Help me not buy a Ranger Tremor

[Orange01z28]

Have you ever owned a Jeep Wrangler or CJ? There's just something about driving one (to include the Gladiator) with the top and/or doors off which doesn't compare to regular trucks/cars. If you're looking for the more comfortable/refined ride, go with the Ranger. If you want to work on it, build it up, cruise with the top/doors off, or offroad it, go with the Jeep. They defy logic. You're on a Jeep forum though, so...

And that is exactly it. I've seen both a 4Runner and Taco that had equivalent modding to my JT do everything I'm willing to do with virtually the same amount of effort but at the end of the day it's just not the same

There's just something special about blasting down a dirt road or even a city street with no top and no doors. It just brings me joy like no vehicle has since I had a 60s muscle car

You already understand the blank canvas thing, but the difference really is intangible until you have one

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[RacerX00]

So last year I traded a JLU Wrangler on a 2020 Ranger XLT FX4. I pretty quick put the Ford Performance leveling kit on it, running boards and spray in bedliner. Sweet truck. It was very quick, got decent mileage and fun to drive. Six months later I traded it for my Gladiator Sport max tow.

No regrets.

A couple of things about the Ranger bothered me.
The direct injection engine is noisy. Those injectors will make you think you're driving a diesel. A lot of Ranger owners are having problems with fuel in the oil contaminating and thinning the oil. Within 4,000 miles mine had beat synthetic 5w-30 down to a 20w and there was some fuel in the oil.
Carbon deposits on the intake valves. Direct injection engines will build deposits on the valves from the beginning. Nothing to do about it except take it in for walnut shell blasting when it gets to be a problem. That just bugged me.
The 10 speed transmission. It's ok, but never seems to make it's mind up what gear it wants to be in. Especially around town at lower speeds. The only way to get it to shift normally was to put it in trailer tow or sport mode.
Delayed acceleration. When you want to step on the gas and get going the Ranger always had a delay while it figured out what you wanted it to do, shifted gears and did it.

After getting my Gladiator here are my thoughts.
For everyday driving around town the Gladiator is just as much fun as the Ranger. For highway and road trips the Ranger is better.
The 8-speed auto in the Gladiator is clearly superior than the 10-speed. It is smooth, not indecisive and always keeps the engine in it's happy place.
Off road the limitations of the Ranger IFS front suspension are apparent. Pretty regular I would have a tire in the air because of the lack of articulation. The Gladiator goes over the same places with all 4 tires planted on the ground.
If you get the urge to modify then it's Jeep all the way.

Don't get me wrong, the Ranger was a decent truck. But it wasn't for me and just seemed like a toy compared to the Gladiator.

Almost forgot. Oil changes. To get to the oil filter on the Ranger you have to get into the driver's side wheel well and take down the splash guard to get to the filter. PITA. Just a consideration if you like changing your own oil. I read about one quick lube place on the Ranger forums that would not change the oil on the Ranger because they didn't want to go through the process to change the filter, or they didn't know how.

Thanks for this. Knew I'd get a gem or two opinion amongst the fan-boyism I so readily invited, there's a few good posts but this is the best since you've owned both.

Funny, the Mk V GTI I keep bringing up was one of the first modern gasoline direct injected cars that wasn't a super car. I actually really like the technology itself and it's pretty well executed on the VW. It's interesting to see complaints specifically related to it. In fact, until your post I would have considered the gas Ranger the hands down better power train.

As for the location of the oil filter. Dude, that's a thing, that's a thing because I went to get access to my wife's 2019 Escape's battery and almost swore off Ford and now you're reminding me how pissed off I was at that. Ford has apparently decided that most of their customers won't ever touch these things so they've made it as inconvenient as possible for the sake of space. These things actually matter to me.

So literal no regrets huh? Don't miss a thing? That XLT FX4 is going to be pretty close to a Tremor just without the Fox shocks and updated exterior/interior. Also what trim Gladiator did you go to? Maybe my real problem is having the "perfect" (in my mind) trim and factory accessories out the door that's tripping me up. My Gladiator whether it be a Rubi or a Sport S always seems to wind up significantly more expensive.

 

[Bantam]

Welp, I can’t and won’t convince you into a Gladiator. It’s not a smooth riding vehicle, doesn’t handle well, gas mileage isn’t phenomenal, it’s noisy, and will probably leak - if not now, later.

But there’s really nothing like it. I legitimately enjoy driving my Gladiator (and both Wranglers before). Doors and top on or off. I even tried owning a second vehicle to keep miles off my Jeep and save a bit of gas money. Turns out, in the winter when the roads were bad, I took the Jeep. And in the warmer months when the sun was shining, I took the Jeep. So the car sat. ??‍

I’ve got no compelling reason to own a Wrangler or Gladiator except that if you like them, nothing else is really gonna fill that void.

