Moving up from Ranger 5G to 6G. Questions for member who have done so.

[DangerRanger7]

Hello all, I have a 2019 Ranger XLT with just under 60K miles. I bought it as Certified Pre-Owned with 12, 443 miles in June 2020. Except for the bucking / shuddering issue at low speeds that the selling dealer took more interest in telling me it was in my head rather than solve it, I tripped across the fix for my particular problem (a bad EGR differential pressure sensor, part number KA1Z-5L200-A) on the 5G Forum, which I replaced out of my pocket for $19 plus new hose clamps. That solved my problem and while I had to replace it again a year later, I finally, after three years, had the truck I thought I was buying.

It is now time to think about replacing it. The Ford Premier Extended Warranty expires in November, so will be looking to replace it in October. I was interested in a F-150 but refuse to justify the price. As such, I am in the market for a 2025 Ranger Lariat. I will likely sell my 5G outright rather than trade it to a dealer.

So my questions for those of you who moved from 5G to 6G Rangers:

Is it worth getting the larger 2.7 V-6 engine, or stick with the 2.3 I-4? Is the gas mileage comparable? I am planning on towing an RV under the GVWR of the Ranger.

Has anybody bought the hybrid? Is it worth it in fuel savings?

Are the drivability issues in the early 5G Rangers (hesitation, bucking, shudder) gone?

Have the FX4 shocks and struts improved?

How much of a distraction is the larger display screen?

And lastly, what problems have been encountered?

Thanks for any feedback.

I decided on the 2.3 because I commute long daily and the tow capacity is the same as the 2.7 7500lbs. 2.3 is peppy and way more than sufficient power when the turbo kicks in.

Screen has is quirks once or twice but wireless apple car play is awesome.

No issues but only at 3000 miles. Switched to synthetic at 1K for break in oil change and planning to do oil every 4K. Love the truck and I’ll be hauling a camper maybe once or twice a year if that so the 2.3 is perfect for me.

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[ChronciallyChronic]

I decided on the 2.3 because I commute long daily and the tow capacity is the same as the 2.7 7500lbs. 2.3 is peppy and way more than sufficient power when the turbo kicks in.

Screen has is quirks once or twice but wireless apple car play is awesome.

No issues but only at 3000 miles. Switched to synthetic at 1K for break in oil change and planning to do oil every 4K. Love the truck and I’ll be hauling a camper maybe once or twice a year if that so the 2.3 is perfect for me.

There's another benefit, the 2.7L engine has a wet belt, the 2.3L has a timing chain. Wet belt designs are big mistakes and require replacement after about 50k to 75k miles.

 

[Tom W8JI]

You can use the buttons on the right side of the steering wheel.


Using Seek

Press to seek the next station up the frequency band.
Press and hold to quickly seek up the frequency band.

Press to seek the next station down the frequency band.
Press and hold to quickly seek down the frequency band.

That doesn't seem to work in my truck. Doing that just picks the next memorized channel up or down. If I am on AM, FM, or Sirius and push those >> or << it jumps to the next thing stored in memory. I'll have to read the manual I guess.

 

[Danager]

I traded a 2021 Lariat Tremor for a 2024 Lariat w/2.7 + FX4 in November.

While the XLT is a great value, you just don’t have all the options available.

I like all the additional tech. Took some getting used to, but has been worth it. I would recommend the 2.7. You will absolutely feel the difference. The mpg hit is minimal.

I sure miss the Fox suspension. I’m not sure how the regular suspension compares to the FX4. But I am definitely interested in upgrading at least the rears.
Im only dragging my feet a little because an upcoming job change may result in a Ranger Raptor in the driveway.

 

[superj]

Nice

 

[RANGER PRIDE]

my experience after 36K kms since november:

Is it worth getting the larger 2.7 V-6 engine, or stick with the 2.3 I-4? Is the gas mileage comparable? I am planning on towing an RV under the GVWR of the Ranger. To me yes, I prefer the 2.7. Gas mileage varies depending on your foot. but is comparable. Towing my enclosed utility trailer (6X10 extended height) the fuel mileage tanks, but the engine performs well pulling it.

Has anybody bought the hybrid? Is it worth it in fuel savings? N/A

Are the drivability issues in the early 5G Rangers (hesitation, bucking, shudder) gone? Other than a weird 4-5 shift immediately after an hour long highway run, the trans shifts much better overall. I wish throttle response was better off the line. I feel like it lurches instead of a smooth takeoff.

Have the FX4 shocks and struts improved? N/A

How much of a distraction is the larger display screen? Its no further distraction to me, but I like it way better

And lastly, what problems have been encountered? Other than the 4-5 shift i experience and some suspected sync issues recently, i think its been better than my 2019 overall.

