Should I?

[javelina]

Hello group!

Literally, I'm thinking of buying a '25 Ranger (FX4) tomorrow. I've owned plenty of Fords prior. I know this is the Internet, so plenty of opinions, (which is good). I'm "gifting" my Son my 2018 F150 4x4, (he'll make some small cash payments. Nothing is "free") Wifey-pooh drives our 24 Braptor.

I'm looking at 2025 Ranger XLT, with FX4 package. It'll be my daily driver, plus when I go out on the weekends for plinking (in the off road trails)

My soon to be former F150 is a regular CAB (4x4). So my Wife and I are wanting something a little more than the regular CAB 2 door. Especially with grand kids. The Braptor is for her and I to have fun, (especially on the weekends).

Interested in the Ranger feedback, hence why I'm here....

TIA,
-Jav

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[Flak]

I would definitely say maybe.

 

[javelina]

well that helps... (would be curious to hear more)

 

[Flak]

What are the alternatives? Will you be happy with that trim level and feature set if that's the vehicle you're going to be in every day? What about the price to value proposition at local dealers for the model you are eyeing compared to alternatives? Are you going to mod it? What are you expecting it to do?

I think between the mavericks and rangers some are great values, some are pretty bad values, all because the way the packages, options and features are structured and where the pricing has been for it all.

For me, the only real alternative in the midsize truck category that was competitive was the Tacoma, but it has an unusable back seat, the pricing is out of touch for what it is (vs the reputation of what it was), and the interior felt very dated. But there are certainly more comparable vehicles if you are open to small SUV. Pricing being what it is, hard to get value if you would use a bed or don't really need conditioned cargo area though.

 

[Ron Quixote]

The Ranger is just an honest truck. It reminds me of my dad’s F150s (he owned many). It is well-engineered (global platform) and very much a WYSIWYG kind of vehicle. The Maverick gets a lot of attention from the automotive media but the Ranger is a much better value IMO.

 

[superj]

I should have gotten an xlt fx4 bur got what i needed and not what i wanted. Now the wife wants the higher trim truck with 4x4 for visiting the kods in mpre northern states.


Are you here in corpus christi? Asking because of your screen name

 

[Alaska Steve]

I got what I wanted and needed. 8900mi and I love the truck, even with its idiosyncrasies. You can see what I have in my signature block.

 

[embedded rock]

Buy a Mustang GT with the 5.0!

 

[danmoochie]

what motor? I have the XLT FX4 with the 2.7 and so far love this truck. Came from a 24 Ranger RR.

 

[daytoncarter]

I just picked up a 25 Lariat FX4 and I think it's great. Will be eternally pissed about the lack of cooled seats, but overall very happy. Also I have the i4 and it is a great motor. Torquey and efficient, pretty smooth. Only 500 miles, but I did miles 400 to 500 on a regular loop and averaged 27.7MPG in eco mode on rural highways.

Take a 25 on discount unless you want the optional moonroof in Spring 2026, no other improvements for 2026.

 

[5280Ranja]

im at 1.5 years of ownership with the 2.3 liter fx4. Wife and i love the truck. tows great and offroads very well. However, there is close to no aftermarket support. bumpers, lifts, bolts on etc just dont exist. its beyond frustrating for me as i dont keep any vehicle i own stock. now if you have zero plans of getting parts to customizer to your liking, if say go for it!

 

[exner60]

I just picked up a 25 Lariat FX4 and I think it's great. Will be eternally pissed about the lack of cooled seats, but overall very happy. Also I have the i4 and it is a great motor. Torquey and efficient, pretty smooth. Only 500 miles, but I did miles 400 to 500 on a regular loop and averaged 27.7MPG in eco mode on rural highways.

Take a 25 on discount unless you want the optional moonroof in Spring 2026, no other improvements for 2026.

I have a '24 Lariat Sport (MSRP $51,115). I am eternally pissed about not having a power moonroof at that price.

 

[exner60]

What are the alternatives? Will you be happy with that trim level and feature set if that's the vehicle you're going to be in every day? What about the price to value proposition at local dealers for the model you are eyeing compared to alternatives? Are you going to mod it? What are you expecting it to do?

I think between the mavericks and rangers some are great values, some are pretty bad values, all because the way the packages, options and features are structured and where the pricing has been for it all.

For me, the only real alternative in the midsize truck category that was competitive was the Tacoma, but it has an unusable back seat, the pricing is out of touch for what it is (vs the reputation of what it was), and the interior felt very dated. But there are certainly more comparable vehicles if you are open to small SUV. Pricing being what it is, hard to get value if you would use a bed or don't really need conditioned cargo area though.

To be honest, I don't know which is worse: the Tacoma's dated-looking interior or the Ranger's boring, uninspired interior. I looked at both before buying.

 

[Flak]

To be honest, I don't know which is worse: the Tacoma's dated-looking interior or the Ranger's boring, uninspired interior. I looked at both before buying.

That's kinda true for the normal interior, I agree. I am a sucker for the red/black in the RR though, I had similar combo in my last truck. But I prefer simple and utilitarian over these ridiculous over stylized interiors. Ranger interior is normal truck that feels comfortable. Both the Tacoma/4 runner and even the Broncos have that faux industrial/heavy duty vibe but with giant early 2000s plastics instead of actually durable materials.

 

[daytoncarter]

To be honest, I don't know which is worse: the Tacoma's dated-looking interior or the Ranger's boring, uninspired interior. I looked at both before buying.

I wouldn't call Taco dated. I'd say Tacoma leans on the rugged truck look, which comes out as cheap looking and the Ranger leans on euro/clean which is interpreted as boring sea of gray. That's why I had to go with sandstone.

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