Ride Quality

[Mark Lally]

My wife and I love our Lariat Ranger FX4 overall and in particular find the (front) seats really comfortable, just the right degree of firmness and with good and adjustable lumbar support. However, like some other members of this forum, we do find the Ranger too "bouncy," even over the smallest imperfections in the road. This is just a personal preference, and everyone is entitled to their own opinions about what constitutes a great ride. However, since we do find this annoying, and since it is the only issue we have with our new Ranger, is there anything that can be done about it? The tires are inflated according to specifications, just above thirty, and so there is not much leeway there. I am considering replacing the "off-road tuned shocks" with something a little softer, hoping to get a calmer street ride while keeping most of the off-road features intact. Can anyone offer some advice on what would be the best way to go with this? I would appreciate any suggestions, including brands and models of shocks, etc. Thanks in advance for your help?

I didn't follow my own rule (always wait for reviews) and bought the newly available Fox 2.0 shocks for the rear in hope that it would reduce the bouncy ride. Unfortunately, I can report that is made no difference to speak of. I can't say if it will improve things when it really gets loaded down, as I have not really heavily loaded my new ranger yet. I have a supercab 2WD.

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[RANGER_MARC]

I consider "Quiet" a major aspect of ride quality...Ford is nearly silent inside...Toyota is more like a tin can...IMO

While I find the bouncy street ride of my FX4 Lariat annoying, the cabin is very quiet inside, nearly silent, as you say, which is perfect for listening to the B & O stereo system! The quietness of the ride is a major plus of the Ranger, one that I feel does not get enough attention!

 

[Mokume]

I am not sure what Tacoma they tested but I love trucks but I also love comfortable. On my test drives there was no comparison. The Ranger was far superior to the Tacoma. The only truck close to the Ranger for comfort in my mind was the Ridgeline.

Aloha!
First off, love your color choice, I've a 2020 SuperCab on order, spec'd out Rapid Red Tricoat, hope it is as striking as yours.
I see you mentioned the new Ridgeline, my brother just bought a 2019 and he sings praises about it.
His previous Ridgeline was a 2007 in which he accumulated 310K miles, that is the equivalent of 500K to you mainlanders, Honolulu driving is 90% stop and go. That Honda gave him zero reliability issues and his was meticulous about maintaining it ( I replaced the timing belt 3X on it for him.
Just can't get used to the new Ridgeline's styling, to me is an odd mixture of a '80's Dodge Dakota and a new Accord.
I'll stick with my Ford's.

 

[Ranger Danger]

Hello all

Ride quality is pretty important to me as I will be daily driving my new truck. I am cross-shopping with the Tacoma. So far I have only test driven the Ranger and loved it, especially it's comfortable ride. However, I just read a kelly blue book review claiming that the Tacoma offered a more comfortable ride.

https://www.kbb.com/car-news/ford-ranger-vs-toyota-tacoma-comparison/2100006727/

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Hi Stan....go with the Ranger unless the resale is your worry point. I can vouch that the folks on here are speaking the truth and not fan boys. I just sold my 2018 Tacoma Off-Road with Tech PKG. and can tell you the weak torque and six speed were a nuisance. In the Off-Road trim with the Blistein shocks, it gave an almost car like ride unlike the Sport or Limited, I found the Ranger more truck like in ride, yet civil and smoothed out nice after taking her home.. and as AzScorpion pointed out they over inflated the tires to 40lbs of air which caused it to have stutter when you hit 63MPH on the way home. The 18's I have are rated for 30lbs, I brought them down to 32lbs and she rides great. I love this truck and there is so much right about it, though the Tacoma had more cup holders, and did hold its resale value well

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