Owner's Feedback, and a Proper Introduction

[VAMike]

There was no power seat option in the 2018 Tacoma when I bought it so there was no way to raise the seat. However, I think Toyota is adding the power seat option for the 2020 model year.

Yes, you can now raise your seat high enough to stick your head out the sunroof that toyota will make you buy.

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[Deleted member 1634]

I actually moved from a Crosstrek to a Ranger! Like you were saying, the Crosstrek was a great little car/SUV/crossover, and worked perfectly for me when I was renting an apartment and single. But now I am a married homeowner with 2 dogs, so it just wasn't cutting it for me anymore. If I could've afforded it, I probably would've kept the Subie as my daily driver and possibly winter car, like you're saying. But once I picked up my Ranger and took it on our first weekend camping trip pulling our trailer, everything else washed away and I was beyond happy. I've put almost 3500 miles on it in the month since I got it, and have no complaints whatsoever.

Mileage wise I've been getting 23-25mpg in my regular driving, and anywhere between 14-20mpg towing a trailer (depending on the trailer weight, profile, and road conditions). Definitely not disappointed there.

My brother and I test drove a Tacoma a couple months back (he's looking at getting one for the manual option), and it just didn't do it for me like the Ranger did. It rode rougher (both suspension and powertrain wise) and as a taller guy I couldn't get comfortable at all.

Like people have been saying, everybody here is going to recommend the Ranger, that's why we're here. And I think you really can't go wrong with it. There's no part to me that is subpar or leaves me wanting anything the competitors can offer.

 

[flatpackpotato]

Hi everyone, sorry about the wait. I have had a very busy week.
Thank you all for your feedback, and I’m pretty sure I responded to everyone here. ​

I have had my 2019 Ranger for a little over two months now and coming up on 3000 miles on it. I still love it and have absolutely no regrets at all. No issues to date and after living with it for two months, I really can't think of anything I wish I had done differently. The engine and transmission in this truck are amazing. I test drove the Tacoma and the engine and transmission in it completely turned me off to it. You have to floor it to get any kind of power at all, and the transmission was always hunting for gears. My experience with the Ranger is just the opposite. It has power when you need/want it (just step on the pedal) - but it doesn't have to redline to get the power you need and the transmission doesn't hunt for gears and the shifts are very smooth. Many times you can't even tell it has shifted gears.

As others have said, the diesel doesn't really seem to give you much and will cost quite a bit more.

I'm very glad I bought this truck - highly recommended.

I’m actually really glad you said this. I thought the transmission in the Toyota felt odd too. I even said something to the sales guy. I figured it was because (good or bad) I’ve gotten used to the CVT in my Subaru - so now everything else feels weird. But maybe it’s not just me.

Get the ranger

Haha I’m working on it

When I tested the Colorado with diesel the sticker said 22MPG's, not 30 as I have seen advertised. I was really surprised. I found the Colorado in both the gas and diesel to have enough power but the diesel was lethargic compared to the gas version. The suspension was stiffer and interior dated and tech outdated.

I drove the gladiator and found it similar to my 12 Rubicon but with the longer wheelbase perhaps a bit smoother in the ass end. I was concerned with the wind and being pushed around driving through the mountains and did not see anything that would convince me the Gladiator would be any better. Also the cost was higher for the upper trims. Loved my Jeep...done for now.

Toyota...I cannot buy foreign. I cannot bring myself to do it. I go through purchase options looking for the "Made in America" stamp. I understand parts are sourced overseas but I still look for American companies and made in America and those get first choice.

If the Diesel Colorado feels lethargic, then that guess rules it out for me. The Diesel was the unique part of the Colorado, and as you and others have said, the extra towing capabilities aren’t even that great. The dealer didn’t have that engine on the lot, so while I drove the Chevy, it was the V6 version.

As for the Jeep, as it isn’t offered in a long bed version - I haven’t even looked at it. But it is neat!

