2022 Ranger XLT 300a switched to a 2024 Ranger XLT 301a, first impressions (5g to 6g)

[Stewthebassman]

Hi Gang,

The dealership talked me into switching to a 2024 Ranger. I didn't pay much attentiion to the new truck - between the bent rear bumper and the smashed rear taillight (driven by all four of us, don't ask) and the split right rear view, I was happy to get out of repairing that sucker in 14 months (48 month lease). I had no clue it was the new generation of the Ranger.

I was already at 77,000kms of a 100,000km lease. Very happy they reached out!

So after driving 1100kms since December 24th, here are my thoughts.

The truck feels so much more like a "big truck". The suspension is way firmer and planted - not firm in a banging, stuttering kind of way, but a confident "I've got this" kind of way. 5g felt bouncy and springy, and I had replaced the rear shock early on to make it ride better and especially tow better.

The cabin is way quieter, so it feels less cheap. The overall truck "feels" bigger, perhaps because of the hood looking like it sticks out to the four corners more, I know it's a wierd way to describe it, but I feel higher off the ground.

Part of this has to do perhaps with the new OEM tires, those General A/T Grabbers. My wife was sceptical about how they would handle but I am VERY impressed. Highway, back road, local streetsm ice, snow, rain and dry, they are very good!

The upgrade from the 300a to the 301a is certainly quite the upgrade. My new truck has the running boards which my petite wife really appreciates! The folding mirrors are handy, since by the looks of them they would be VERY expensive to replace if they get dinged. Heated seats is a family favorite for sure. The LED lighting all around is very cool.

This truck has the Advanced Towing and while I guess I don't "need" it I think the prospect of having those two blind spot cameras while backing up is pretty cool, and the advanced backing looks cool too. I still have to study all that.

There are a couple of things, however that are making me REALLY shake my head.

For all of Ford's insistence that the voice commands are SO AMAZING and yes, it is cool, there are tech issues with this Sync4 that I really find annoying! The system comes with a bunch of stations preloaded on the screen that I can't remove. I was able to write over them (after many forum searches here and on google) and I now have two lines, one for AM/FM and one for SiriusXM.

However, some of the talk radio stations that I regularly listen to won't show up in this list, so I can't "preset" them. ALSO, in the view behind the steering wheels all the dealership presents are still there. I did a "Master Reset" of Sync4 and they are all still there. What an annoying and very neanderthal system!
The talk radio channels on satellite that I saved as Favorites also don't show up in the preset bars, so still not accessible with the steering wheel button. Yes, I can ask Voice Command to tune to them, but once again with all this tech it seems VERY ridiculous.

Also, when I am using CarPlay but jump to the Sync4 radio screen, the CarPlay is suppressed, so if I get a text, it doesn't pop up over the Sync 4. How annoying is that?

I saw some videos about Hidden Menus, but how to get in on this model? Maybe I can delete those ridiculous presents there?


My other major beef is the plastic bed rail covers. The rolling tonneau cover that served me so well on my 5g is too small (I think by an inch or two) but more importantly it is pretty much impossible to clamp the side rails around that wierd plastic. Having read the page in the Owners Manual about "Pickup Bed Access Caps" I surmise that those plastic rectangles can be popped out for use (and replaced) when no longer necessary. Further investigation required here.

I guess my gripes vs my accolades are few compared to how much I love this new Ford Ranger. I love the black color scheme, even if it means washing it more in winter. I love the leather steering wheel. The Driver's Assist doodads annoy me, but I guess the lane keeping radar is kind of fun on the highway. Most of the other beeps and blips just terrify me as I know how expenisive they are to replace is they dinged!

Anyone else coming from a 5g? Do you wish you hadn't changed? I don't, I'm super happy I did.

Pics are from switchover day, 5g and new 6g.

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[chasc]

I was also surprised to find there was no simple way to clear out the default radio presets. Hard to imagine that was an oversight, so it seems more likely that Sirius XM paid for it to be that way to increase usage/discoverability.

I had a hunch my old tonneau cover wouldn't fit so I ordered the same model soft roll-up cover but for the newer model, was surprised to find the install was totally different: The 5G version had these clam-shaped clamps that you pinched against down-facing sheet metal from the bed rails. The 6G version uses threaded accessory holes in the bed rails with angled brackets to hold the tonneau rails to the bed rails; A lot simpler to install.

If you look around in the forum here you'll see photos of people using those "access caps" on the bed rails. It's my understanding that having those access caps helps avoid needing to fully remove the entire plastic rail in situations where people would have needed to on the 5G Ranger.

