Should I?

[Flak]

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.

Not dated? Then why do they have a 2005 GPS garmin glued to the dashboard like a nintendo cartridge.

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[exner60]

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.

For a redone interior, the Tacoma is perhaps not as advanced as it could be. For reference, I looked at a 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport w/ 6-speed manual. I went back to look at it after my Ranger purchase only to have the salesperson and sales manager call me 3x on my way home. By the time I got home (20-minute drive), they had dropped by the price by over $5000 via voice messages! Ford wouldn't budge on price; this was back in 04/2024.

The Ranger Lariat Sport is OK. The lack of a power moonroof, backseat vents, and true ambient lighting are surprising oversights on Ford's part for the price point. (The vehicle is advertised as having ambient lighting. However, it's zone or auxiliary lighting whose color can't be changed.)

 

[exner60]

Not dated? Then why do they have a 2005 GPS garmin glued to the dashboard like a nintendo cartridge.

That's an all-new interior, too.

 

[daytoncarter]

Not dated? Then why do they have a 2005 GPS garmin glued to the dashboard like a nintendo cartridge.

If we're comparing base models:

But I think you're focusing more on your personal perception and not automotive design trends.

If you want "dated," you're talking about the round, bubbly "bio-design" of the 90s and early 2000s. Think of the "jellybean" Taurus or the 1st Gen Tundra. Those interiors were the definition of "melted soap"—sloping dashboards, oval vents, and zero straight lines.

The new Tacoma is the opposite. The over-styled "rugged" blocks, horizontal shelving, and the "glued-on" tablet are all modern design trends (architectural styling). You see that "floating screen" layout in everything from Mazdas to Teslas now.

It might look like a cheap Nintendo cartridge because of the bezel, but the design language is definitely 2025, not 2005.

 

[Flak]

Yea that looks fine. It looks like a normal car/truck interior.

 

[Onceaneagle]

If it has what you want, and the price is right, buy it. XLTs near me are up to $8K off MSRP. Look up Long McArthur Ford in Salina, KS, one hour north of me. Having had a 1996 STX Ranger and 2003 EDGE Ranger, then a 2010 FX4 F150 and 2021 F150 Lariat, I think the 2025 Ranger Lariat FX4 BAP with the 2.7L is an awesome truck, for city or country, streets or highway. It has 95% of the features of it's big brother, less the optional 3.5L Ecoboost, 36gal tank, remote tailgate release I had, and 4A which is only on RR. With the money off right now, you can go shopping anywhere, cut a deal, and ship it. Or find a comparable, print off the window sticker and price listing, and wave it at your dealer and ask them to match it. Bought mine over the phone, shipped to my door, trade backhauled, $800 each way 420 miles, SD to KS and back. Life is too short and I am now a winter chicken (who grew up in Tucson).

 

[javelina]

currently doing some online haggling. I pushed the $8K off MSRP that others are getting. I know the hold back, markups, routine, etc... I realize it's the financing guys that you gotta watch out for, when you get to that point. I've never paid for an extended warranty, nor a service plan. So I don't plan on doing so if I go with the Ranger. I don't think I'll be buying today, but maybe tomorrow...

 

[RJRanger]

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

I went from a 2018 F150 Lariat (full size 2 door...supercab I guess) with the 3.5 eco. Probably the best vehicle I ever owned, to a 2025 Ranger Lariat 2.7. The only thing I miss a lot is the amount of space (both storage and passenger rear) the F150 had over the Ranger. The best advantages of the Ranger in my opinion is parkabilty, and almost a sports like driving experience with the 2.7. I needed the F150 for towing purposes, that need went away so it was time to downsize. I am very happy with the Ranger and extremely glad I made the switch. The rear seat is plenty roomy for kids but does present a small issue for car seats. The backseat is not a 60/40 split like the F150 so when you install a carseat the rear seat is not flipping up. Hopefully this helps a bit....good luck with whatever you chose to do.

 

[gmpetrie]

Came from a 2015 F-150 Lariat to a ‘25 Ranger Lariat 2.7L. Love the truck, it is a little smaller, but honestly, I haven’t run into any issues with space or hauling capacity.

the Ranger rides much better than the 150 and is much, much easier to handle parking and in tight spaces.

 

[mjpjr45]

Had my 24 xlt for just about a year(Jan 11) now with 17,500 miles, no problems and love it. Makes about 22mpg but I tend to drive it hard, heavy foot. Great trucks in my biased opinion.

 

["Risky Bizness"]

Wife got a 2024 Ranger Lariat FX4 with the 2.3 engine. It's averaging 23 mpg with 5K on the clock. She LUV's it !!!!!!!!!

 

[guerro]

Yes. Unless you don't want to. Then, no.

 

[ShadowDragon24]

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

if your close to the boarder, you could get a canadian truck(still built 4x4 is the only drivetrain for us. xl-larriat 4x4 only. we dont even have the stx.

If we're comparing base models:

But I think you're focusing more on your personal perception and not automotive design trends.

If you want "dated," you're talking about the round, bubbly "bio-design" of the 90s and early 2000s. Think of the "jellybean" Taurus or the 1st Gen Tundra. Those interiors were the definition of "melted soap"—sloping dashboards, oval vents, and zero straight lines.

The new Tacoma is the opposite. The over-styled "rugged" blocks, horizontal shelving, and the "glued-on" tablet are all modern design trends (architectural styling). You see that "floating screen" layout in everything from Mazdas to Teslas now.

It might look like a cheap Nintendo cartridge because of the bezel, but the design language is definitely 2025, not 2005.

Nah its definitely a shit attempt at retro-modern styling. and the taco is shit at fitting in both. You can be rugged AND not look like something I drew back in grade 2 in 2001

 

[cc1999]

FX4 is a good choice.
I would say compare the contents of the XLT and Lariat carefully.
Features you may want or think are standard in an XLT are only on the Lariat.
‘Push button start is a big one.
Better gauge cluster
‘Heated seats
Heated steering wheel.

Other things that can be difficult to find on an an XLT but are available or optioned on some XLTs.
Surround view camera system.
Safety tech
power rear slider
power seats
smart cruise
Dual Auto climate control

Not that you want any of those things, you may not.
‘I am just saying if any of those things are must have items for you may want to search for a Lariat FX4 or look carefully at the option packages offered on the XLT.

IMO the prices are all for the most part in the 40s low to high range.

 

[Maybe]

I enjoy my 2025 Ranger XLT 4x4 with Black appearance package. It’s nice having a truck again but i also miss my Mustang GT lol. The wife drives a 23 Bronco. I like the Bronco and all but i like the Ranger better as my daily. It also can tow and haul more. My only complaint is seat comfort but I’m working on a remedy for that. For me the seat base needs to be a tad wider in the rear. It tapers too much do my liking and causes issues on long rides. But i also have some injuries that may exacerbate the issue

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