The Jeep Wrangler had two options for it's first two generations, then went to one option for the third generation. It didn't seem to hurt sales at all. In fact, sales increased during the 3rd gen and it became one of the best selling SUVs in the world.

Interestingly, the fourth generation is back to having two options with a third coming later this year. I think that the trend of offering options to buyers is spreading across all brands again and it's a good thing.We went through a decade or two where automakers went to one engine option to try and maximize profit and save money on R&D and assembly. But now we're seeing a reversal.

The only reason the Ranger is saddled with one engine option is because Ford stuffed it into the lineup as quickly as possible to try and catch some of the heat from the midsize truck resurgence that's happening. It's pretty obvious it was a rush job when you look at the interior and it reminds you of your grandmother's 8 year old Edge, and you look at the keypad on the door and it looks like Fisher Price made it and attached it with 3M double sided tape.

When the truly new Ranger appears in 2021 I believe it will cure all these issues....IF the midsize truck fad stays hot.

 

I don't know how anyone can complain about the 2.3, it has ample power to do anything I would want. I don't think the truck is fast but I didn't buy it to go fast. Compared to my Tacoma 2.7 with 5 speed the Ranger has almost twice the power.

 

They are pretty fast with a tune.

 

Having just picked up a new Ranger Saturday I commented that it has ample power but felt it wasn't all that fast. Well, that was before I tried sport mode today. It really transforms the vehicle into a totally different beast.