Hello from Washington State!

[Neener]

Wanted to say Hi! My name is Jeanene, and I've been reading the forum trying to get information to help me decide which truck I should buy.

I currently have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, and a 2009 4Runner, but want to get a new truck. I bought a 1988 Ranger XLT Super Cab brand new and it was a wonderful truck, so I've owned a Ranger in the past. I wanted something a bit larger so in 2002 I sold it and bought a new Tundra, which is now owned by my nephew. I was planning on getting a 2024/2025 Tacoma Limited, but after hearing about the transmission issues, started looking at the Ranger Lariat. Test drove a 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (dealer didn't have a limited available) and it was nice but seemed to ride rough on city streets. Also drove a Ranger XLT, and was very impressed by it. So now I'm going back & forth as to which one I should get. I'm used to a truck with a 6ft bed, but seems that the mid-sized truck segment is moving away from that size bed.

So hoping to get some good information here to help me make the decision.

Sponsored

 

[Peter949]

Hi, do your research and test drive. Brand loyalty is stupid. Get what's best in market and works for you.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Wanted to say Hi! My name is Jeanene, and I've been reading the forum trying to get information to help me decide which truck I should buy.

I currently have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, and a 2009 4Runner, but want to get a new truck. I bought a 1988 Ranger XLT Super Cab brand new and it was a wonderful truck, so I've owned a Ranger in the past. I wanted something a bit larger so in 2002 I sold it and bought a new Tundra, which is now owned by my nephew. I was planning on getting a 2024/2025 Tacoma Limited, but after hearing about the transmission issues, started looking at the Ranger Lariat. Test drove a 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (dealer didn't have a limited available) and it was nice but seemed to ride rough on city streets. Also drove a Ranger XLT, and was very impressed by it. So now I'm going back & forth as to which one I should get. I'm used to a truck with a 6ft bed, but seems that the mid-sized truck segment is moving away from that size bed.

So hoping to get some good information here to help me make the decision.

Welcome to the forum, we hope to have you on team Ranger soon!

 

[dard6555]

New Rangers are in a totally different class that previous. I owned a 1991 XLT 4x4 and loved it, but the new trucks are on a whole new level. I am running a 2024 Lariat FX4, and would not go any other route if I had to to do it again. Really enjoy the truck. The interior is refined and less blocky than others. It's more like a 3/4 size F150. Also, its the only mid size that can lay a sheet of plywood flat in the bed. Heated seats are excellent compared to Chevy, Buick and Lexus.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

 

[Neener]

Hi, do your research and test drive. Brand loyalty is stupid. Get what's best in market and works for you.

So far have taken a 2024 Ranger XLT 4x4 and a Tacoma TRD Off-Road for short test drives. Going to hold off until January to order whichever one I decide on. That way the worst of winter should be over and I won't have to worry about smashing anything new on an icy road.

 

[Neener]

New Rangers are in a totally different class that previous. I owned a 1991 XLT 4x4 and loved it, but the new trucks are on a whole new level. I am running a 2024 Lariat FX4, and would not go any other route if I had to to do it again. Really enjoy the truck. The interior is refined and less blocky than others. It's more like a 3/4 size F150. Also, its the only mid size that can lay a sheet of plywood flat in the bed. Heated seats are excellent compared to Chevy, Buick and Lexus.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

Thank you! Is your Ranger the 2.3L or the 2.7L? The one I test drove was a 2.3L and it was really nice, so curious if the 2.7L is much different in the performance?

 

[Neener]

Welcome to the forum, we hope to have you on team Ranger soon!

Thank you!
Very heavily leaning Ranger at the moment. Been reading about the transmission problems with the Tacoma, and do not want to go through that with a brand new truck.

 

[dard6555]

Thank you! Is your Ranger the 2.3L or the 2.7L? The one I test drove was a 2.3L and it was really nice, so curious if the 2.7L is much different in the performance?

My truck is a 2.3L. I choose that due it it being a daily driver and the 2.3 has a better history and I believe is more proven than the 2.7L. The 2.7 also has a wet belt in the oil pan driving the oil pump, and I don't care for that setup. As far as power goes, the 2.3L is no slouch. I towed a AMC Eagle on a U-Haul trailer with no issues across town. Plenty of torque down low. You also get a little more payload with the 2.3L. If you are thinking about ordering, my order took five months. Don't wait too long, or you won't get to enjoy the summer. The tune for the 2.3L is supposed to be out any day now, giving even more power and torque. I'm not sure I would want to pay for premium fuel in Washington, that would get expensive.

Cheers.

 

[RichD]

I drove through Tacoma last night on my way home after picking up my new 2.3 XLT in Renton. We live over on the Kitsap peninsula. So far- blown away with the ride quality and the 2.3 paired with the 10 speed is better than expected. We bought at Sound Ford. They easily beat everyones price in the region.

 

[Neener]

Since my original post, I have taken a 2024 Tacoma Limited out for a test drive and also a 2024 Ranger Lariat with the 2.7L.
I thought the Tacoma rode very nice, had great power, had comfortable seats, and some nice features not in the Ranger (heated & vent. seats, power running boards, power tailgate).
The Ranger had a ton of power! Much more than the Tacoma. I liked the multimedia display orientation, and the fact that it has power folding mirrors. I wouldn't have to worry about ripping my mirror off trying to park at work in a garage with large cement pillars by every space. I also like the option to get it with a bed step since I'm short.
Have not yet made my decision, but did just recently read that Edmonds.com rated the Ranger as the most reliable mid-sized truck. I think the Tacoma came in 4th or 5th.

Now that the holidays have passed, I'll get down to making a decision and will hopefully have a new truck by spring!

Sponsored