 

[NevadaBob]

I just got a '24 Lariat FX4 w/ 2.7L and concur with almost everything Ranger Pride said. I'm not clear if the 6G uses the 10R60 or kept the 10R80 transmission from the 5G, but whatever the case the difference is night and day. My new Ranger shifts SO much better than the 2022 XLT Tremor I'm coming from. I know part of the difference is the added features of the Lariat vs. the XLT, but in my estimation every single thing about the 6G is better than the 5G, with possibly the exception of the Tremor suspension vs. the newer FX4. The new FX4 is really smooth and comfortable but I haven't taken it off road yet. OH, the other area I liked my Tremor better was tires and wheels. The new Lariat has your grampa's wheels and tires. They're about to be upgraded.

Oh, and I'll add that while the power increase is very noticeable, I just did a 900 mile trip through Montana/Idaho/Utah/Nevada and averaged over 23 mpg for the entire trip.

 

[Alaska_Wolf]

I owned a 2023 2.3L Eruption Green Lariat. I hated it with a passion. In the 18 months I owned it, it was always visiting the shop for one reason or another. Of course that may, or may not, have been related to the fact it was built in Dec 2022, on the very day the Wayne Assembly Plant closed for Christmas. I suppose I was lucky it came with 4 doors and wheels. The final straw came when I was driving down the Interstate at 70 mph and the wife was commenting on how loud it was in the vehicle. We measured the sound level in the cab at 95 db with an actual sound level meter. We sold it.

I finally went back and ordered my new 2025 2.7L Ranger Lariat in Feb this year and have absolutely loved it since the day it arrived on 2 July. It is so quiet was the very first thing I noticed, almost as quiet as the wife's King Ranch F 150. I can actually hear the B&O sound system at low volumes on the highway, I can't feel the sun radiating off the roof anymore, and the AC actually keeps the whole cab cool (even without the rear air vents) in 100 deg temps.

I will likely sell my 5G outright rather than trade it to a dealer. I would look at that option if you live in a state that gives a tax break on trade ins, that can add up to a couple of thousand in sales tax deductions.

Is it worth getting the larger 2.7 V-6 engine, or stick with the 2.3 I-4? Is the gas mileage comparable? I love the 2.7L, its fun to drive and I'm already hitting 20 mpg at just 200 miles on the engine, so its pretty much comparable to the 2.3L I had with a lot more power. I am contemplating adding a throttle controller though, and maybe the Ford Performance tune if its ever released for the 2025.

Has anybody bought the hybrid? Is it worth it in fuel savings? There are no US Ranger hybrids in the US yet, and according to many reports, Ford has no plans to release one in the US any time soon, if ever. Disappointing. FWIW I bought my wife a 2025 F 150 3.5L Powerboost and she absolutely loves it; she's been averaging 24 mpg around town and 25 mpg highway.

Are the drivability issues in the early 5G Rangers (hesitation, bucking, shudder) gone? So far I've noticed absolutely none of the drivability issues I had with the 2023. No EGR problems, no wind/road noise issues, no weird transmission shifting issues.

Have the FX4 shocks and struts improved? Yeah, they seem to be a lot nicer, the rears look to be outboard mounted now. My 2025 definitely rides nicer than the 2023, both on and off-road. My understanding is that the 6G Ranger has a totally different suspension setup and geometry than the 5G and there are no interchangable parts.

How much of a distraction is the larger display screen? No. But I still prefer Sync3 to Sync4 overall. Still the wireless Android Auto is very nice.

And lastly, what problems have been encountered? None what so ever. Only 200 miles so far, but the 2023 had already been in the shop twice in the first 200 miles.

 

[Rangerjimm]

Two things that no one is mentioning here. The 2025 2.3 is now the new Mustang engine used all through 2024. Better mileage, port and direct injection and a new turbo that is much smoother around town. I went from a Dodge Hemi V8 to the 2025 2.3 Lariat and have no regrets. As far as the 2.7, Ford has still not fixed the Cam Phaser issues in their V-6's. Some fail in the first few thousand miles and some don't. The engine must come out to replace them and they put the same failed part number back in. Drive a 25 2.3 (not the 24) and 2.7 then make your decision.

 

[Alaska_Wolf]

As far as the 2.7, Ford has still not fixed the Cam Phaser issues in their V-6's.

Funny, the 2.7L, like the 2.3L, is supposedly one of the most reliable engines Ford has built. And the 2.7L is regarded as one of the most bullet proof engines Ford has ever built, although in my personal opinion those laurels should belong to the legendary I-6. Indeed while some of the the early 3.5s suffered from the cam phaser issues, we never had a 3.5 that had a problem with them, not in our 2019 Explorer, nor our 2016 SHO. My 2018 F 150 with the 2.7L was rock solid when I traded it with 150K miles, which included multiple trips up and down the ALCAN, a very demanding road. The cam phaser issue with the 2.7Ls seems to be dramatically overblown as its apparently a very rare issue, and I've never personally met any 2.7 owners that ever had an issue with it.

