Nice list, its amazing the features and value of full size pickups. I currently have a 99 Land Cruiser(rear locking diff, front bumper with HTX2s(thanks for the rec)) for weekend trips and an Audi A3 etron for daily driving. Have been thinking of ditching both for a Lexus GX460, weird how used GX's can be cheaper than used 4runners of similar years and miles. The Audi has had constant issues and the 100 series values I've seen on CarsandBids auctions are crazy high recently which is pushing me to make the switch. I guess I fall into the category of Toyota supremacists.The only thing holding me up on the GX is it looks too expensive and that weird side swinging tailgate. It will be hard to part with the LC though.
I thought you had Icon on the Ranger and BP-51 on the LC? One thing I have read is that the Icons are a bit easier to adjust if you actually are going to adjust them for different conditions (but seriously, who actually does that).
Completely agree that the only reason to get the mid-size truck is for the actual size as the full size ones represent a better value.
I am quite curious to hear/read more about the new GMC Yukon AT4 though ... Regardless, my GX470 isn't going anywhere.
Your last paragraph is depressing, but in fairness, I bought the book a while back and can’t seem to make it through it. So in that context, there’s a lot of truth to what you said.
It's amazing to me how many Tacoma owners still want to attempt to rationalize Toyota's use of drum brakes on a $50,000+ truck as though it's smart because they "last longer". The anemic engine also has trouble getting out of its own way or even accelerating up inclined on-ramps on the freeway. I remember test driving one and asking the salesman in the passenger seat if it was actually going to reach 65 MPH before the end of the on-ramp...and I was flooring it. He told me to use the ECT Power mode. I told him I want it to actually have more power to get to speed, not a faster throttle response. He looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights.
Any suggestions for a cap for my soon to be delivered 2021 FX4 Ranger? I need the utility of a cap but don’t want a “my father’s cap”….looking for something with off-road capability. Thanks
Thanks in large part to your many articles, I drove off the lot today with a Ford Ranger XLT with FX4 and the tow package.
I had been humming and hawing about the right vehicle. Because I live in a city that is increasingly anti-car, and where it is hard to park trucks, I was drawn toward the Subaru Outback. The pricing on the Outback Wilderness came out, and I was a bit astounded, and that was the final nail in the coffin of that craving. The choice became crystal clear. The Ford Ranger XLT was way less money, but can do everything better, for only a manageable drop in fuel economy. I did also consider the Toyota Tacoma, because I do love Toyota reliability, but the payload is ridiculously low - what's the point of having a truck if it cannot carry more than most cars? (Plus of course the gearing issue that would become evident when under load.)
I love how the Ranger is a great base to build off of as my needs change over time. I am very excited about this. First modification, though: tailgate damper, arriving tomorrow CDN$40.
I was looking back at your early Ford Ranger pictures, when you put the 265/70R17 Coopers on. Do you have any information on the black wheels you mounted those tires on, or were they simply the ones that came with your Ranger trim?
Can you compare the Ford Ranger to the Chevrolet Colorado? I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of offroad performance for some highway driving comfort, but there's likely much more to it than that...
Which recommendation would my scenario fall into: I want something with four wheel drive, but mostly for dirt roads that require it - less interested in truly off-roading. Would use this for hunting and camping. My other daily driver is a Nissan Leaf (which I have driven to a trailhead and got some looks.)
I'm about to pull the trigger on an F-150 when I found this post. I have 3 kids and plan to get a small travel trailer (around 3000-4000 lbs). Can I tow this with the F-150 or do I need to go for the F-250 Tremor like you mention? I was thinking an F-150 can tow whatever I need.
Wes, $40K would get a GX or Ford F150 (Ranger too). What would you get? Mostly road driving here in the Mid-Atlantic. I once worked for Mercedes-Benz and always thought the G-Wagon was pretty sweet, though well out of my price range. Also curious why Jeep make so many models of Grand Cherokee? Do you like any of those? Enjoyed the article!!!
F 150 arrived yesterday. Add me to the list of people who will think of you fondly everytime they hop in this truck.
I took your advice and picked up a GX470 it’s performs amazing on and off road! Thanks for the recommendation!
