2020 Ford Ranger Review and Off-Road Test: Solid Truck, But What’s With That Suspension?
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2020
- The Ford Ranger might be new to North America, but it has been around in other parts of the world for a while now. It may seem like an old truck sometimes, but this pickup still had a lot going for it. In this truck review, autoTRADER.ca Road Test Editor Dan Ilika goes over the Ford Ranger's pros and cons, powertrain, driving dynamics, fuel economy, pricing, and more. Dan also takes this Ranger FX4 for an off-road test to see how it handles the dirt. He's also a bit hung up on the weird way the suspension behaves, but check out the video to see what he means and leave a comment if you've experienced a similar thing. Thanks for watching!
Read the full review on autoTRADER.ca:
www.autotrader.ca/expert/2020... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Best straightforward review I've seen on this truck. Awesome work getting right to the points and dishing out more information in the first 3 minutes than most do in 10.
Just came across this review three years after it was posted. I like my 2020 Ranger. The comments about the transmission describe my experiences to a T. My transmission was replaced under warranty at 35,000 miles due to harsh shifting, delayed shifting as they called it and much more. 15,000 miles later and the replacement transmission is showing the same characteristics as the original. It's interesting too, the new transmission is only warranted for 12 months or 12,000 miles. I wonder how many who commented on the review have had to have their transmissions replaced.
LOVE MY 2020 FORD RANGER LARIAT, CANT STOP DRIVING IT
Another great review
Good review thank you. Every time I see a review I offer my critique. Hope this helps your viewers Thanks for sharing your video. I’d like to offer my (a Ranger owner) critique. I am trying to exert some influence on FORD. > The relatively new to the US market Ford Ranger is a mediocre vehicle. This is due to the manufacturer’s lack of both ethical and sensible business practices. I speak from first hand experience, having purchased a 2019 Lariat crew cab. There is a great amount of irony associated with this critique because this truck has a lurking potential for greatness. Just look at it, then drive it, it is impressive. It delivers a ride that a full size pick-up just can not match. So what’s my gripe? One engine no options and there should be, even though the stock engine performs just fine. The same applies to having a stick shift available. The rear seat is one piece, a folding seat adds so much versatility. The bed lacks all the extras that make your truck functional, Power plugs and storage compartments and the tailgate just flops down, without the easy access system. Inside the Lariat trim is not a Lariat trim, it isn’t even an XLT. Missing are memory seat function for two, vertical power seat adjustment, heated steering wheel, power sliding rear window. etc. The 2020 model changed nothing. Also consider that the truck was available in foreign markets, did they delete some components to save money? This isn’t the first blunder Ford has made, the scrimpy mentality and lack of foresight that brought us the “Pinto” is still galloping around in the Ford corral. As I stated there is a bit of irony in my critique, I like this truck perhaps if they didn’t call my truck a Lariat I would not be so bent out of shape. Since I first started posting this I’ve had some remarks mostly positive however a few guys said that those options don’t belong on truck. Of course then neither does a nearly $50K price tag. Truthfully todays trucks can come fully loaded with a bed on the back for work and hauling. I once purchased an F 150 XLT that was much better equipped than my current Lariat. I am trying to tell Ford to treat their customers better, they are the reason Ford exist. Ford has recently announced that there are upgrades available to the Ranger most along the lines of the not for sale in US, Ranger Raptor. Also there is a tailgate damper available for 50 bucks. They should have put that on my 46K dollar truck (cheap) As of Oct 1 the Ranger Raptor upgrades are not yet available from my dealership. The were supposed to be here in August.
Love my Ranger
I got mine tuned by Torrie at Unleashed, 93 performance tune. Transmission issues completely gone, and it'll boogie when you push it. Also- you can put eibach struts on the front wheels only and improve your suspension vastly for $600 installed.
Bro you have the offroad package suspension... course it's going to feel floaty on the road! Solid review otherwise - dig your vibe!
Your review of the 2020 Ranger was spot on. I would like to add that a 2020 Ford Ranger XLT Sport with FX4 and Group 302A with Tech package is a much better deal if the buyer can do without LED headlights, Leather Trim seats, Rain sensing wipers, painted door handles with capacitive lock/unlock and push button start.
Also audio system. I was able to argue fx4 ranger lariat down to 38K. Sold my car and paid the rest with cash. So it is paid for and I love it. I do like XLT as well, but I ended up getting the Lariat. If I would have had to make payments to get Lariat I would have got XLT. I hate car payments.
That's the exact trim I got and I enjoy it
I love mine 2019 super cab model with the fx4 package and chrome package XLT couldn't be happier with it fuel mileage I've been getting is 25.5 to 25.9 can't complain about that
do you put 91 or 93 preminum gas
93 octane only
Don't know what you're talking about but the 10 speed trans works perfect in my ranger, just need to know how to drive it.
