New XLT FX4

[Sean82]

Picked up a silver XLT FX4 with chrome appearance pack this week.
Coming from a 2021 cactus grey XLT with sport and technology packs. Lease was up on the 2021 and I went to buy it out, but found out it was $45 more to lease a new one so figured why not.

This is ”just” the 2.3L but I’m honestly not bummed by that (what I am pi$$ed about is that Ford USA won’t give us the awesome 3.0L V6 TDi which is about 250hp and 450lb-ft that Australia gets…also…the Everest…why can’t we have that?!…also jealous that my dad has Ordered an Everest Platinum with the 3.0 V6 TDi)

Things I’m loving so far (after 2hrs in the seat and like 100mi) that are different from my 21 model:
- drive modes; I like that eco and sport seem distinctly different throttle mapping and I’m cool with that
- the 12” infotainment screen (though split screen would be nice…)
- power outlet in the bed (I will end up using these)
- power rear sliding glass
- Seats; the new seats feel a lot better than the old model
- LED DRLs; I really like the new front end
- Auto-fold wing mirrors on locking
- one-touch up/down for passenger window
- The side-step into the bed! Epic (should be standard!!!!)

Things I’m already missing (which are probably just specific to the Technology pack I had on the 2021 but don’t have because I don’t have the tech pack on the 24):
- Active cruise…man I love that! Going to miss it (this is standard on the XLT and up in Australia…why not here?!)
- Front parking sensors…
- The cheap but super useful keypad on the door (I’m told this can be dealer-fitted for a price…probably cost a kidney though…)
- Lock/Unlock all doors buttons in the rear doors…this is a small thing, but they are insanely handy! The number of times I’ll get out, close the driver’s door, then get stuff out the back seat and then lock using those buttons on the rear door…all the time! I had them on my old truck, but not on the new and already I REALLY miss them.
- Cactus gray…I loved this color. But unfortunately wasn’t able to special order one just the way timing went with my lease ending and travel for work and not being around in the weeks leading up to lease end

Some things I’m disappointed Ford didn’t change (and 1 thing they did):
- No keyless entry/start on a $44K truck!?!?!? WTF? (This is standard on XLT and up in Aus)
- No 60/40 split folding rear seats. I would LOVE to have this!
- No center-stack rear AC vents (are they on the Lariat/Raptor?? Be nice if they were on lower trims)
- Where did the gas hood struts go?!?!? WTH Ford?! Going from gas struts on the 21 to old school brace support in 24 is a downgrade

Still not sure on the chrome pack…but it was all that was available. I do think I’ll come to really like it, just that I’ve never owned a vehicle with chrome wheels so this is a new thing for me which I’m not used to.

Still to get a spray-in bed liner. But so far I’m liking it

 

[PhoenixRanger]

Congratulations! Looks great! I'm a big fan of the Iconic Silver color, so good choice. Also, I believe those little keyless entry keypads are $95 and they just stick on with double sided tape. Bronco owners have been known to stash them inside the fuel door, fyi.

 

[PhoenixRanger]

Also, I have to ask...Do you think the footwells/bed steps for bed-access are helpful and worth it? It seems the Ranger is easily accessible by anyone 5'8" or more and if you need to get in the bed, why not just step on the bumper that is 4" further back? Please let me know if you feel otherwise.

Thanks!

 

[Sean82]

Thanks!
I didn’t know they’re just stuck on! I thought they were screwed on from the inside. Super handy to know!!!
And inside the fuel door is genius! They do look a bit naff and cheap haha but damn they’re handy

 

[Sean82]

Also, I have to ask...Do you think the footwells/bed steps for bed-access are helpful and worth it? It seems the Ranger is easily accessible by anyone 5'8" or more and if you need to get in the bed, why not just step on the bumper that is 4" further back? Please let me know if you feel otherwise.

Thanks!

Yes I do think they’re helpful, more for stepping up into the tray than for reaching in
I’m 5’11 with gorilla arms so reaching in was usually ok, but I have shoddy knees so getting up and in was a pain. Now I don’t think it is (but I have only tested getting in twice)

 

[PhoenixRanger]

I hear ya' on the bad knees-comes with age. I may have a short window to add the steps to my order--expecting to get a VIN and build date in the next week based on others' experiences. I know it would be a pain to add afterwards, but still not convinced I need them--I do see their utility value though.

 

[Sean82]

I hear ya' on the bad knees-comes with age. I may have a short window to add the steps to my order--expecting to get a VIN and build date in the next week based on others' experiences. I know it would be a pain to add afterwards, but still not convinced I need them--I do see their utility value though.

I found a thread on this forum that talks about these…
https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/adding-options-at-dealership-after-delivery.9773/#post-166016

Looks like they can be ordered and installed later

 

[Cyrusblack]

Congratulations! Looks great! I'm a big fan of the Iconic Silver color, so good choice. Also, I believe those little keyless entry keypads are $95 and they just stick on with double sided tape. Bronco owners have been known to stash them inside the fuel door, fyi.