 

[superj]

I have not either, nor a 3.5 with the issue but i dont ask people what they have in their f150s at work

I just knew i wanted the best gas mileage ranger i could get

 

[Alaska_Wolf]

I just knew i wanted the best gas mileage ranger i could get

Truthfully, I haven't noticed a significant difference in the gas mileage between my old 2023 2.3L Ranger and my new 2025 2.7L Ranger. I'm already hitting 20 mpg in town with only 200 miles on the engine so it should only continue to get better as the engine breaks in. According to fueleconomy.gov the 2.3L should get slightly better gas mileage in town and identical mpg on the hwy. From what I'm seeing so far, I'd have to give the nod to the 2.7 as its already doing 1 mpg in town better than my 2.3L did at 200 miles. The 2.7L is much more fun to drive, definitely doesn't have the hard clunky shifting my 2023 did, and definitely handles headwinds better than the 2.3, but that could just be partially due to the 2025 Rangers coming with the 10R60 vice the old 10R80 tranmissions.

 

[Gary Geampa]

Hello all, I have a 2019 Ranger XLT with just under 60K miles. I bought it as Certified Pre-Owned with 12, 443 miles in June 2020. Except for the bucking / shuddering issue at low speeds that the selling dealer took more interest in telling me it was in my head rather than solve it, I tripped across the fix for my particular problem (a bad EGR differential pressure sensor, part number KA1Z-5L200-A) on the 5G Forum, which I replaced out of my pocket for $19 plus new hose clamps. That solved my problem and while I had to replace it again a year later, I finally, after three years, had the truck I thought I was buying.

It is now time to think about replacing it. The Ford Premier Extended Warranty expires in November, so will be looking to replace it in October. I was interested in a F-150 but refuse to justify the price. As such, I am in the market for a 2025 Ranger Lariat. I will likely sell my 5G outright rather than trade it to a dealer.

So my questions for those of you who moved from 5G to 6G Rangers:

Is it worth getting the larger 2.7 V-6 engine, or stick with the 2.3 I-4? Is the gas mileage comparable? I am planning on towing an RV under the GVWR of the Ranger.

Has anybody bought the hybrid? Is it worth it in fuel savings?

Are the drivability issues in the early 5G Rangers (hesitation, bucking, shudder) gone?

Have the FX4 shocks and struts improved?

How much of a distraction is the larger display screen?

And lastly, what problems have been encountered?

Thanks for any feedback.

I have a 6G with a 2.7 and love the power when you need it and still get mpg on the highway.

 

[Rangerjimm]

Funny, the 2.7L, like the 2.3L, is supposedly one of the most reliable engines Ford has built. And the 2.7L is regarded as one of the most bullet proof engines Ford has ever built, although in my personal opinion those laurels should belong to the legendary I-6. Indeed while some of the the early 3.5s suffered from the cam phaser issues, we never had a 3.5 that had a problem with them, not in our 2019 Explorer, nor our 2016 SHO. My 2018 F 150 with the 2.7L was rock solid when I traded it with 150K miles, which included multiple trips up and down the ALCAN, a very demanding road. The cam phaser issue with the 2.7Ls seems to be dramatically overblown as its apparently a very rare issue, and I've never personally met any 2.7 owners that ever had an issue with it.

I do agree with you on the A/C system in the new Lariats. It has been over 100 here this last week in SC and the air is ice cold coming from the vents! Best A/C I have ever had.

 

[K_teven]

Hello all, I have a 2019 Ranger XLT with just under 60K miles. I bought it as Certified Pre-Owned with 12, 443 miles in June 2020. Except for the bucking / shuddering issue at low speeds that the selling dealer took more interest in telling me it was in my head rather than solve it, I tripped across the fix for my particular problem (a bad EGR differential pressure sensor, part number KA1Z-5L200-A) on the 5G Forum, which I replaced out of my pocket for $19 plus new hose clamps. That solved my problem and while I had to replace it again a year later, I finally, after three years, had the truck I thought I was buying.

It is now time to think about replacing it. The Ford Premier Extended Warranty expires in November, so will be looking to replace it in October. I was interested in a F-150 but refuse to justify the price. As such, I am in the market for a 2025 Ranger Lariat. I will likely sell my 5G outright rather than trade it to a dealer.

So my questions for those of you who moved from 5G to 6G Rangers:

Is it worth getting the larger 2.7 V-6 engine, or stick with the 2.3 I-4? Is the gas mileage comparable? I am planning on towing an RV under the GVWR of the Ranger.

Has anybody bought the hybrid? Is it worth it in fuel savings?

Are the drivability issues in the early 5G Rangers (hesitation, bucking, shudder) gone?

Have the FX4 shocks and struts improved?

How much of a distraction is the larger display screen?

And lastly, what problems have been encountered?

Thanks for any feedback.

I went from a 2022 Lariat to a 2025 Ranger Raptor. Couldn't be happier with the Raptor. Sooo much more comfortable than the Lariat. The 3.0L engine is like night and day over the 2.3L. I do love the 2.3L though. Have had several of them over the years. All were great engines.

The seats in the Raptor are like a luxury car feel as compared to the Lariat. Seating position seems much more comfortable as well. I don't have nor plan to have an RV so the lower GVWR wasn't really a priority at this point. Fuel economy isn't a high priority for me either but I have noted that the Rangers are pretty much ALL abysmal in that arena anyway.

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