Im so thinking about getting one
Tho this is a dumb question, bed liners drop in or spray in, which one is better and what are the advantages to each. Sorry for the question im new the bed liner thing
"Specially tuned suspension" then you complain about the ride? I don't get it lol, the fx4 package has off road tuned suspension, the non fx4 doesn't, my non fx4 feels great on the road, can't have both buddy
Ditto. I have a 2019 XL non fx4. It’s just fine.
Very interesting review. I do remember reading one of the first Ranger reviews a couple of years ago that was also indicating serious issues with the suspension loosing its composure, so much so that it was a reason for not getting one. Perhaps the standard suspension fares better. One point not mentioned in this review is the very disappointing lack of usability of the rear seats.
Thanks for watching, Ben! I actually find the rear seats quite spacious amongst midsize competitors. I’m a hair taller than 6-foot-3 and I was quite surprised at how accommodating the back half of the cabin was. Cheers!
@@danilika9420 I think he's talking about the fact that it doesn't have a flat floor when you fold the seats up... Extremely frustrating.
I have a 2019 Ranger, 28K miles and two years of driving it. Lots of camping, boat trailering, etc. The thing has been comfortable and reliable for sure. The gas mileage is a disappointment, but we are SICK TO DEATH of the bouncy ride. I guess I’ll try upgrading the shocks now that it’s time for an alignment, but if it were gone tomorrow I wouldn’t go near another one just because of the “ejection seat” ride characteristics.
Thanks for sharing!
Good and deep
I pick up my cyber orange xlt tremor ranger in 7 hours I can’t wait
How do you like it? Looks pretty nice.
I wish Ford offered automatic 4X4 system like it does on its F150. I like the leave it and forget it especially during the Winter months.
The FX4 has a 4x4 auto mode
Carlo Santin you are dead wrong, it does not. Stop
Making shit up
@@josephmichael1405 My FX4 Ranger does not have 4x4 auto.
The trans has adaptive learn. It learns how you drive. Takes about 5k miles for it to "settle"
Any word on why there is no sunroof option? Imagine if Ford offered a full roll down rear window and a sunroof - it would offer some competition to the Gladiator.
Fords sunroofs are known for leaking. And sunroof tracks get fucked for no reason .I work at a dealer. Trust me. You don't want it
@@mikemcdonald7652 I've had sunroofs in my Hondas for over 30 years. I've never had one leak. Thanks for the info, I assumed Ford would know how to do this, too. I'll avoid the Ranger.
@@brianaustin1328 I have a ranger. They are nice. But if you buy a ford. Don't get a sunroof
@@mikemcdonald7652 I'd consider a Bronco if they towed more than 3,500 lbs.
My 08 ranger was enough so this thing will do just fine haha
I've heard of people actually getting carsick just from the up and down springy suspension.
No you haven't.
@@pgo2372 actually the Edmunds review mentioned about the carsick thing. haven't tried myself, but i assuming it's really bad.
@@MMA-gb6to "assuming" it's really bad because one reviewer supposedly said it made him carsick. What an idiot.
I purchased a 2020 XLT FX4 about a month ago. After 1,300 miles, I have not experienced anything negativity with the ride or transmission. I absolutely love this truck and would highly recommend it.
My 2020 has an analog tac.
This is the exact truck and setup I was thinking about getting. I've heard from several people about the suspension, though. Would after-market shocks resolve that problem? I don't plan on doing any off-roading. So, maybe something basic from Icon just to help stiffen up the ride?
It’s really hard to say what - if anything - aftermarket shocks would do to solve the issue. It feels like it was more to do with the spring rates than the shocks. Thanks for watching!
according to a lot of owners on the Ranger5g forum, yes. Seems like even just replacing the rears (cheap and easier) help considerably.
Ed Hayes great to know! Thanks! I just the day off to go test-driving today. I took out the Ranger, Colorado and Tacoma. I love the interior & exterior styling of the Ranger. But, as soon as I hit my first bump (was going about 15mph) I seriously felt like I was in a wave-pool. It took at least a good 3 seconds after hitting a bump for the truck to stop rocking all over the place. There was something else weird about the Ranger, too. What is that plastic piece just above the brake peddle? My foot hit it a few times coming off the brake! I’ll check out that forum, though. It could be very helpful.
What did you think of the Tacoma? The Ford and Toyota are on my list. I'm not a fanboy of either brand, so very neutral about getting the best truck for my needs. I feel like the drive-train on the Tacoma would annoy me, and the suspension on the Ranger. At least I think I can upgrade the Ranger's suspension, not sure how to fix the Tacoma.