As far as the $20k extra for a Rubicon- why pay the extra money for stuff you admitted aren’t going to be putting to use. $40k OTD for a Sport S decently equipped.

 

[OrangeTJ]

I’ve got no compelling reason to own a Wrangler or Gladiator except that if you like them, nothing else is really gonna fill that void.

100%

 

[red/green hawk]

Thanks for this. Knew I'd get a gem or two opinion amongst the fan-boyism I so readily invited,

This is where I call BS. You come on a pro-JT forum and ask a bunch of homers to convince you to buy a Gladiator while extolling the virutes of a truck that hasn't even come out yet. You've been a member since last year. Are you really telling us you've read no other posts or seen any other pics of what people think about and do with their JTs? And then you have one guy who owned a Ranger and you result to insulting the myriads of patrons on this forum who live, eat, breath, and shit JT. Have fun with your Ford. I really don't harbor any hard feelings do what you want I don't care and I'll still pull you out when you get stuck.

 

[WXman]

I used to know exactly which truck I wanted, then a year passed and Ford's decent offering took a front seat with the Tremor. I know it's not a Raptor but I'm also not too keen on spending $70,000 for the smallest class of truck you can buy in the US. (also it doesn't exactly exist yet)

I love everything about the Tremor, it's a lot of what I would do aftermarket + it has those damn cool aux switches and angry but properly subdued accents (without gfx package obviously).

I'm feeling like right now I spend $45,000 on a decked out Ranger Tremor and make myself as happy as if I had a Gladiator, but $20,000 richer (over similarly equipped JTR) without feeling like I'm rolling around in an unfinished symphony constantly wanting to upgrade.

For some reason I look at the Tremor as a complete, small, perfect little truck and a Gladiator as a blank canvas. I know some people here gotta feel the same way even if it's illogical.

So, what are my reasons for wanting a JTR over a Ranger Tremor? I'm having a hard time making $20,000 price difference make sense.

Edit: Let's get the obvious out of the way, I don't need a front locker. I off-road probably more than 95% of the people here who don't go to off-road parks and I've needed a front locker a total of 0 times. If a road is even slightly engineered for actual vehicular use, our trucks are stupid capable and the front locker is a pretty damn expensive thing to not really ever need. Even if you're in those off-road parks, if we're honest.

Well the Ranger is a nearly decade-old truck that was rushed to market in the U.S. and literally had tweaks slapped on it at the last minute. Automotive magazines have destroyed the Ranger over it's terrible ride quality, terrible brakes, and twitchy steering. It's ugly inside like a 2010 Edge, just so-so outside, and has none of the features of modern trucks.

I grew up a die-hard Ford guy and I even had two or three Rangers including the first FX4 they ever made. But the fact is, this new Ranger is about ten years late to the party. I wouldn't buy it even at $20k less than a Jeep.

 

[cb4017]

Thanks for this. Knew I'd get a gem or two opinion amongst the fan-boyism I so readily invited, there's a few good posts but this is the best since you've owned both.

Funny, the Mk V GTI I keep bringing up was one of the first modern gasoline direct injected cars that wasn't a super car. I actually really like the technology itself and it's pretty well executed on the VW. It's interesting to see complaints specifically related to it. In fact, until your post I would have considered the gas Ranger the hands down better power train.

As for the location of the oil filter. Dude, that's a thing, that's a thing because I went to get access to my wife's 2019 Escape's battery and almost swore off Ford and now you're reminding me how pissed off I was at that. Ford has apparently decided that most of their customers won't ever touch these things so they've made it as inconvenient as possible for the sake of space. These things actually matter to me.

So literal no regrets huh? Don't miss a thing? That XLT FX4 is going to be pretty close to a Tremor just without the Fox shocks and updated exterior/interior. Also what trim Gladiator did you go to? Maybe my real problem is having the "perfect" (in my mind) trim and factory accessories out the door that's tripping me up. My Gladiator whether it be a Rubi or a Sport S always seems to wind up significantly more expensive.

Nope! No regrets. The Ranger was a nice truck but I don't miss it.
I'm an old guy who likes things simple so my Gladiator is a Sport with the max tow package. Other options were hard top, aux switches, Sirius XM and slush mats. I went with the max tow for the wide HD axles with 4.10 gears. It was $39,900 out the door.
Another thought or two. The back seat room seems better on the Gladiator. There is also more storage room under the back seat.
The picture I posted above of the Gladiator is after I installed the Mopar 2" lift kit and Rubicon take-off wheels and tires. The Ranger has Ford Performance/Fox leveling lift.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[RacerX00]

This is where I call BS. You come on a pro-JT forum and ask a bunch of homers to convince you to buy a Gladiator while extolling the virutes of a truck that hasn't even come out yet. You've been a member since last year. Are you really telling us you've read no other posts or seen any other pics of what people think about and do with their JTs? And then you have one guy who owned a Ranger and you result to insulting the myriads of patrons on this forum who live, eat, breath, and shit JT. Have fun with your Ford. I really don't harbor any hard feelings do what you want I don't care and I'll still pull you out when you get stuck.

