Should You Get a 24/25 Ranger? - 10k Mile Review

Hi all, wanted to give an overview of my experience with the 2024 Ranger after 10k miles. I have the 2.3 XLT with the Tech package and rear locker.. so I think some of my critiques will be specific to the equipment my truck has. Obviously my opinion is going to be a bit skewed because I own it but I do have a wide range of experience with other vehicles, rentals from travel, etc. Most recently I had a track-built WRX and a 2014 Tundra.

The Good: I love this truck. From the moment I started driving it, it physically feels like it was designed for the driving experience. The steering ratio feels perfect for the size, the steering feel is tight and firm with good feedback from the road into the wheel, and solid caster meaning the wheel self-centers firmly. The suspension is obviously softer than a sedan or sports car but it still holds the body very well with not much noticeable body roll on sharp corners. I have been pleasantly surprised with the power/torque, it easily gives me the ability to merge onto the highway safely and get around slower vehicles on back roads. The transmission feels smooth 99% of the time unless it hasn't warmed up yet or randomly has a hiccup. The 4x4 system can be turned on at any speed which is fantastic and feels very seamless. The tech package is fantastic, especially the 360 camera. The infotainment system is pretty easy to navigate and android auto is smooth. The fact that there are a ton of physical buttons for the most important controls is a godsend (volume, temp, fans, etc). I find the cloth seats very comfortable with a wide range of adjustment, driving position feels good, and I would also say the truck is very well insulated from road noise. It's comfortable and quiet on the highway (even at 85+).

Small Annoyances: First on the list here has to be the headlights. The fog lights have a nice sharp beam cutoff and a distinguishable beam pattern. The headlights themselves (the "performance LED" reflectors) are not great. They're fine overall, but the beam pattern feels scattered and not well-defined. When driving on unlit roads or highways, the light output looks great but once you're in town with street lights, it feels like the low beams get lost in the rest of the light (maybe this is just my brain but that's what it feels like). Second would be some minor tech stuff.. I wish the drive modes could be programmable: i.e. be able to move slippery mode to the top of the list so it's the first option, rather than having to click the dial 6 times each time. I also wish the speakers were just a little better, which I'll probably fix myself soon. I also wish there were a couple more physical buttons for things like the fan direction.

The Bad: I wish there was full scale EQ adjustment to better tune the audio, there is only bass/mid/treble which doesn't really allow for much control if you're an audiophile. I'll be adding new speakers soon which will have better dynamic range. I'm adding the headlights to this list too. Eventually I'm going to try to swap them out for the Lariat projector LEDs or aftermarket ones with projectors. Lastly, and this one is baffling to me.. no heated mirrors. They have the full tech package with the cameras and lane/blindspot monitoring, so there's a ton of tech already in there, I don't understand why they aren't heated. Also, I know it's a safety thing but the seatbelt screen that pops up on the dashboard EVERY SINGLE TIME you turn the truck on and you have to press ok on is just ludicrous to me.

And that's my review so far. I would give the truck an 8.5/10 in total. Please drop any questions you might have below.