Ride Quality?

[HTX1811]

My STX 4x4 did ride a little rough actually. I put on new bigger tires and a leveling kit. Seems to have smoothed out the ride a bit.

Sponsored

 

[RANGER_MARC]

I did notice that the seats make a difference (or Im just crazy) I tested several different trucks and the 19s with the manual seats ---XLTs seemed very soft or rolled a lot, my wife gets motion sickness easily and she couldn't ride in it at all (we tried 3 different ones) but the 20 I drove (2 of them) with the power seats 302a package seemed to ride better... more firm seats? better padding? suspension? I have no idea but the 19 XLT was just not a good drive to me. The one I bought was a FX2 with the 302 package power heated seats and the ride in that one is bumpy (like a small truck) but no noticeable rolling etc ---- point being, yes I did think some rode very poorly and if you get motion sickness like my wife does that is not the truck for you.

I'd say to drive a few different ones the 20s seem to ride better but I can't find any mention or changes in suspension and check the tire pressure when you drive them It really does make a big difference in ride. These are not cheap trucks so if you're seriously looking, take the ones you are interested in for a long test drive -- 20- 30 miles at least to make sure you like it. I love mine. Oh and by the way, the autostop can be eliminated very easily for less than $90 (or less there are a lot of posts on the different ways to do that) that was modification #1 for me because I really hate it.

This raises an interesting point as to whether there has been an improvement in the stock suspension from 2019 to 2020. None of the advertising or other literature that I have seen indicates that Ford has listened to the reviewers' and owners' complaints about the 2019 suspension and made improvements. Does anyone have any insight into this? Probably very few of us would have any reason to drive both years, unless it is a question of deciding between the last of the 2019 vehicles and the beginning of the 2020 ones.

 

[MannyS]

2019 XLT 302a package. No roll. A little bouncy. Feels like a truck.

 

[thewhiteranger]

This raises an interesting point as to whether there has been an improvement in the stock suspension from 2019 to 2020. None of the advertising or other literature that I have seen indicates that Ford has listened to the reviewers' and owners' complaints about the 2019 suspension and made improvements. Does anyone have any insight into this? Probably very few of us would have any reason to drive both years, unless it is a question of deciding between the last of the 2019 vehicles and the beginning of the 2020 ones.

I did drive both years (several of each over a few months) I was shopping in the beginning of the year and the rebates on the 19s were great but I wound up with a 20 because I just couldn't find a 19 that I liked- the ride just did not feel good. I did notice a big difference between the ride of the 19s and 20s that I drove and the power / heated seats do feel better (to me) but that can't be the only difference because the 20s seem to have a more stable / less body roll in the ride. I would like to know if there was a change in suspension between the two years, I think there was because the feel is better in the 2020 models . just my opinion. and FWIW, I concentrated on XLT trim level with 301 and 302 pkgs and drove both 2wd and 4wd before buying the FX2.

 

[outdoorphotog]

Not all Rangers ship with the same tire brand, size, and load rating which may change the ride.

I agree with that. I only know what the Bridgestone Duellers feel like.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

I have the FX4 with 302A and never really had an issue with the ride quality.

It was better than the 2018 Frontier Pro4X that I had before.

That being said though, when I put the leveling kit on and went to 265/70 Falken Wildpeaks, the ride noticeably improved and seemed more "planted". (Mine came stock with the Hankooks)

 

[JoeC]

I've fooled around with these recommendations of various tire pressures, and I'll say that they DO make a difference! The 30#, all around spec, ...vs suggested 35 front 33 back, etc...
MY suggestion, try it! You might be pleased at how something so simple soothes out the ride.
Just saying that 'I' found it so.
Good luck.

 

[Zaph]

When you test drive for ride quality at a dealer - check the tire pressure.

Four dealers I test drove at all had the tires way over-inflated.

Yeah I don't know what it is about dealers, but this is true. they like 40 PSI in their trucks.

I drove several Rangers, without checking tire pressures. The FX4 seemed to have more body roll to me in turns, and a base sport 4x4 seemed seemed more stable but harsher. I eneded up buying a sport package and once I lowered the tire pressure the harsh ride went away.

I just assumed the FX4 package had more body roll due to more articulation, but maybe it was valving in the shocks too.

 

[XCELLR8]

Well I looked into the shocks, struts, and springs by doing a parts search for both 2019 and 2020 rangers. There was a change in rear springs on 2/28/2019. There is also 5 different strut part # depending on its trim and packages. There is also two different front springs on for the xl and xlt, the other one is for the lariat. It looks like what was used in 2019 is the same for 2020, except for the rear spring change at the end of 2/2019.

Edit: There is a strut that is for the LT tire only.

 

[Lost19Ranger]

Traded In my 2017 fusion and my previous trucks were a 99 expedition and 94 lifted F150. My 2019 Ranger XLT FX4 rides way better than all of them. 3 weeks and 2100 miles worth lol

 

[BeachRanger19]

My 2019 Lariat rides like a tween, 40%car/60% truck in ride quality.
The front end is a bit under sprung with the amount of dive exhibited under braking but overall it is a great riding and decent handling vehicle.
I'm happy with it!?

 

[Clump]

I had a 2018 GMC Canyon All Terrain that I got rid of with the help of a driver making a left on red.
The GM twins handle REALLY well. Many reviews call them the best handling trucks in the segment.

I've only had my FX4 Ranger about 1 month and 600 miles. At first it felt really wallowy. I guess it's a combination of the suspension breaking in and getting used to it - it feels fine now.

I'm still considering the Eibach Pro shocks to lessen the rake and improve things, but it's not near as urgent as it seemed a few weeks ago.

 

[Floyd]

2019 STX SuperCab 2WD... 37PSI on all four corners.

Before the national house arrest, I spent six weeks on the road towing my RV trailer and driving while at locations.
This truck is rock solid stable when towing and when driving without the trailer.
I wouldn't autocross it, but it handles great and the ride is a perfect balance of control and comfort.
I spent as much as 14 hours in a day behind the wheel while towing and got out feeling fresh.
The ride and handling of the Ranger instills complete confidence, while providing unsurpassed comfort.


The F-150 is the absolute world standard for pick-up ride and handling.
Consider the Ranger an improved version of it.

 

[HenryMac]

I've fooled around with these recommendations of various tire pressures, and I'll say that they DO make a difference! The 30#, all around spec, ...vs suggested 35 front 33 back, etc...
MY suggestion, try it! You might be pleased at how something so simple soothes out the ride.
Just saying that 'I' found it so.
Good luck.

Fact is if you drop the pressure to like 15 psi it would ride real smooth.. until the tires either shred or de-mount from the wheel.

Tire manufacturers work with the vehicle manufacturer to determine the optimal tire pressure. That's what is posted on the door frame of your Ranger.

 

[RobmJ]

I've driven 4x4 Tacoma's since 1995. We traded our '02 in to buy our '19 Ranger XL-FX4.

The Ranger rides better than the Tacoma we had, the seat height and comfort is infinitely better than the Tacoma.

Is the Taco as bouncy over bumps as the new Ranger?

Sponsored