I love some of you people. The rage is just off the charts. I put off buying for myself a year, it's not a grand conspiracy. Frankly the lease on the car I'm replacing isn't even up until September so it may be another little bit till I buy one, still! Hope you're not allowed to own any weapons, that much more lurking might send you on a murderous rampage.

Not all trucks need Jeeps and it's possible to have a Jeep that's not a truck. I know that may blow your mind but for some of us, we can own two vehicles from two different makes. That's not relevant to the issue I'm trying to discuss, which is a direct comparison with a Ford Ranger, of which there's a lot of people like myself weighing the difference between these two same class of trucks.

The literal name of this message board is "Gladiator vs."

If you can't handle it, don't click it.

 

[spectre6000]

Here's a thought... These two trucks really aren't comparable. It's apples and oranges. That you're even considering a Ranger (especially after that amount of time) says the Gladiator isn't really grabbing you like it does most people here.

If you're looking at it on paper, there's a mindset implied. To wit, if you're looking at the midsize truck market on paper, the ZR2 Bison is the answer. Period. It just is. It's the most badass, well equipped truck on the market, without being the most expensive. You can even get it with a thoroughly proven diesel engine that gets great fuel economy, and the DSSV suspension needs to be driven to be believed. It's truly excellent. Of course, on paper again, the Toyota gets the reliability accolades (though I'm fairly certain on REAL paper that's not the case any more, and there are a number of other ways the Toyota falls laughably short). Many off road oriented truck buyers who like their spreadsheets (I'm an engineer, I can say that) buy Tacomas. The Nissan should be pretty good too in much the same way as the Toyota, just without the resale value, because Nissan. If you're not off road oriented or needing real truck capability, and just want a bed, the Ridgeline is the hands down champion. There really isn't much of a scenario where the Ford is the standout though... Have you seriously considered literally any other truck?

On paper is one thing, reality can be very different. On paper, the Bison is a total baddass. In reality, the quality differential is extremely noticeable. It really is. I bought one. There is a diesel Bison in my driveway right now (sale pending), and I can tell you, the quality is its demerit. I bought it as the Gladiator came out, and looked at the Tacoma at the same time. The Tacoma is a disappointment in person as well. The engine needs to rev WAY too high to be really usable. Just a bad match. What turned me off the Gladiator was the size (it's very long), dealers were still in the MSRP+ pricing mode at the time, the diesel wasn't available yet, and I just couldn't get a truck the way I wanted it for a remotely reasonable price. It was very obvious that the Jeep had considerably and immediately noticeably better build quality (not exactly what Chrysler is known for). It was also very apparent that the Gladiator was intentionally designed for the people who would be using it. Plenty of "easter eggs", which give it personality. All the greasy bits are actually serviceable (I forgot about the Ranger's absurd oil filter location). Jeep is extraordinarily permissive with their warranties. It's designed to be a blank slate for Jeep owners to do what Jeep owners do.

By comparison, the Tremor is a few stickers and bolt-ons that take a mediocre truck and make it slightly less mediocre. Still, the Tacoma has a rear locker and shocks (are the switches really that big a deal, and does anyone need that many?). Nissan too. The non-Bison ZR2 has two of them, and it's less expensive. The Gladiator is the only truck on the market that wasn't designed by a committee to fill a niche, then festooned with stickers and a few minimally invasive bolt-ons.

If you are looking at an appliance on paper, the Ranger may be better, but there really are better options out there in the mid-size truck market. Literally all of them. If you want to have fun with a truck that was designed to get things done AND have some fun, the Gladiator is probably about as good as it gets. It's hardly perfect, but nothing is.

 

[RacerX00]

Here's a thought... These two trucks really aren't comparable. It's apples and oranges. That you're even considering a Ranger (especially after that amount of time) says the Gladiator isn't really grabbing you like it does most people here.