I understand wanting to buy American. I always wanted to make a pilgrimage to Kansas City to see where my F150 was made, but that never happened :/

We will all say "get the Ranger" Because that is exactly what we did. There are quite a few of us former Tacoma owners here who won't pay Toyota anymore for mediocre trucks. IF I had to buy a Tacoma now it would be the second gen. 3rd Gen is too weak on many metrics

I think your next question should be "which Ranger should I get?"

I want you all to be biased. Pretty much everywhere else I’ve been it’s been a majoriaty of Toyota folks, so I want to hear people suggesting the Ranger, and why.

According to what I built on Ford’s website, I’m thinking:

2019 Ford Ranger XLT
SuperCab 6’ Bed 4x4
301A
FX4
Trailer Tow Pkg

It’s the most affordable I can make it while still being mid-trim (and the FX4 package).
I’m sure the XL interiors are better now, but my ’07 F150 XL interior was SPARSE.

I traded my Tacoma for the Ranger. I had a Tacoma for a year and I didn’t enjoy driving it. The engine and transmission combo made the Tacoma feel absolutely gutless. The seating position was to low, making you feel like you were sitting on the floor. There was no power seat option in the 2018 Tacoma when I bought it so there was no way to raise the seat. However, I think Toyota is adding the power seat option for the 2020 model year. I don’t regret trading the Tacoma and I don’t miss it at all. The new ranger is more refined, more comfortable, more powerful, and seems more up to date then the Tacoma. I would only choose the Tacoma if you are planning on doing any serious off roading. The 4x4 capabilities is the only thing the Tacoma has over the 4x4 Ranger. But I just need 4x4 to drive in the snow and light off roading so the Tacoma was an overkill for me in that category. Have fun shopping, but choose the Ranger!!

Thanks for the info, having owned both! The factory Suspension (FX4 vs TRD) is the only thing worrying me. But I rarely do “Serious” off-roading as I’m guessing Rallycross doesn’t count.

The ranger will do anything off road a Tacoma will do. I work with two other guys that have tacoma's..

I hope so, it's definitely a concern.

Possibly. I cant speak from personal experience because I don’t do any serious off roading or rock crawling, nor do I plan to. But doing even a limited search online for reviews comparing off-road capabilities between the ranger and the Tacoma, the Tacoma comes out on top. Not by much, but still comes out the winner. Much like comparing a Jeep to a Tacoma.. They are both capable (as is the ranger), but the Jeep generally wins. Just my two cents based on my findings and the articles and videos I’ve seen. Doesn’t really matter to me anyways, the Ranger is plenty capable for my needs. I don’t need or want a Jeep or a Tacoma.

I’ve been trying to remember a video I watched about a week ago, but yes that was their result as well. I guess while I am concerned about the off-roading abilities, the number one is the interior and the regular daily interactions.

Yes, you can now raise your seat high enough to stick your head out the sunroof that toyota will make you buy.

Haha good to know

I actually moved from a Crosstrek to a Ranger! Like you were saying, the Crosstrek was a great little car/SUV/crossover, and worked perfectly for me when I was renting an apartment and single. But now I am a married homeowner with 2 dogs, so it just wasn't cutting it for me anymore. If I could've afforded it, I probably would've kept the Subie as my daily driver and possibly winter car, like you're saying. But once I picked up my Ranger and took it on our first weekend camping trip pulling our trailer, everything else washed away and I was beyond happy. I've put almost 3500 miles on it in the month since I got it, and have no complaints whatsoever.

Mileage wise I've been getting 23-25mpg in my regular driving, and anywhere between 14-20mpg towing a trailer (depending on the trailer weight, profile, and road conditions). Definitely not disappointed there.

My brother and I test drove a Tacoma a couple months back (he's looking at getting one for the manual option), and it just didn't do it for me like the Ranger did. It rode rougher (both suspension and powertrain wise) and as a taller guy I couldn't get comfortable at all.

