Advice for Choosing Ranger Lariat Options… Lot Selection vs. Custom Order

[MJE]

I had the 2.3L in my ‘21 Ranger Lariat 4x4 (not the FX4). It had ‘enough’ power for around town, commuting, and lite towing (I never towed more than 3,500 lbs). But I want to tow a travel trailer up to 6,000ish pounds and I worried that it would be too much for the 2.3 on grades; there is a towing video about towing with the 2.3 (Gen5, but same engine and transmission as G6) at max weight that is informative. Here is another on with the 2.7. Bottom line, the 2.7 doesn't struggle where the 2.3 does on hills. It probably would make it up most grades, but at reduced speeds. That’s why I opted for the 2.7 this time, a truck should be able to do truck things.

The 2.7 is much smoother than the 2.3, notably more powerful, and with the FX4 package an absolute pleasure to drive. With my 32.1" tires, my indicated mileage is a steady 18.3mpg. When I have to go into Anchorage (45mi away), it improves. But I haven't made long enough trips to see what highway mileage is really like.

In terms of your other tradeoffs, once I know what options are available on a trim level, I generally decide on what I'd like to vs what I need vs what I don't care about, then get what I'd like to have. I inevitably always regret not getting it that way, so might as well just get over the initial pain and be happy in the end.

The FX4 package is much better than the 4x4 package in overall stabilization (cornering, wash-boarding, and bumps in general), plus you'll want the lockers when you're stuck without a winch.

I like the side steps; last truck didn't have them and it was a pain for this aged man to get in the truck bed; plus, now I can straddle the step and tire or the tire and the running board giving better bed access.

A major reason for my trading up was the technology package. The dealer had a lower technology package on the old truck, and after using things like ACC in rental and other family cars, I had to have it, all of it.

I ordered mine last May (Mothers Day) and it was delivered in Alaska at the end of September (it would have been 1st week of September anywhere else in the US). Hey, who knows, maybe if Canada becomes the 51st US State, we could get things faster by train instead of by barge. What do think?!

Other mods are listed in my signature. I'll be getting a BDS Suspension 2.5" front lift kit when comes out. This isn't just a coil a spacer; it is a true suspension lift kit and I'll get the performance shocks like I did on my Jeep lift kit.

Thanks Steve, appreciate the advice! Your experience with the 2.3 vs 2.7 seems to fit with everyone on this thread. The 2.3 is adequate, but the 2.7 is simply better especially when doing truck things. I half wonder too in real world driving if they won’t get similar mileage if the 2.7 isn’t working as hard…. FX4 & side steps are also sounding like musts out of this thread.

& while I shouldn’t delve too deeply into politics, I know my economic condition would be better if Alberta at least was the 51st state. Maybe our main highways connecting to Alaska would finally be interstate grade & train or truck you’d get stuff faster/easier. But I’m definitely an Americanophile, being there every chance I get, so that does color my view.

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[Alaska Steve]

& while I shouldn’t delve too deeply into politics, I know my economic condition would be better if Alberta at least was the 51st state. Maybe our main highways connecting to Alaska would finally be interstate grade & train or truck you’d get stuff faster/easier. But I’m definitely an Americanophile, being there every chance I get, so that does color my view.

Mike, As our northern cousins, you're always welcome to join us ...

 

[MJE]

Mike, As our northern cousins, you're always welcome to join us ...

Thank you. I’m actually looking forward to planning a trip up to Alaska this summer to visit some old friends. This time I think it’ll be a quick flight up & back. One day it’d be a neat driving trip to do.

 

[Alaska Steve]

Thank you. I’m actually looking forward to planning a trip up to Alaska this summer to visit some old friends. This time I think it’ll be a quick flight up & back. One day it’d be a neat driving trip to do.

If you make it up to the Palmer /Wasilla area, get breakfast at The Noisy Goose. I just got home from there and I usually go there several times a week.

 

[LeeHo]

Hello, fellow Albertan here!

I traded a 2021 Ranger Lariat Tremor in November. New truck was an in-stock Lariat, 2.7L, FX4, Advanced Tow, Box Steps. Hot Pepper Red. Odd to see a dealer order with the paint option - $850 up charge. Dealer installed spray-in liner before I picked it up.

I get A-plan,

A couple things:
- The 2.7 is worth it. Noticeable improvement. Quick, responsive, smoother.
- FX4 pkg is nice - mostly for the locking rear diff. The skid plates are not for rock crawling but they are perfect protection for gravel and brush.
- Box side steps are pretty nice. The bed height is tall. Reaching over them is not fun, especially if you are trying to retrieve something that isn’t up against the bedside. The cost to add these with OE parts seems to roughly $800USD per side. Somebody stumbled upon a deal online, not OE, and still more than the factory option. These have not accumulated any mud or snow in the couple months I’ve had the truck.
- Advanced tow would help with resale. But it sounds like you are keeping this for a decade AND don’t need it, so okay to skip.

Overall - the creature comforts are nice across all trims. The Lariat with the included tech is soooooo nice. In Canada, the Raptor is +$20K more than a Lariat - ouch. With that, I believe the Lariat is the sweet spot in the line up.

Good luck on the hunt!

Note: The Locking Differentail was an option on the 2024 Lariat w/o ordering FX4 Pkg

 

[MJE]

Thanks everybody for all your advice! I finally went to check one out today in person. Sales guy put me in a 2.7 xlt mostly to drive the v6 as he’s convinced it’s the better choice in engines. I had to agree after trying it. The whole vehicle felt so natural I didn’t even think about driving it. Right size, right height looking down on the road. I wasn’t a fan of the seats in the xlt, something I’ve become hyper sensitive to after my current car. The Lariat we sat in seemed much better. The tech is all first rate Ford. I’ll have to keep watch as to what they have coming up on their lot. While we could order, he did say he’d throw me one overnight as a loaner to truly see if it would work longer than he short city loop we did.

 

[AssolMarandy]

If you are not in a hurry, consider checking online auctions. Some auctions use an Auctioneer Display Interface, which lets you see detailed vehicle information before bidding. This can help you compare different options and find a better price.

For your choices:

2024 vs 2025 – Waiting for a 2025 might help avoid early build issues, but some features may be removed.
2.3 vs 2.7 – The 2.3 is more fuel-efficient but might have carbon buildup over time. The 2.7 has more power but could have maintenance concerns.
FX4 Package – Useful for off-road driving, but if you don’t need extra modes, the locking diff alone may be enough.
Trailer Tow – Good to have for resale value, even if you don’t tow now.
Box Steps – They can be helpful, but they might collect dirt and snow.
If you find a good option on a dealer lot, test it before buying. If ordering, make sure to get the features you need. Always check the vehicle inspection report if buying used.

 

[MJE]

If you are not in a hurry, consider checking online auctions. Some auctions use an Auctioneer Display Interface, which lets you see detailed vehicle information before bidding. This can help you compare different options and find a better price.

For your choices:

2024 vs 2025 – Waiting for a 2025 might help avoid early build issues, but some features may be removed.
2.3 vs 2.7 – The 2.3 is more fuel-efficient but might have carbon buildup over time. The 2.7 has more power but could have maintenance concerns.
FX4 Package – Useful for off-road driving, but if you don’t need extra modes, the locking diff alone may be enough.
Trailer Tow – Good to have for resale value, even if you don’t tow now.
Box Steps – They can be helpful, but they might collect dirt and snow.
If you find a good option on a dealer lot, test it before buying. If ordering, make sure to get the features you need. Always check the vehicle inspection report if buying used.

Thanks! I hadn’t thought about auctions actually. & agree with your assessments of choices.

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