Also, on the Ranger. Did you test drive the FX4 package? If you won't off road, don't get it. Most of the poor suspension reviews relate to the FX4 suspension on road.
Ed Hayes Good point on at least being able to upgrade the Ranger’s suspension.
I had a couple issues with the Tacoma and there’s no fixing them (unless you went with a manual).
The first was the constant gear-hunting. It felt like the Tacoma would keep fighting for the strength and energy to keep going and then tire out and quit...over and over. (Maybe someone with a lighter foot would have a better and smoother experience.)
My second issue was the very limited telescoping ability in the steering wheel. If I set the seat to the position I need for my legs to be comfortable, I have to hunch to reach the wheel. That’s not for me.
That’s interesting to know about the Ranger’s FX4 package! I asked the salesman for one without it since I didn’t need it. Unfortunately, it’s only available that way in my area. (I’m in Connecticut btw). The salesman cudn’t even find one in the national database. That would’ve be perfect, tho. Maybe I should drive up to Canada to buy one!
I have a 18 Tacoma, it has the radar guided cruise. If they sold the ranger with either the 2.7L eco or the 3.2L diesel thats available in other places id own one.
He's right. The suspension is bad. You feel every little crack in the road. You can't even drink coffee while driving or it'll spill on you.
Check your tire inflation. Recommended is 30 PSI. My 2020 4wd FX4 has a smooth ride for a midsize pickup.
@@pgo2372 Mine is recommended 35 psi. I've brought it down to 30 before. It helped a little, but I lost major gas mileage.
@@KenDavis-uo8kq I'm thinking about doing that next tire change. Sad that Ford didn't come stock with good shocks. This truck wasn't cheap.
@@KenDavis-uo8kq I Agree. Led lights should be stock. I don't hate my truck. I love the payload capacity. The turbo does the job. I'm not a fan on the "learning" transmission (that's a whole nother headache). I Just think this truck would be so much more desirable if it came stock with better shocks. I mean, it's bad. My son loves trucks And he doesn't ever want to ride in my Ranger. And I gotta wait until I'm at a stop light to drink my coffee.
@@KenDavis-uo8kq I don't smell gas, but there is definitely a fuel injection issue. My truck accelerated on me at a stop light once when my foot was on the brake ( I'm hoping the acceleration was bad gas) and I sometimes feel a shutter in early gears when accelerating when hot outside. The dealership said they don't feel it and no codes tripped (of course). The transmission was rough until I reset it myself. Who ever delivered my Truck had a heavy foot and set the transmission to that. I have a light foot, so you know... that wasn't good. It's smoothing out a little now. Still rough in early gears though. Especially when cold. Like I said, I don't hate the truck. It does the job. It's Just a little quirky is all.
I got one with the fx4 package and I have the same problem with the suspension, it's too soft on the front and too firm in the rear..... floaty and harsh, undercontrol and out of control.....weird
Once you haul a heavy load, the suspension settles and the quality of ride changes. Mine did and now it handles much better.
Yeah, I already changed the suspension, I used bilstein 6112 in the front and 5160 in the back with a ready lift 3 inches in the front and 1 in the back..... much, much better ride
Why would anyone take it out of sport mode? Unless towing
MPG probably
When it comes to tachometers, I don't care what year it is how advanced things are......................IT HAS TO BE ANALOGUE!
I’d have the Ranger, the taco’a suspension is awful and I’m tall so there is no headroom at all, plus the power on the ranger and tow capacity is awesome
I am buying an FX4 Lariat Ranger this week. I had a Tacoma before and that damn seating position was just so awful. I am 6'3 and I could never get comfortable. How do you like your Ranger so far?
@@danielrn133 damn nice. How r u liking it?Wish I could afford the lariat lol regardless I love my XL, stx 4x4 ranger. I've had it for 7ish months with 4k miles. She's so smooth. I race everyone off a red light even if they're not racing lol she's got some power.
Towing is flawwwwless. Love the engine brake feature...
Bizarre...maybe you should reconsider the Colorado...
You could put rebar in place of the shocks on a Ranger and it would still be a better truck than a Colorado..
Tacoma has adaptive cruise without extra cost
Tacoma has the worst seating position.
DeeEl two words, Head room
@@Aggressive_Splooge I just answered the video's question about it :) Not criticizing the Ranger
@@jeremyh4180 I just answered the video's question about it :) Not criticizing the Ranger
If you tow anything bigger than a riding lawnmower you will average around 11 mph and have to stop for gas for an inconvenient number of times with that smaller 18 gal fuel tank.