I wonder how hard it is to gently heat up the entry pad and remove it from the door and reposition it to the gas door. Wondering if it would leave a shadow mark on the door

 

[PhoenixRanger]

Picked up a silver XLT FX4 with chrome appearance pack this week.
Coming from a 2021 cactus grey XLT with sport and technology packs. Lease was up on the 2021 and I went to buy it out, but found out it was $45 more to lease a new one so figured why not.

This is ”just” the 2.3L but I’m honestly not bummed by that (what I am pi$$ed about is that Ford USA won’t give us the awesome 3.0L V6 TDi which is about 250hp and 450lb-ft that Australia gets…also…the Everest…why can’t we have that?!…also jealous that my dad has Ordered an Everest Platinum with the 3.0 V6 TDi)

Things I’m loving so far (after 2hrs in the seat and like 100mi) that are different from my 21 model:
- drive modes; I like that eco and sport seem distinctly different throttle mapping and I’m cool with that
- the 12” infotainment screen (though split screen would be nice…)
- power outlet in the bed (I will end up using these)
- power rear sliding glass
- Seats; the new seats feel a lot better than the old model
- LED DRLs; I really like the new front end
- Auto-fold wing mirrors on locking
- one-touch up/down for passenger window
- The side-step into the bed! Epic (should be standard!!!!)

Things I’m already missing (which are probably just specific to the Technology pack I had on the 2021 but don’t have because I don’t have the tech pack on the 24):
- Active cruise…man I love that! Going to miss it (this is standard on the XLT and up in Australia…why not here?!)
- Front parking sensors…
- The cheap but super useful keypad on the door (I’m told this can be dealer-fitted for a price…probably cost a kidney though…)
- Lock/Unlock all doors buttons in the rear doors…this is a small thing, but they are insanely handy! The number of times I’ll get out, close the driver’s door, then get stuff out the back seat and then lock using those buttons on the rear door…all the time! I had them on my old truck, but not on the new and already I REALLY miss them.
- Cactus gray…I loved this color. But unfortunately wasn’t able to special order one just the way timing went with my lease ending and travel for work and not being around in the weeks leading up to lease end

Some things I’m disappointed Ford didn’t change (and 1 thing they did):
- No keyless entry/start on a $44K truck!?!?!? WTF? (This is standard on XLT and up in Aus)
- No 60/40 split folding rear seats. I would LOVE to have this!
- No center-stack rear AC vents (are they on the Lariat/Raptor?? Be nice if they were on lower trims)
- Where did the gas hood struts go?!?!? WTH Ford?! Going from gas struts on the 21 to old school brace support in 24 is a downgrade

Still not sure on the chrome pack…but it was all that was available. I do think I’ll come to really like it, just that I’ve never owned a vehicle with chrome wheels so this is a new thing for me which I’m not used to.

Still to get a spray-in bed liner. But so far I’m liking it

[/QU

I wonder how hard it is to gently heat up the entry pad and remove it from the door and reposition it to the gas door. Wondering if it would leave a shadow mark on the door

It couldn't be any more difficult than removing emblems and such, right? Just be careful not to heat up the paint too much--and if you use a soft rubber/plastic interior trim tool, you could do it without a scratch!!

 

[Cyrusblack]

It couldn't be any more difficult than removing emblems and such, right? Just be careful not to heat up the paint too much--and if you use a soft rubber/plastic interior trim tool, you could do it without a scratch!!

I’ve always been good at heating and removing emblems, stickers and badges so I think I might give this a try and report back. The first thing I did when I got my truck home was remove the dealership brand sticker and their license plate holder. Not a fan of forced advertising

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

I’ve always been good at heating and removing emblems, stickers and badges so I think I might give this a try and report back. The first thing I did when I got my truck home was remove the dealership brand sticker and their license plate holder. Not a fan of forced advertising

I told them to leave their advertising off mine which they did.

 

[superakcraig]

I asked my dealer and was told they always do on orders. I just got a license frame

 

[Mike9816]

This truck is a lot of fun. Two great trips so far. My highway vehicle feels neglected. Last week Buttermilk road next week Mazourka canyon.

 

[Cyrusblack]

I’ve always been good at heating and removing emblems, stickers and badges so I think I might give this a try and report back. The first thing I did when I got my truck home was remove the dealership brand sticker and their license plate holder. Not a fan of forced advertising

Got my wife’s hair dryer out and used a Harbor Freight plastic pry bar and gently lifted it off, stuck it back on the back of fuel door and got the Goo Gone and got the door back to perfect without any marks, shadows or damage. The door looks so much cleaner now.

 

[DMC]

Wow, nice! No trouble working? Being that it is farther from the control module now?

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