Midsize Truck Comparison: Ranger vs Tacoma, Gladiator, Colorado, Canyon, Frontier

[Cerwin D. Vega]

The Duramax Canyon is my wife's it is not going anywhere.

Replacing the Colorado? Looking for a higher trim level over the current WT. My first new vehicle was a 99 Ranger I am a fan. 19 Ranger? Researched it, test drove it, X planning it, makes sense for me.

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[rangerdanger]

AskTFL: Want to Buy a Jeep Gladiator, But How Does It Compare In Turning Radius and Maneuverability? Midsize Truck Expert Buyer’s Guide

I’m very likely going to be buying the Jeep Gladiator when diesel comes out (rumored around Nov. 2019). I’ve seen the videos and sources about how it stacks up against the other in most specs, but what I’m really curious about is how do the turning radius (or diameter) compare between the mid-sized crew cab short bed competitors (Tacoma, Ranger, Chevy ZR2 and Frontier). I plan on using my Gladiator for everything from daily driving, to rock crawling to exploring the Colorado shelf roads (like Black Bear pass), so turning radius and maneuverability are huge factors for me. That’s why a similarly priced Power Wagon or Raptor aren’t even considerations. Plus parking is a nice benefit.

 

[rangerdanger]

AskTFL: Want to Buy a Jeep Gladiator, But How Does It Compare In Turning Radius and Maneuverability? Midsize Truck Expert Buyer’s Guide

My analysis is that Ford Ranger FX4 performs similarly to better equipped and more expensive ZR2 and TRD PRO.

Ford Ranger makes a good off-road choice due to it's shorter wheelbase and tight turning radius.

 

[djrobb]

True story. In the spring of 2018 there was some anticipation about a mid cycle refresh of the Colorado. It never came. Same in 2019. Here it is announced for the 2020 model year and its literally nothing. Seems like for the most part Toyota and GM are satisfied with their current models until a true new model around 2022.

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/05/whats-new-for-the-2020-chevrolet-colorado/

 

[rangerdanger]

 

[RedlandRanger]

Interesting they talked about Tacoma's crawl control and terrain management, but didn't say a word about the Ranger's similar features. I found the review to be pretty shallow and the criticisms of all three trucks to be pretty nitpicky. I didn't find it to be a particularly informative (or accurate) review.

 

[rangerdanger]

 

[DHare]

Consumer Reports review of the Ranger. Their usual slanted vehicle review where they don't seem to understand that a particular type of vehicle has certain characteristics based on their intended use. That is, trucks tend to handle and ride like trucks and sports cars tend to ride stiffly and have limited room. And that smaller vehicles will have less space, and take up less space, than larger ones which is why they are smaller. They don't/can't make pickups that handle like a Corvette, ride like a Lincoln, have the interior room of a van, and carry a load like a dump truck.

 

[RedlandRanger]

Consumer Reports review of the Ranger. Their usual slanted vehicle review where they don't seem to understand that a particular type of vehicle has certain characteristics based on their intended use. That is, trucks tend to handle and ride like trucks and sports cars tend to ride stiffly and have limited room. And that smaller vehicles will have less space, and take up less space, than larger ones which is why they are smaller. They don't/can't make pickups that handle like a Corvette, ride like a Lincoln, have the interior room of a van, and carry a load like a dump truck.

I guess I'm just ill informed or something - I don't find the ride mushy - for a truck, I think the ride is EXCELLENT. And I really like how it handles on corners, etc. Like you said, it isn't a sports car, but for a truck I think it handles exceptionally well. And they are complaining about the seats? I LOVE the seats! They are REALLY comfy. But whatever.....

This is the best truck by far I've ever owned.

 

[Texasota]

Consumer Reports review of the Ranger. Their usual slanted vehicle review where they don't seem to understand that a particular type of vehicle has certain characteristics based on their intended use. That is, trucks tend to handle and ride like trucks and sports cars tend to ride stiffly and have limited room. And that smaller vehicles will have less space, and take up less space, than larger ones which is why they are smaller. They don't/can't make pickups that handle like a Corvette, ride like a Lincoln, have the interior room of a van, and carry a load like a dump truck.

On the next page they score it on various attributes. CR also shows the scores for the Colorado, Tacoma and Ridgeline. They scored the Ranger significantly better than Colorado and Tacoma. They scored the Ridgeline the highest but that is an Apples to Oranges comparison at best.

 

[EcoRanger]

Most of the car reviewers for these rags and just reporters doing a assignment and have no ideal what a good vehicle is. CR like a lot of magazines always pick a Japanese name plate over anything else and Hondas are there favorite. Sorry but the Ridgeline isn't in the same class as the Ranger Colorado or Tacoma.

 

[uthunter]

I saw a Jeep Gladiator today cruising down a canyon by my house. It had a white/red license plate on it but I couldn't see in time what it said. Maybe a website or magazine logo?

It wasn't as bad in person as it looks in the promo videos, imho.

 

[Floyd]

I saw a Jeep Gladiator today cruising down a canyon by my house. It had a white/red license plate on it but I couldn't see in time what it said. Maybe a website or magazine logo?

It wasn't as bad in person as it looks in the promo videos, imho.

I saw one at the dealer yesterday. It looks a LOT longer than it is.
It looks a LOT less practical than it might be.
It really looks JEEP!

I don't see it taking sales from the Ranger,
Ranger buyers use their trucks as trucks for everyday living,
a task for which they are well adapted... in spite of the ad campaign.

This Jeep May have "Jumped the Shark" in terms of styling.
They have really exceeded good wheelbase standards for off-road.
When loaded, the price point really puts it beyond practicality.
Like a Corvette or a Shelby Mustang... You gotta REALLY want one!!

I don't... Not even a little!

 

[jsphlynch]

On the next page they score it on various attributes. CR also shows the scores for the Colorado, Tacoma and Ridgeline. They scored the Ranger significantly better than Colorado and Tacoma. They scored the Ridgeline the highest but that is an Apples to Oranges comparison at best.

The very next review is the Jaguar I-Pace. That's like a comparison of apples to...bowling pins? I'm guessing all vehicles must be judged on roughly the same criteria, in which case it makes me think of the quote about judging a fish by its ability to climb trees.

 

[jsphlynch]

From the CR review: "For those seeking more rear passenger space, bed size, and tow capacity, the Ford F-150 is a better choice...Honda Ridgeline is the smart pick for light tasks."

Thanks, CR, for pointing out that the bigger truck is, in fact, bigger. And that if I don't want a truck, I shouldn't get a truck.

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