Apparently you haven't watched any towing videos with the ranger. It actually out classes a V6 tacoma. Go check out the the fast lane trucks towing test with I believe 6k lbs. The ecobeast was amazing.
Versus what? In the midsize range it’s average sized.
I test drove one again last month. I didn’t like it at all. It felt cheap inside and small. It didn’t drive very smoothly The back seat disappeared when I adjusted my seat. The bed seems useless. No thanks.
Xlt sport is a better value than lariat in my opinion
@@KenDavis-uo8kq $40 led headlight bulbs but you can’t get the better stereo which sucks.
@@KenDavis-uo8kq I get it. I have a Chevy Colorado ZR2 and it’s loaded with no LEDs! I went out a spent $40 and now it’s great. My lease is ending soon so here I am.
@@KenDavis-uo8kq what are your thoughts on the Tremor package? Looks pretty good and a decent price point.
@@KenDavis-uo8kq oh ok that makes sense. For me I’m going to lease so I can’t really invest money in something that isn’t mine so I’m digging that Tremor option. Looks like a great value for my needs
put the 3.5L V6 from the f150 in this would be a nice option to have Ford dudes
Dubstylee they are more likely to put the 2.7tt in it, also they should put the 7speed transmission from the Bronco in it
If your spending that much on a truck.. go buy a bigger Raptor, or a nice F150..
First Last your spending that much for a fully loaded Ranger, or a base f150 is have the ranger fx4 lariat
I have a 2019 ranger and you are right about the transmission...IT SUCKS
Worse than that Chevy 8 speed
@@righteoussurvivor266 honestly I've never owned a chevy, I've been driving fords all of my 51 years, but seriously considered trading my ranger for a canyon Denali
@@jasonosbon5804 all I hear is that the chevy 8 speed is a guaranteed nightmare
@@righteoussurvivor266 thanks for the heads up
The Chevy 8 speed is a nightmare. So many issues with that thing. The ten speed was a joint venture with Chevy. Ford was the lead on it. This transmission is the exact same between the two companies internally. The only exception in the programming of it. It has been a solid transmission since 2017. Any vehicle can have some quirks, might take a simple reflash.
Ford Escape with a truck bed .. Cute.
Say whaaaat 🤨
Midwest cats: Member of the UP club checking in..(undersized penis)
I just wish,I just wish,I just wish.You are wishing your life away fella,and you ain't no Clarkson
That speech CZcams speech pattern makes it really hard to pay attention to the content.
A few hard fact truths about these rangers. Its not new. This truck and its design has been sold all over the world as much better prices i might add, for the last 11-12 years now, It was brought and sold in America when it was already a decade old. After 2021 and the New Frontier comes out The ranger will be by far the oldest and most dated design in mid size truck class. Another one is the one single engine being a boosted 4cylinder. ITs been proven that boosted applications do not have the life longevity and dependability that no boosted application do. In order to do anything in this ranger its going to live its entire life under boost, and thus I bet you this will not last longer than 75-90 k miles with out major engine trouble from being boosted all the time basically. Towing, If you tow anything with any kind of weight at all, the gas mileage, under boost again goes to total crap, towing a trailer and about 4-5lbs pounds, you get around 10mpg and with that smaller 18 gal tank, you will be stopping more often to fuel up. The prices on what these really are straight profit gauging rip offs. You can buy a Ranger raptor in SE asia for same amount of money as a decently equipped XLT in America, and the Raptor will come with a bed liner, Here its extra. I still think the best midsize option for what you get for the money is the GMC canyon. A lot nicer than the ranger inside and out, NA v6 that if taken care of should last a very long time. I dont own either one of these, But as soon as I can I am getting a new midsize truck and right now that is the GMC. Basically the Ranger is for people who want a truck, but never actually need or use a truck.
Tacoma is just so much more of a capable truck. Another fail from Ford
its a Ford its gonna rust fast !!! no point in buying , and can you really trust those eco-boost engines !!!! better just buy a Toyota Tacoma TRD OFFROAD !!! and drive it 300K miles problem free
Slickpete83 rust? Actually that was Tacoma they had a recall on it... also the 2.3eb is a great engine very reliable, also there’s tons more headroom
No fake hood vent for me thanks 😂
I am not ever getting another Tacoma. GD thing was the most uncomfortable POS I have ever been in. Maybe because I am 6'3 I felt like I was in a coffin in that thing. I mean shit you all up to a red light you can't even see the light. And you sit on the floor and it is claustrophobic. Absolutely hated my 2010 Tacoma TRD off Road. Only thing I liked was resale which was damn good.
Toyota has had years and years of rust issues. Sorta silly to say they are better with rust, when it’s well documented that you’re wrong.