Nice list, its amazing the features and value of full size pickups. I currently have a 99 Land Cruiser(rear locking diff, front bumper with HTX2s(thanks for the rec)) for weekend trips and an Audi A3 etron for daily driving. Have been thinking of ditching both for a Lexus GX460, weird how used GX's can be cheaper than used 4runners of similar years and miles. The Audi has had constant issues and the 100 series values I've seen on CarsandBids auctions are crazy high recently which is pushing me to make the switch. I guess I fall into the category of Toyota supremacists.The only thing holding me up on the GX is it looks too expensive and that weird side swinging tailgate. It will be hard to part with the LC though.
I thought you had Icon on the Ranger and BP-51 on the LC? One thing I have read is that the Icons are a bit easier to adjust if you actually are going to adjust them for different conditions (but seriously, who actually does that).
Completely agree that the only reason to get the mid-size truck is for the actual size as the full size ones represent a better value.
I am quite curious to hear/read more about the new GMC Yukon AT4 though ... Regardless, my GX470 isn't going anywhere.
Yes! Very grateful for this
I scrolled down all the way - where is my nerve-wracking TDI300 :-)? Best regards, Jochen
Your last paragraph is depressing, but in fairness, I bought the book a while back and can’t seem to make it through it. So in that context, there’s a lot of truth to what you said.
It's amazing to me how many Tacoma owners still want to attempt to rationalize Toyota's use of drum brakes on a $50,000+ truck as though it's smart because they "last longer". The anemic engine also has trouble getting out of its own way or even accelerating up inclined on-ramps on the freeway. I remember test driving one and asking the salesman in the passenger seat if it was actually going to reach 65 MPH before the end of the on-ramp...and I was flooring it. He told me to use the ECT Power mode. I told him I want it to actually have more power to get to speed, not a faster throttle response. He looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights.
For someone whois very famous for a 2015 Subaru Outback article, it is interesting that you do not recommend one.
For the F150, any reason you’d pick the 3.5 ecoboost over the coyote V8 if long term maintenance and reliability were your main concerns?
Any suggestions for a cap for my soon to be delivered 2021 FX4 Ranger? I need the utility of a cap but don’t want a “my father’s cap”….looking for something with off-road capability. Thanks
Thanks in large part to your many articles, I drove off the lot today with a Ford Ranger XLT with FX4 and the tow package.
I had been humming and hawing about the right vehicle. Because I live in a city that is increasingly anti-car, and where it is hard to park trucks, I was drawn toward the Subaru Outback. The pricing on the Outback Wilderness came out, and I was a bit astounded, and that was the final nail in the coffin of that craving. The choice became crystal clear. The Ford Ranger XLT was way less money, but can do everything better, for only a manageable drop in fuel economy. I did also consider the Toyota Tacoma, because I do love Toyota reliability, but the payload is ridiculously low - what's the point of having a truck if it cannot carry more than most cars? (Plus of course the gearing issue that would become evident when under load.)
I love how the Ranger is a great base to build off of as my needs change over time. I am very excited about this. First modification, though: tailgate damper, arriving tomorrow CDN$40.
I was looking back at your early Ford Ranger pictures, when you put the 265/70R17 Coopers on. Do you have any information on the black wheels you mounted those tires on, or were they simply the ones that came with your Ranger trim?
Can you compare the Ford Ranger to the Chevrolet Colorado? I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of offroad performance for some highway driving comfort, but there's likely much more to it than that...
Which recommendation would my scenario fall into: I want something with four wheel drive, but mostly for dirt roads that require it - less interested in truly off-roading. Would use this for hunting and camping. My other daily driver is a Nissan Leaf (which I have driven to a trailhead and got some looks.)
The Ford Ranger?
I'm about to pull the trigger on an F-150 when I found this post. I have 3 kids and plan to get a small travel trailer (around 3000-4000 lbs). Can I tow this with the F-150 or do I need to go for the F-250 Tremor like you mention? I was thinking an F-150 can tow whatever I need.
Wes, $40K would get a GX or Ford F150 (Ranger too). What would you get? Mostly road driving here in the Mid-Atlantic. I once worked for Mercedes-Benz and always thought the G-Wagon was pretty sweet, though well out of my price range. Also curious why Jeep make so many models of Grand Cherokee? Do you like any of those? Enjoyed the article!!!