Help Me Decide on Ranger over Taco / Colorado for Rear Locker on a Budget

[docarter]

Just to clarify, you can get a 2022 COLORADO 4WD Crew Cab, Short Box WT with a rear locker. It's a $325 option + $250 required trailering package. That's $33.8k MSRP.

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[TomC]

I don't want to have to modify to get what I think is the basic level of 'off-road' capability that you get with the locker. Any point in looking elsewhere than Ranger at this point? There's no way I'm going to start spec'ing out a midsize truck to the 38k+ range and while the ZR2 is cool, $44k is out of the question. I just won't spend that kind of money without getting the capabilities of a full-size.

Anything else I should think about before I pull the trigger?

you didn’t mention super cab or crew. I took a look at Maine on auto trader and if you’re on a budget this is what I would get. I have a FX4 super cab, but the FX4 is a nice to have IMO. The STX package is nice. This truck has all you need. The second truck is a FX4 crew cab XL pushing 40k, but love the color.

 

[Ronbo]

I’ve had all 3 generations of tacos. Guess what I drive now?

A Tako?

 

[Orpheus_16]

Thanks. I don't care much about all the electronics / tech package or cosmetic features. As long as I have cruise control (non-adaptive), the only 'extras' that I really want are the sliding rear window (free-standing option), 110v AC (unclear if standard on XLT or requires XLT301A, which would be a waste of $1,670 just for the outlet), and I'd like heated seats but not sure if I can bring myself to spend $2,450 on XLT302A and everything that comes with it just for that. Might just have to man up and deal with a cold butt.

I'll almost certainly go FX4 since the package is the same cost as the combination of free-standing option rear locker + free-standing option Off-Road Tires.

I understand that the 110vAC bed outlet that comes with the Bed Utility Package is easy to self-install.

And then maybe I'll do the tow package although it's easy enough to wire up a 4-way and add a hitch receiver myself.

Then, get my own spray-on bed liner and that should be good.

FYI, on the heated seats, you can get them added aftermarket by the Ford dealer. It cost me $600 for the front seats (or $350 for just the driver).

I was in the same boat as you, I wanted heated seats (Minnesota winters!) but I really didn't want to shell out the $2.5k for the 302A package. Now, that only gets me 2 settings (hi/low) and the button location isn't as nice (on the side of the seat), BUT they keep my ass warm, and because they're through the Ford dealer, they're covered under my warranty!

 

[Tako]

Seating position for ranger is superior

 

[slowmachine]

Seating position for ranger is superior

My injured spine strongly agrees!

 

[Dr. Zaius]

my '21 Rubicon can lock the rear axle in 4H or 4L

The last Rubicon I looked at was 4 low only.

It's still lockable in 4x4 only though, right?

Edit: This made me curious so I researched it a bit.

It looks like you have to jump through some hoops to engage the locker in 4 hi



Is yours a JL or JT?

This video is for a JT so not sure if it's the same for a JL

 

[wanted33]

That's an easy question to answer. Just drive the Taco, and the Colorado. If that doesn't make you pick the Ranger, nothing will.

Seriously, both the Taco, and the Colorado are riding on century old platforms using the same drivetrain as when they first came out. The Ranger is a much more comfortable, and capable truck. You'll see the difference quickly if you have the opportunity to test drive them all. Good luck on your decision.

 

[ControlNode]

For me the Ranger met my requirements, though I did end up getting one with extras I was not as interested in. My requirements were bright color, tow over 7k lb, Android Auto support, running boards (short wife), locking rear diff, seating for 4-5 preferably crew cab (got kids and grand kids) and under 40k if possible.

I've looked around and was looking at the Ranger for a while as in the under 40k price nothing in mid-size truck segment touches its towing. I was planning to put an order in once the RS is paid off around June of 2022. But, just before Thanksgiving the local dealer got the perfect for me truck and after working numbers bought it that following Saturday. Cyber Orange Super Crew XLT mid, 4x4, tow package, black appearance package (running boards with added benefit of factory spray in liner and some other things and really looks amazing with this color), locking rear diff, tech package, remote start. With the dealer inventory incentives and discounts on the options it was just under 40k. Even better the dealer includes lifetime powertrain warranty. I found that ACC is not that bad, driving on back roads I like that if I get behind a car going only slightly slower than I would and conditions to not allow for me to pass it just works. I did have the brake controller added to my invoice and I'm still waiting on that and that put the price just into 40k, but still best bang for the buck.

But, you should get a list of trucks filtered to your requirements, then do a pro/con chart on those left, drive and shop the top 3-4 from that list and see where you land. Right now I found buying new was better than used, some dealers include lifetime maintenance or oil changes or even power train warranties on new cars/trucks they sell and that should be included in the value over used.

 

[staryoshi]

Sounds like the ranger fits the bill - the only concern I'd voice is that the fuel tank is tiny and it may not have the range of the others if you're gonna live fairly remote. Would recommend checking out the Frontier Pro-4X, though.

 

[paval3]

Ok, so I Googled it. Now I know what "locker" means! Nope, I don't have it on my truck.

 

[dtech]

Just add that I bought my Ranger Lariat in may 2019 (700 mi demo $34K) at the same time my son was dead set on buying a Tacoma as he lives in a mountain town and all his buddies drive them. I advised him to consider a Ranger, he ends up paying $30k for a 2016 TRD with 60k miles, decent truck certainly not worth the money. I've given him grief ever since but at Thanksgiving he admitted that he's read some reviews giving the Ranger the edge in most if not all ratings. He did help to sustain the overpriced resale values of Toyota.

 

[Bravohook]

Admitingly the Ranger was my 2nd choice. I searched and searched and searched for a ZR2 with the 2.8l Duramax in Sand color. Only looked within 350 miles of my region and never could come up with one that was reasonable to buy or find one at all. After driving both I'm glad I went with the Ranger. The ZR2 has Tons of torque, but it does have trouble getting out of its own way, and the tow rating is only 5k lbs. The Ranger was a great compromise and fits my needs great. I do have the FX4 package and the locker is nice to have though I only used to it to have a little fun in the snow with my son and do some hooning around

 

[saintpauljeff]

It looks like you have to jump through some hoops to engage the locker in 4 hi

correct, couple of buttons to push

Is yours a JL or JT?

This video is for a JT so not sure if it's the same for a JL

JT

 

[Jackpot Tremor]

I've poked around. Even the Taco guys are losing faith in the latest gen. If I could get a Gen 1 Taco new today, though, I know what I'd be buying.

I've previously owned a 2017 TRD OR 2wd Taco with the rear locker......the 3.5l motor and tranny combo s*cks!!.....no low end torque and the factory tires are a joke!!.......ok, I did make a mistake and bought another Taco.......a 2019 TRD OR 4wd and it still s*cked!....I forgot how lame the motor and tranny combo was and traded it after 6 months and bought a 2019 Supercab Raptor......LOVED that beast!........sold that and made $$$..........then went old school and bought a 2012 Taco TRD Sport 2wd..........drove that for 11 months until I discovered the Ranger Tremor!!......this truck is the bomb!!......I got the Lariat trim......BEST truck I've ever owned!!......and yes better than the Raptor!.....the Raptor was the base model with NO options.......the Ranger Lariat Tremor does it all and better then the Taco by far!!!

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