The Feel.

[Scooter]

I have a 2.3L MPC FX4.

My perspective coming from a 4G 2011 XL 2.3L Standard Super Cab. Duratech. Mazda head, cast iron block.

4G small truck, I am a big guy. Standard because the automatic at 145 Hp would be amemic. Would not work with 4x4.
The truck was fun rolling the gears. Rubber mat's. It would corner well with good all road tires. Ran the Michelin Defender. Good grip
Predictable grip. Trusting tires, even in wet. Understood the emergency stopping distance.

I have a 2025 Ford Ranger XLT, 2.3L MPC, FX4. I ordered it. Marsh Gray, bed side step, Convenient Pkg, Rear Powered Window, of course basic trailer package.
Locking Rear Diff. OWL Tires, spray inbed linear, no running boards. I laughed I got the locking wheel lugs for free. Was going to have them put on at Dealer.
The Wheel nut key was in the Glove Box.

This is all so new to me.

Ergonomics' this was never a Big Guy's vehicle. Still is not.
Once in 4G head on roof. I drove aggressive in that truck as I trusted it. Enjoyed getting the best out of the Duratech,. Just under stood that good predictable feel.

6G feels vague.
i ordered the OWL all terrain tires. Figured with the taller side wall better for off road over the 18" rims. Tires grab road unevenness. Power steering is not confident inspiring at times.

I do appreciate the Blind Spot indicator and the way the Dash lights up when you are driving aggrievedly and getting close to other vehicles.

Still trying to understand Length and Width of vehicle..

Not good at backing up. Tight under ground parking. Larger vehicle then 4G,

That boxy square hood i have to get use to. . Just have to understand the spacial distance and feel.

Getting in the 6G.

Its a taller vehicle then the 4G.
The tail is as high as the F150.
I have to put my head in first. I looked at the F150 and the pillar is different.
My only negative with the 6G.

Once in:

Ford has considered that you can drive for long distances with the Ranger.
I thrash interiors. Put some quality seat covers on. i was going to order the 301A pkg,
Once I saw the manual seats had a lumbar adjustment those were fine.
OMG the seats in the 4G were bad. You would not take that truck on a long trip.. Use to have to put a pillow in for my back.

The Braking and Steering is all vague to me.

I purchased the Truck without the Black Out Package.


What sold me was the 2.3L MPC from the Mustang.

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[Scooter]

Motor, Transmission:

I am just braking it in.

The motor does not warm up quickly.
Logically with Turbo, warm up, reason why its has full synesthetic.
My short 15 minutes drive on Hwy, just warms the motor up. I guess meant to haul 7500lbs

Tranny: The new 10spd is very good. Not sure if it still has the intuitive shifting. Where the Transmission learns your Driving style.

Lower gears are good. If aggressive driving at times you would wish it to shift down.

Smaller cars can drive away from you at a light. Truck is heavy compared to car. Once going does well. Just driving conservatively. Seems to coast well.

 

[Scooter]

Interior

I am hard on interiors being a BIg Guy. For my size the Ranger is uncomfortable to get in.. Almost think my lower 4G was easier to get in. Have to Duck my head to get in.
Wondering if its worth it to install the hand grab for the Drivers side. Not sure if that would help me to get in.

Once in. CALM'S ME DOWN. Its spacious. Very comfortable.

I did wish to buy a Bronco. At 10K more not worth it. I have heard the interior is not as nice as the Ranger

I hoped Ford would offer a super cab in NA. Come on is there not a market in NA for Fleet Vehicles.

OMG look at that new single Cab AU truck. Super Duty. impressive.

Interior improvement. But, Oh, the vertical rear seat back's. I figure a petite person could go 300KM then have to get out. . Ford did a great job on the rear occupant's. Seat Cut Out's. The most leg room of all mid size trucks in back. I could not sit back there for a long distance.

Purchased Rock Slider creates different options to get into Ranger. Still waiting to receive them.

Ford did a good job on the interior.

 

[Hoss]

Too long, tell me what he said

 

[stuartmunto]

Too long, tell me what he said

I got lost in the first two sentences

 

[embedded rock]

That left side grab handle sounds like sumptin I would use--as I did with the former Wrangler.

 

[Scooter]

Engine compartment.

I like the 2.3l.

The large amounts of space around the motor is great for keeping the engine cool.

Easy to work on the 2,3L MPC.

 

[Scooter]

It just feels a bit vague. Will get use to it.

Steering a bit floaty and mushy. Initial braking soft. Have not done a full on panic stop.

i really like my new 2025 Ranger. Just not the best for me to get into it.

 

[Scooter]

I got lost in the first two sentences

I cleaned it up a bit. A little ADD. Reads a bit better now.

 

[Jason B]

Some notes:

The steering and braking may feel different than you are used to. Both are electronic, as the steering uses an electric actuator to provide power, and the brake booster is also an electric device. No more power steering fluid or vacuum brake booster.

As for shifting, try Sport or Tow/Haul mode. That will let the engine rev a little higher before shifting gears. And if you are in Sport mode, hammer the accelerator when leaving a light, not too many small cars will keep up with you. Compared to your old truck, you'll feel like you are driving a sports car.

For vehicle sizes, 4G Rangers are closer to Maverick. 5G and 6G are closer in size to F150s from the '90s.

 

[Scooter]

Brakes and Steering Vague, but predictable. The Allterrian tires track the uneven pavement.
Throttle feels good, not sure if that's fly by wire. I have fly by wire on a motorcycle. Have dropped the bike a few times starting off. Just no feel off idle. Ford has done a good job with their setups.

Yes, this post is long winded, but you get the idea.

 

[superj]

This new ranger is very nice on long trips but yes, getring in and out is not as easy as our old rangers. I have a 2004 edge single cab 5 speed with the 3.0 amd i have driven it across a few states and it was pretty good. Cruise would have made it better .

The new ranger is super on cross state trip, i have been from the bottom of texas almost to minnesota in it and it was nice

 

[Scooter]

That's the only thing i do not like with the new Ranger is getting in.
The windshield pillar seems to be at an angle that is problematic for someone over 6' 2" and a big person.
I have to remind myself to get my head in first. If not I drag my head along the interior window frame.

I have some Rock Sliders coming, but i do not think the step up will help me get into the truck.
Wondering if I can purchase the Left grab handle parts. Still not sure if that will make it any easier either.

I put some heavy Carhart Seat Covers on. Hopefully they will protect the seat bolster from breaking down as I drag my Butt along it. Putting the seat right back also does not seem to make a difference.

Once in what a Pleasure. Lot's of head room, many adjustments on seat to get comfortable, even on manual seats.

I really like my 2025 Ranger.

 

[superj]

I did the same carhart covers. If you wamt that other grab habdle you have to get it from somewhere out of the country

 

[Texasota]

As for shifting, try Sport or Tow/Haul mode. That will let the engine rev a little higher before shifting gears.

This. In city/urban driving I like tow/haul mode. It hunts less and keeps the 2.3 in a better rpm range. Once on open roads I turn off tow/haul mode.

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