 

[Danager]

I went from a 2021 Lariat Tremor to a 2024 Lariat FX4. I love all the additional tech. Really like the adaptive cruise with start & stop. Last truck kicked off when below 30kph. I also like the wireless CarPlay.

This truck is very quiet compared to my 5G. But, that Prinsu rack did add a fair amount of noise. I removed this from the 2021. Before I traded it in. Even the final week without it installed, that truck had way more road noise.

BTW - I took my Bak Revolver X4S off my 2021. I installed it on the new truck. I needed to order deeper clamps because of the height of the vertical section of the bed rail I side the bed. I also had to add shims between the plastic bed rail caps and the metal behind them.

 

[Stewthebassman]

I think I saw those clamps - I'll have to research this more and see if I can jerry rig something (safely!).

Thanks for your observations!

I was also surprised to find there was no simple way to clear out the default radio presets. Hard to imagine that was an oversight, so it seems more likely that Sirius XM paid for it to be that way to increase usage/discoverability.

I had a hunch my old tonneau cover wouldn't fit so I ordered the same model soft roll-up cover but for the newer model, was surprised to find the install was totally different: The 5G version had these clam-shaped clamps that you pinched against down-facing sheet metal from the bed rails. The 6G version uses threaded accessory holes in the bed rails with angled brackets to hold the tonneau rails to the bed rails; A lot simpler to install.

If you look around in the forum here you'll see photos of people using those "access caps" on the bed rails. It's my understanding that having those access caps helps avoid needing to fully remove the entire plastic rail in situations where people would have needed to on the 5G Ranger.

 

[Stewthebassman]

Very nice! Both editions! Back in the day I was researching Jeeps and the only way to get stuff on the roof with a soft top was a railing thing that was very noisy - function vs comfort, right?
I forgot to mention that wireless battery charger! I do like that a lot!
I had read about the situation for cap users and popup tents etc....it's a whole new installation ball game!

I went from a 2021 Lariat Tremor to a 2024 Lariat FX4. I love all the additional tech. Really like the adaptive cruise with start & stop. Last truck kicked off when below 30kph. I also like the wireless CarPlay.

This truck is very quiet compared to my 5G. But, that Prinsu rack did add a fair amount of noise. I removed this from the 2021. Before I traded it in. Even the final week without it installed, that truck had way more road noise.

BTW - I took my Bak Revolver X4S off my 2021. I installed it on the new truck. I needed to order deeper clamps because of the height of the vertical section of the bed rail I side the bed. I also had to add shims between the plastic bed rail caps and the metal behind them.

 

[gapiel]

I also went from a 2019 lariat 2wd to a 2024 Lariat FX4. I agree the suspension is much firmer going to the 24 with FX4 suspension, nearly all of the “bounce” is gone. I dont intend on using 4wd or the advanced trailer pkg, but I figgure it will help with resale down the road and I didnt want to wait 6mo until i was able to locate a Lariat 2wd since most dealerships still have limited inventory.

 

[Albatross Bill]

I’m happy with trading in a 2022 FX4 Lariat for my current 2024 FX4 Lariat. I was disappointed with needing to install the J-Braces and bed caps not supporting much weight. Since the 2024 is wider than the 2022 so I had researched and found that the Retrax Pro XR cover on the 2022 would not fit the 2024. However, with the bed caps not supporting much weight I’m glad Ford added the stake pockets that allowed shims to be installed to support the weight on the bed rails. I had some issues with the Retrax cover with the amount of space it took up in the bed and with knocking the drain lines loose when putting items under the cover box. Additionally, not sure how much weight the T-Rails could support on the plastic bed caps.

The ride quality and seats in the 2024 are so much better than the 2022. I like the updated dash and center vehicle display including 360 cameras. My wife wanted a White truck with tan interior, so trading the 2022 on the 2024 was a win for me. Also, like how the back seat can be laid down flat. That wasn’t the case on the 2022.

As far as the radio, I have no issues but mostly listen to Sirius/XM for now. That may change when the trail is over. I’m considering just using Sirius /XM since I have a subscription in the Miata and have Apple Music and Amazon Prime that is rarely used. I had Sirius/XM in 2022 and my granddaughter likes listening to Moonbug Radio.

I don’t like how often the “Keep your hands on the Steering Wheel” caution comes on. Found that you just have to move the steering wheel a little to clear but it is annoying.

 

[Stewthebassman]

Definitely a good call on the extra options. It seems to be what people want!

