bit of a lag issue when cold but goes away after things warm up.
Facebook on the other hand has been more vocal on the subject. Not knowing the preventative maintenance being done or how mechanically able the people are, I can’t say if there is a negligence issue or a lack of maintenance issue.
Forum members tend to be more OCD with their vehicles than the general population. Facebook would reflect more of the general population. So, that may be why there hasn’t been much of a problem experienced here.
I would avoid looking at reviews by Consumer Reports. They are horribly biased and will nit pick the crap out of vehicle brands they don’t favor and over look issues on vehicle brands they do favor. They also expect trucks and SUVs to drive and handle like a car. Totally unrealistic.
Car magazines should do a decent job reviewing. Youtube should be a decent source.