Like people have been saying, everybody here is going to recommend the Ranger, that's why we're here. And I think you really can't go wrong with it. There's no part to me that is subpar or leaves me wanting anything the competitors can offer.

I still plan on keeping my Crosstrek (I used to sell Subarus and I sold it to myself. I’m a dork and think that’s cool haha) but I hear what you’re saying, and who knows. What Cab did you go with? I feel like with the 6’ bed it might make the backseat area cramped to have people in there often. As much as I loved my old F150, it was a regular cab. So one of my favorite features on my Crosstrek right now is a functional back seat.

And, again thank you for your recommendation.

 

[VAMike]

I have a supercab, and I consider the back seat a place to put people in an emergency and as a place to put stuff that you don't want to put in the bed. If you routinely need to drive more than yourself and one passenger I would not recommend it. (I use a different vehicle when I need to haul people.)

Don't forget the importance of resale value: if you're stuck in a Tacoma, resale value is extremely important to console yourself; if you're in a ranger you won't find yourself thinking about selling it from day one.

 

[Deleted member 1634]

Hi everyone, sorry about the wait. I have had a very busy week.
Thank you all for your feedback, and I’m pretty sure I responded to everyone here. ​

I still plan on keeping my Crosstrek (I used to sell Subarus and I sold it to myself. I’m a dork and think that’s cool haha) but I hear what you’re saying, and who knows. What Cab did you go with? I feel like with the 6’ bed it might make the backseat area cramped to have people in there often. As much as I loved my old F150, it was a regular cab. So one of my favorite features on my Crosstrek right now is a fictional back seat.

And, again thank you for your recommendation.

We have a Crew Cab model. Like VAMike just said, and most other people will tell you, the back seat of the supercab is not really able to carry adult humans. Maybe small children, pets, and gear. I routinely carry our 2 dogs and the more than occasional human, so we needed the crew cab. If it's just you, you're looking for a truck, and will still have the Crosstrek too then the supercab might not be as horrible of an idea.

BTDubs, I would also be proud of selling myself a car. haha

 

[flatpackpotato]

I have a supercab, and I consider the back seat a place to put people in an emergency and as a place to put stuff that you don't want to put in the bed. If you routinely need to drive more than yourself and one passenger I would not recommend it. (I use a different vehicle when I need to haul people.)

Don't forget the importance of resale value: if you're stuck in a Tacoma, resale value is extremely important to console yourself; if you're in a ranger you won't find yourself thinking about selling it from day one.

As long as it's useable on occasion. I sat in the back, and I'm about 5'10/5'9 and I *barely* fit.
What's resale value? I drive cars until they die. haha. But seriously, I plan on keeping what I buy for over 10 years (hopefully longer) so that's why I do so much research first (that's also why I'm looking at ordering something. If I have it that long, I want to be able to be picky).

We have a Crew Cab model. Like VAMike just said, and most other people will tell you, the back seat of the supercab is not really able to carry adult humans. Maybe small children, pets, and gear. I routinely carry our 2 dogs and the more than occasional human, so we needed the crew cab. If it's just you, you're looking for a truck, and will still have the Crosstrek too then the supercab might not be as horrible of an idea.

BTDubs, I would also be proud of selling myself a car. haha

Honestly, the 6' bed is the important part for me. I want to be able to camp in the back and haul big stuff. The lack of the 6' bed is why I'm not even looking at the Jeep or the Honda.

And thanks, I think it's kind of neat <3

 

[VAMike]

As long as it's useable on occasion. I sat in the back, and I'm about 5'10/5'9 and I *barely* fit.

It's less about fitting and more about whether the 90 degree seatback angle will make your spine explode on a long trip. (Getting rid of the recline on the backrest is how they managed to trim a foot off the cab but only four inches off the legroom.)

I drive cars until they die. haha.

Ditto.

