What Advantages Does the Midsized Ranger Have Over Fullsized Trucks?
As it turns out, quite a few. To put the Ford Ranger to the ultimate test, it needs to go off-road.
There is no question that the Ford Ranger is a cool and very durable truck. But how does it perform compared to full-sized rigs like the F-150? That is exactly what this video by Motoring TV sets to find out. Helping determine the Ranger’s capability, they take it to the mountainous area of Whistler, British Columbia for some light off-roading. As well as speak to a number of experts and truck fans about the Ranger
The Ford Ranger ceased production in 2011, after being a mainstay in the trucking market since its introduction in 1983. In the years that followed, a number of midsized trucks began to grow in popularity, including the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and the Nissan Frontier. So Ford decided to bring back the midsized pickup.
Host Brad Diamond is test driving the Ranger. He interviews Joseph Comacchio about the Ranger, and why it made a comeback. Comacchio is the guy to ask, as product manager of Ford Canada F-150 and Ranger.
“We exited the market in 2011,” says Comacchio. “The market was shrinking in size. And we had the F-150 which was doing exceptionally well. Now, the midsized truck market has grown exponentially. And Ford owns trucks. We belong here.”
We couldn’t agree more. Aftermarket parts specialist Ian Harwood of Action Truck, adds that many are interested in the Ranger for its more affordable price. “I think this Ranger appeals more to the average outdoor enthusiast…and the average everyday driver, you’re able to take it to places downtown and get it into parking spots. That’s a lot easier than a fullsized pickup.”
True, but is it a capable and reliable off-road truck? Diamond is set to find out. He is already happy with the interior amenities, noting it is very comfortable, and he loves the choice to use buttons over a touchscreen. As for the 2.3L Ecoboost engine, he is very satisfied with the 270 horses and “real, nice, smooth 311 lb.-ft of torque.” He also appreciates that is is mated the the same 10-speed transmission used in the F-150.
Diamond really likes the feel of a more compact truck and feels it is easier to get around with. But a first a word from Motoring TV’s Howard Elmer.
“The only complaint I’ve got it this,” says Elmer. “Why isn’t this tailgate damped?” Fair point.
Motoring TV does great man-on-the-street interviews about the Ranger. One Toyota Tundra driver is very impressed, but thinks he’s probably choose an F-150 to better fit his lifestyle. Then they talk to Pete, who has only driven pickups. He is definitely loving the Ranger. He thinks it is very sharp, and would love to drive it; although we have to add he does have a nice twentysomething-year old F-250.
Back on the road, Diamond adds that the 2.3L Ecoboost is “the perfect combination of power, torque and fuel economy. It really is unmatched in the segment.” Although Harwood feels it could use more engine options, for more power.
Diamond does a thorough job going through all the trucks pros and cons. And the pros are many: affordability, maneuverability, more compact, great drivetrain. And ultimately, he thinks it is a beautiful truck with tremendous off-road capability.
Plus, there’s a lot of beautiful footage of the Ranger running wild off-road.
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