I also went from a 2019 lariat 2wd to a 2024 Lariat FX4. I agree the suspension is much firmer going to the 24 with FX4 suspension, nearly all of the “bounce” is gone. I dont intend on using 4wd or the advanced trailer pkg, but I figgure it will help with resale down the road and I didnt want to wait 6mo until i was able to locate a Lariat 2wd since most dealerships still have limited inventory.

 

[Stewthebassman]

Some great points here!

It's really kind of a drag that the bed rails and dimensions are all different!

The rear seat fold flat is very cool!! I didn't know that, just went to the garage to check

I enjoy Sirius XM but we'll see if I keep it past the trial period. I already spend enough on Spotify etc...

That "steering wheel" warning is hilarious...the truck is so steady on the highway it thinks I'm not hands on

I’m happy with trading in a 2022 FX4 Lariat for my current 2024 FX4 Lariat. I was disappointed with needing to install the J-Braces and bed caps not supporting much weight. Since the 2024 is wider than the 2022 so I had researched and found that the Retrax Pro XR cover on the 2022 would not fit the 2024. However, with the bed caps not supporting much weight I’m glad Ford added the stake pockets that allowed shims to be installed to support the weight on the bed rails. I had some issues with the Retrax cover with the amount of space it took up in the bed and with knocking the drain lines loose when putting items under the cover box. Additionally, not sure how much weight the T-Rails could support on the plastic bed caps.

The ride quality and seats in the 2024 are so much better than the 2022. I like the updated dash and center vehicle display including 360 cameras. My wife wanted a White truck with tan interior, so trading the 2022 on the 2024 was a win for me. Also, like how the back seat can be laid down flat. That wasn’t the case on the 2022.

As far as the radio, I have no issues but mostly listen to Sirius/XM for now. That may change when the trail is over. I’m considering just using Sirius /XM since I have a subscription in the Miata and have Apple Music and Amazon Prime that is rarely used. I had Sirius/XM in 2022 and my granddaughter likes listening to Moonbug Radio.

I don’t like how often the “Keep your hands on the Steering Wheel” caution comes on. Found that you just have to move the steering wheel a little to clear but it is annoying.

 

[Stewthebassman]

Forgot to mention how much I will enjoy having power sources in the bed!!

 

[Stewthebassman]

i’m also thrilled for this middle of the bed hook!

 

[Tazmanken]

I traded a 2020 Ranger Lariat for a 2024 Ranger XLT 301A. I took the Gator soft roll tonneau cover off the 2020 and it fits perfect on the new truck, i also had a spare set of Vent Visors that fit the new truck. My new truck has the 360 camera, pro trailer back up that I don't use because I can back up a trailer better myself. The new truck definitely rides better. I don't like the cheap plastic where the step would go ,mine doesn't have the step. FX4.

 

[RANGER PRIDE]

Traded my 2019 in for the 2024.
No looking back. its a much better vehicle.
I was getting antsy with my trans in the 19. i was getting the signs that impending doom was coming.

 

[Stewthebassman]

My 22-year old daughter drove 5g a lot and agreed with me that the transmission was herky jerky and did NOT inspire me with confidence. 6g is completely different and MUCH better!!

Traded my 2019 in for the 2024.
No looking back. its a much better vehicle.
I was getting antsy with my trans in the 19. i was getting the signs that impending doom was coming.

 

[Stewthebassman]

What a beauty! For your tonneau cover, what clamps do you use? Or did you find spots around that ridiculous plastic to put the original clamps?

Yes, after towing the same horse trailer since 2005, I don't need the advanced backup gizmos either. Got to admit it'll be fun to play with!

I am very happy there's a brake controller built in. I've been using the Tekonsha Prodigy Bluetooth for the last ten years in my X5 and the 5g.

I traded a 2020 Ranger Lariat for a 2024 Ranger XLT 301A. I took the Gator soft roll tonneau cover off the 2020 and it fits perfect on the new truck, i also had a spare set of Vent Visors that fit the new truck. My new truck has the 360 camera, pro trailer back up that I don't use because I can back up a trailer better myself. The new truck definitely rides better. I don't like the cheap plastic where the step would go ,mine doesn't have the step. FX4.

I traded a 2020 Ranger Lariat for a 2024 Ranger XLT 301A. I took the Gator soft roll tonneau cover off the 2020 and it fits perfect on the new truck, i also had a spare set of Vent Visors that fit the new truck. My new truck has the 360 camera, pro trailer back up that I don't use because I can back up a trailer better myself. The new truck definitely rides better. I don't like the cheap plastic where the step would go ,mine doesn't have the step. FX4.

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