Honestly, the 6' bed is the important part for me. I want to be able to camp in the back and haul big stuff. The lack of the 6' bed is why I'm not even looking at the Jeep or the Honda

Same here. Some of the other competitors will sell you a 6 foot bed with a crew cab, but then you have to decide if the increase in overall length is worth it.

 

[flatpackpotato]

It's less about fitting and more about whether the 90 degree seatback angle will make your spine explode on a long trip. (Getting rid of the recline on the backrest is how they managed to trim a foot off the cab but only four inches off the legroom.)

Ditto.

Same here. Some of the other competitors will sell you a 6 foot bed with a crew cab, but then you have to decide if the increase in overall length is worth it.

That explains how they did that. I'm also curious what other differences there are with the SuperCab vs Crew (other than space). As you said the seating angle, but what about the under-seat storage, or rear USB's?

For me? No. Right now I live in the city, so the smaller the better. Also, I don't want to do anything that I don't have to that will increase the price.

I just watched this and it was very helpful:



I'm looking forward to watching the rest of their videos.

 

[VAMike]

That explains how they did that. I'm also curious what other differences there are with the SuperCab vs Crew (other than space). As you said the seating angle, but what about the under-seat storage, or rear USB's?

I think the under-seat is about the same (not much on either version) but I haven't seen them side by side. There's no behind-seat in the supercab. The back of the center console is the same (2 USB+120V+phone shelf). I don't think either version has rear A/C vents. Some people find that the longer doors on the supercab make it feel like there's more shoulder room in the front seat. It's a lot easier to reach the sliding rear window (if equipped) in the supercab. There are only 2 vs 3 seating positions in the supercab rear, with 2 separate cushions and a space in between. It is possible to remove one cushion and have a durable flat surface to put stuff and still have another seating position. (Don't tell the supercrew owners complaining about the lack of a 60/40 split seat!)

 

[Hounddog409]

As long as it's useable on occasion. I sat in the back, and I'm about 5'10/5'9 and I *barely* fit.
What's resale value? I drive cars until they die. haha. But seriously, I plan on keeping what I buy for over 10 years (hopefully longer) so that's why I do so much research first (that's also why I'm looking at ordering something. If I have it that long, I want to be able to be picky).




Honestly, the 6' bed is the important part for me. I want to be able to camp in the back and haul big stuff. The lack of the 6' bed is why I'm not even looking at the Jeep or the Honda.

And thanks, I think it's kind of neat <3

When did Honda start building a truck??????

 

[Cerwin D. Vega]

Waiting on my Ranger. Colorado is a fine truck. Test driving the Ranger on a couple of occasions it felt more inherently like a truck than the collie does, better view over front of hood for instance. I like that a lot! Anyone try to tell you the Colorado is not a competent truck is full of you know what. Mine has not let me down, and was a better truck than previous Rangers that I have owned and have a soft spot for. If Ranger turns out to be the better truck, they will have earned it! Competition is a good thing and true merit is rare right now.

For me the Supercab will take some getting used to coming from a crew cab long bed, I will eventually get a topper to keep stuff out of the rain. The type of stuff that is not a good fit for a crew cab back seat, but fits better in a 6' box than a 5' box.. The topper Supercab combo can be better than a crew cab in the modern mid size truck for many lifestyles if you do not intend to have back seat passengers.

I thought long and hard about various V6 Colorado and Canyon builds before ordering a Ranger.

Good luck!

 

[flatpackpotato]

I think the under-seat is about the same (not much on either version) but I haven't seen them side by side. There's no behind-seat in the supercab. The back of the center console is the same (2 USB+120V+phone shelf). I don't think either version has rear A/C vents. Some people find that the longer doors on the supercab make it feel like there's more shoulder room in the front seat. It's a lot easier to reach the sliding rear window (if equipped) in the supercab. There are only 2 vs 3 seating positions in the supercab rear, with 2 separate cushions and a space in between. It is possible to remove one cushion and have a durable flat surface to put stuff and still have another seating position. (Don't tell the supercrew owners complaining about the lack of a 60/40 split seat!)

