Georgia Xl or xlt electronic features

[fordc51]

I am 72 years old, I am looking at XLTs. I want some of the safety features as I'm getting older. But have some hesitation with extra electronics and sensors having problems later on. Thus my consideration of XL also.​

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[MJE]

While any additional piece of equipment can be a point of failure, I always think that the technology must be spread across all Fords. Look at the additional sensors & software as something that has to be proven across many model lines so the possibility of failure might just be a bit less than if each piece of equipment rather than the setup as a whole was specific to the vehicle. I like Ford’s tech & after having a couple modern SUV’s with it, I’d certainly trust their Ranger implementation.

 

[fordc51]

Time for me to move into this century. Drive a 93 f159, had for 20 yrs, tough as nails but no tech. My 14 camry has a little more tech. My job was tech 35 yrs plus.. ca. Be a pain at times.

 

[Jason B]

There are plenty of safety features in the XL. I consider all the extra tech in XLT as more convivence features.

 

[Hootbro]

Other than not having park assist and adaptive cruise, the XL is pretty loaded with standard safety tech that will be leaps and bounds past what you are already driving. With the higher trims, there is a lot more niceties than necessities if you are use to simpler things.

None of the newer trucks regardless of brand are "low tech" anymore. Just have to take your water wings off and jump in the deep end of the pool.

 

[dfritz]

I'm 72 also, and got a XLT FX4 in early April, with every option available. It does take awhile to get used to the electronic features and they are a complete distraction for awhile. I would say I'm an early adapter on tech, been in electronics since my teens. I wanted something that was safer, had more features and was easier to drive as I aged. The Ranger is almost perfect for that.

What's the best: Lane keeping is gentle, speed limit controls, adaptive cruise control, steering wheel buttons. 360 deg cameras, 4WD modes, built in trailer brakes, trailer backing assist ( haven't tried parking assist yet). Driving ride is steady, firm and predictable. Good vision out front and sides. Reasonably quiet. MPG seems really good to me. Seats are very comfortable. Tailgate is feather-lite. Sure-footed off road. Remotes and having an actual key is great. The Ford App is really pretty cool.

Somewhat mediocre: Driver's display (until you find the set-up you like, then it's great). The bed is a bit fragile, and tricky to add options to. If you want a shell, cover or other accessory, take advantage of the dealership and get it added to the purchase.

The Least enjoyable: The center display is a complete distraction while you are learning all the features and it's an adventure maybe best undertaken parked. It does work fairly well, but it and the driver's display can be quirky getting the settings right and sometimes I've hit a button and can't find my way back to my preferred settings without googling it. Everyone seems to have questions about default settings to use or stop using various features. Car Play has been hit or miss, best to plug your phone in. I don't use Alexa, so I think I'm missing out of a few voice activated features. The owner's manual is on the console, at first that seemed like a bad idea, but once you get the feel of it, it's smart and easy to find stuff, but I would still like a book.

After about 4 months, with only about 1K of miles on it, I feel we're getting a handle on it. Compared to my wife's loaded 2017 subaru outback which we still haven't figured out all the features, the Ranger is a lot easier and more capable. Again, the Ford app if super useful.

I think if you wait even a year, every model will have even more electronics that are even more complicated. The manufacturers seem to be on a run without slowing down even a little.

I'm not an extended warranty guy, but I would recommend buying at purchase the best one you can swing. If the electronics or some engine problem shows up, parts and labor 3 years from now on even a simple repair will be super expensive and dwarf the cost of the extended warranty.

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