I'm thinking of trading my '05 Escape 4WD, 2.3L 140,000 miles for a new Ranger. Living in Eastern PA, we obviously get snow and ice from time to time in the winter months. I do a lot of highway driving so gas mileage is important to me. I'm leaning towards a Ranger 4x4 but wonder if it's worth the extra cost plus the lower gas mileage for only 3 months out of the year? Thoughts? Thanks

 

How often do you tow and/or need to carry a small payload? That would be a major consideration, as well.

 

I have a 2.3L 2WD ranger and love the gas mileage (~26 MPG's) but I would not drive it in the snow. The rear end is very light. I know you could add some weight back there but I just drive my F-350 or Denali and don't worry about it.

 

Jimbo's Dad; since you've had the 4x4 in wintery conditions, how many times has it been a benefit to getting you through or out of tough driving situations? Where as if you only had 4x2 you may have been stuck/stranded? It would seem like having the confidence & ability to get somewhere when you need to, in bad driving conditions, would take precendence over lower mileage, even if it is for only a few months out of the year. Just one of the things that only you can make the decision about.

 

I have been driving 2 wheel drive Rangers in South Dakota winters for many years, current one is a 99 supercab 4x2 with 2.5L 5speed. I keep good tires and about 250# of weight behind the rear axle when roads are tough and drive for the conditions.

MPG on a 4x2 four cyl. 5speed is great, most likely better than your Escape. I also have a 2005 front drive Escape with the 2.3 and 5 speed and winter traction is very good as well as the MPG.

 

I personally wouldn't even consider a 2wd truck. The few times that you'll really need it are more than worth a couple mpg's. But that's just me, I've never been to Penn. I've driven in snow all my life, you can usually get around with 2wd but when the roads get real snotty you can't beat a 4wd.

 

I had a 93 4x2 in northern Minnesota for a few years and it was fine. I had a set of Blizzaks I put on it in the winter and it would easily go through 5 or 6 inches of snow. It was also a stick, which I prefer for a two wheel drive truck in winter. My current truck is a 00 4x4, you can't beat that in snow, either. I personally wouldn't be afraid to drive a 4x2 in winter up here, it's all up to you.