That all defiantly makes sense. I’m still debating about the sliding rear glass. On one hand I wanted one the whole time I had my F150, but on the other it adds another package that costs quite a bit. Do you have one in your truck? How often do you use it?

When did Honda start building a truck??????

The Ridgeline. So awhile? But it’s more of a unibody-SUV with a UTE section on the back. No long bed options and no cab on frame. Not bad, but not at all what I’m looking for.

Waiting on my Ranger. Colorado is a fine truck. Test driving the Ranger on a couple of occasions it felt more inherently like a truck than the collie does, better view over front of hood for instance. I like that a lot! Anyone try to tell you the Colorado is not a competent truck is full of you know what. Mine has not let me down, and was a better truck than previous Rangers that I have owned and have a soft spot for. If Ranger turns out to be the better truck, they will have earned it! Competition is a good thing and true merit is rare right now.

For me the Supercab will take some getting used to coming from a crew cab long bed, I will eventually get a topper to keep stuff out of the rain. The type of stuff that is not a good fit for a crew cab back seat, but fits better in a 6' box than a 5' box.. The topper Supercab combo can be better than a crew cab in the modern mid size truck for many lifestyles if you do not intend to have back seat passengers.

I thought long and hard about various V6 Colorado and Canyon builds before ordering a Ranger.

Good luck!

I like the Colorado, don’t get me wrong. Drooling over a ZR2 is what made me want to get back into a truck (a mid-size specifically). I’m sure it’s dependable and does what it’s supposed to. But I wasn’t that impressed with the interior. Plus now that the Ranger is an option, I just like how it looks and rides more - but that’s just based off of two test drives. I defiantly agree with you though, the competition will only give us as consumers better options. As you’ve had both, what made you decide on the Ranger? I’m curious about your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Hounddog409]

That all defiantly makes sense. I’m still debating about the sliding rear glass. On one hand I wanted one the whole time I had my F150, but on the other it adds another package that costs quite a bit. Do you have one in your truck? How often do you use it?



The Ridgeline. So awhile? But it’s more of a unibody-SUV with a UTE section on the back. No long bed options and no cab on frame. Not bad, but not at all what I’m looking for.



I like the Colorado, don’t get me wrong. Drooling over a ZR2 is what made me want to get back into a truck (a mid-size specifically). I’m sure it’s dependable and does what it’s supposed to. But I wasn’t that impressed with the interior. Plus now that the Ranger is an option, I just like how it looks and rides more - but that’s just based off of two test drives. I defiantly agree with you though, the competition will only give us as consumers better options. As you’ve had both, what made you decide on the Ranger? I’m curious about your thoughts. Thanks!

That was a joke..... Honda builds SUV with open trunks....not trucks.

 

[MSG W]

As far as the rear window goes I had one in my F150. And now in my ranger, I do not use it since I cannot reach it while driving. If I was able to open while driving then I would use it.

 

[t4thfavor]

I like the Colorado, don’t get me wrong. Drooling over a ZR2 is what made me want to get back into a truck (a mid-size specifically). I’m sure it’s dependable and does what it’s supposed to. But I wasn’t that impressed with the interior. Plus now that the Ranger is an option, I just like how it looks and rides more - but that’s just based off of two test drives. I defiantly agree with you though, the competition will only give us as consumers better options. As you’ve had both, what made you decide on the Ranger? I’m curious about your thoughts. Thanks!

I too was about 11 seconds away from buying a ZR2, but I'm glad I didn't as the 16MPG that my brother in law is getting would not be acceptable on my commute. I have a truck that is "almost" as capable on slow speed off road that I can upgrade as needed, and still afford to fuel. I think I did all right.

Would have been a little more ($) for the Colorado as I had to look at new ones to get the 8 speed.

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