Dashboard Layouts

[Apples]

I did a bit of searching about the dashboard layouts on the Ranger. There are a few comments about the dash, but nothing stands out about any personal choice. But this fact brings up several questions.

Probably the most obvious question is, why did Ford chose to use essentially two different (and I might say diverse) layouts? Since bean counters often rule what goes into any given vehicle, it certainly would have been less expensive using just one layout for all the models.

I’ve not played with the dash in a Lariat, but I suspect there are a few “screens” the Lariat has, that lessor models do not. Here the question is, do you really need those extras? Even the XLT dash has a few odd displays. For example, you can digitally display the speed, but to me its a bit superfluous considering the nicely-designed, analog dial. I would have much preferred to have a 0 to 60 calculator (ala Mustang) rather than a digital speedometer. And I would have liked a boost gauge too, but that inclusion is a double-edged sword—just ask Honda about that issue.

Ascetics-wise, I prefer the one in the XLT versus the one in the Lariat, and apparently (based on my search) other agree.

The final question is, what do you prefer, and why?

 

[geophb]

XLT one for me. I like analog tach. Lariat one had too much noise goin on.

 

[Clump]

I have a Lariat. I'd like to have a real tach and like the XLT.

The extra screen in the Lariat is pretty useful during navigation and now with the Sync 3.4 update it shows useful information for entertainment. Before the update I was thinking of trying to find an XLT cluster to swap. Now, not so much.

 

[Mobius97]

I prefer the Lariat's dash myself. However even for the bean counters...it was already a massed produced dash since it's used in other Ford models. I am assuming the other dashes are used across the board as well.

 

[Mobius97]

I have a Lariat. I'd like to have a real tach and like the XLT.

The extra screen in the Lariat is pretty useful during navigation and now with the Sync 3.4 update it shows useful information for entertainment. Before the update I was thinking of trying to find an XLT cluster to swap. Now, not so much.

Hmm I need to update mine. I always thought the right screen, when showing entertainment, was quite the useless screen space. What does it show now?

 

[Ranger_Rocks]

At first, I was considering an XLT. I was turned off by the Lariat cluster and wasn't sure about leather seats. Preferred the large XLT analog speedo and tach. However, I wanted several other features only offered on Lariat... and bought a Lariat.

The Lariat cluster has grown on me. Like Mobius97 said, the infotainment display is wasted space - disappointing. Even for Nav, the large center screen and voice prompts work well for. Nav info belongs in a HUD on the windshield. Even my wife's Santa Fe has a HUD with Nav, speedo, speed limit, lane assist, etc.

Just give us two generic screens and let the driver select from all features which info to display on each side. And add it to the driver selection memory when memory seats are added. And give us a HUD.

 

[Clump]

Hmm I need to update mine. I always thought the right screen, when showing entertainment, was quite the useless screen space. What does it show now?

I've only used it on Sirius and with a USB flash drive. It shows the artist and song title. On Sirius it also shows the channel number and name.

Before 3.4 I just kept it on navigation and it showed a compass if no destination was active.

 

[MathGod]

Hmm I need to update mine. I always thought the right screen, when showing entertainment, was quite the useless screen space. What does it show now?

I felt the same way about the entertainment screen on the right in my Lariat.

Totally useless until Sync 3.4.

I only wanted a Lariat because of the two screens. I thought they were the best. The longer I own my truck the more disappointed I am in the screens.

 

[Apples]

Let me add this. Since updating the Sync to 3.4 (I have the Sync 3 package on my XTL), the infotainment screen displays just about everything you've always wanted to know, but has photos and/or album covers depending on what you're playing (audio books, music, etc.). I can't imagine that little screen in the Lariat showing all of the info.

 

[landiscarrier]

I have a Lariat and I like the dash. The digital tach doesn’t bother me, it’s a truck not a sports car, and the navigation right in front of me is nice too. My 2 cents.

 

[RANGER PRIDE]

"it certainly would have been less expensive using just one layout for all the models. "


of course it would be, but they have to set the models apart

the new F150 with its new lay flat seating....(dads, never let your sons take the truck on a date) is only avaialble in the high end packages.

with all the different needs and wants of the people, trying to make them happy, it becomes a daunting task. and the focus groups who get to vote on this stuff made their decisions and thats what went into production.

 

[Dahveed]

I much prefer the cluster in my XLT. I had a Focus Electric at one time that had the dash layout very similar to the Lariat. I used to think I liked the really fancy gauge clusters, but I've since changed my mind. The XLT cluster gives plenty of information without being so noisy.

 

[RedlandRanger]

I much prefer the cluster in my XLT. I had a Focus Electric at one time that had the dash layout very similar to the Lariat. I used to think I liked the really fancy gauge clusters, but I've since changed my mind. The XLT cluster gives plenty of information without being so noisy.

As someone else pointed out earlier, it would be great if you could decide exactly what you wanted on the two screens in the Lariat. As it stands, the options are somewhat limited.

I personally don't miss the tach and I've grown to like the Lariat cluster.

 

[Mobius97]

Let me add this. Since updating the Sync to 3.4 (I have the Sync 3 package on my XTL), the infotainment screen displays just about everything you've always wanted to know, but has photos and/or album covers depending on what you're playing (audio books, music, etc.). I can't imagine that little screen in the Lariat showing all of the info.

I dont see much dfference of size in the screen dimensions. There is plenty of room to see album art etc.

 

[Spence's bumper sticker]

As much as I wanted leather and the B&O system and all the other options, I seriously considered ordering an XLT just because of the dash. I hate the electronic dash and love the analog gauges. I finally gave up the fight. As someone else commented earlier, I'll get a sports car if I want analog gauges.