If you're looking at it on paper, there's a mindset implied. To wit, if you're looking at the midsize truck market on paper, the ZR2 Bison is the answer. Period. It just is. It's the most badass, well equipped truck on the market, without being the most expensive. You can even get it with a thoroughly proven diesel engine that gets great fuel economy, and the DSSV suspension needs to be driven to be believed. It's truly excellent. Of course, on paper again, the Toyota gets the reliability accolades (though I'm fairly certain on REAL paper that's not the case any more, and there are a number of other ways the Toyota falls laughably short). Many off road oriented truck buyers who like their spreadsheets (I'm an engineer, I can say that) buy Tacomas. The Nissan should be pretty good too in much the same way as the Toyota, just without the resale value, because Nissan. If you're not off road oriented or needing real truck capability, and just want a bed, the Ridgeline is the hands down champion. There really isn't much of a scenario where the Ford is the standout though... Have you seriously considered literally any other truck?

On paper is one thing, reality can be very different. On paper, the Bison is a total baddass. In reality, the quality differential is extremely noticeable. It really is. I bought one. There is a diesel Bison in my driveway right now (sale pending), and I can tell you, the quality is its demerit. I bought it as the Gladiator came out, and looked at the Tacoma at the same time. The Tacoma is a disappointment in person as well. The engine needs to rev WAY too high to be really usable. Just a bad match. What turned me off the Gladiator was the size (it's very long), dealers were still in the MSRP+ pricing mode at the time, the diesel wasn't available yet, and I just couldn't get a truck the way I wanted it for a remotely reasonable price. It was very obvious that the Jeep had considerably and immediately noticeably better build quality (not exactly what Chrysler is known for). It was also very apparent that the Gladiator was intentionally designed for the people who would be using it. Plenty of "easter eggs", which give it personality. All the greasy bits are actually serviceable (I forgot about the Ranger's absurd oil filter location). Jeep is extraordinarily permissive with their warranties. It's designed to be a blank slate for Jeep owners to do what Jeep owners do.

By comparison, the Tremor is a few stickers and bolt-ons that take a mediocre truck and make it slightly less mediocre. Still, the Tacoma has a rear locker and shocks (are the switches really that big a deal, and does anyone need that many?). Nissan too. The non-Bison ZR2 has two of them, and it's less expensive. The Gladiator is the only truck on the market that wasn't designed by a committee to fill a niche, then festooned with stickers and a few minimally invasive bolt-ons.

If you are looking at an appliance on paper, the Ranger may be better, but there really are better options out there in the mid-size truck market. Literally all of them. If you want to have fun with a truck that was designed to get things done AND have some fun, the Gladiator is probably about as good as it gets. It's hardly perfect, but nothing is.

I mean, I've driven these things so it's not like I'm walking into this blind on paper. I also find it highly ironic that any Jeep buyer would reduce that kind of upgraded suspension and an extra inch of ground clearance for only a few thousand as "just a couple of bolt ons"

Honestly a big part of me just wants to buy a huge gas guzzling earl '00s truck for a few thousand and make payments on this instead:

But, kids, kids lead to 4 doors, 4 doors lead to Gladiators and then I find myself here again.

I should stfu and be happy there's a truck that does the things I need to and is still a Jeep I think.

Also, Ranger 4x4 + Tremor is a sweet truck whether it's for you personally or not, anyone who says otherwise is too far up their own ass. I wouldn't buy a Tacoma but I can still admit the TRD Pro has chops and a place.

 

[spectre6000]

I mean, I've driven these things so it's not like I'm walking into this blind on paper. I also find it highly ironic that any Jeep buyer would reduce that kind of upgraded suspension and an extra inch of ground clearance for only a few thousand as "just a couple of bolt ons"

I know with the ZR2 the suspension is materially different. Cast iron vs aluminum knuckles, different control arms, different springs. There's a lot going on. With Jeeps there are springs, shocks, control arms, and entirely different axles. Did Ford do anything other than springs and shocks with the Tremor? I've not read anything to that effect if that's the case.

 

[lrtexasman]

Has Nissan ever decided on a release date for the new frontier? If it actually looks like this then that would be a big leap forward for them after having the same body style for what 15-16 years. I had a 2015 and 2019 model frontier and loved the 4.0. The truck for the price was hard to beat at the time.

The exterior pic is the old warrior concept. The interior pic is correct. I’ve attached an actual exterior pic. The Frontier will be out late summer per Nissan. IMO it will target the Tacoma more than the JT. For what it’s worth the interior dimensions will be the same as the outgoing Frontier, meaning the back seat will still suck. The Pro4x package will be pretty nice for right at 40k and should be a lot better truck than the current Ranger. The 23 Ranger (estimated spring 22 release) based off the larger Bronco chassis will be a much better truck than the current Ranger.

 

[RacerX00]

I know with the ZR2 the suspension is materially different. Cast iron vs aluminum knuckles, different control arms, different springs. There's a lot going on. With Jeeps there are springs, shocks, control arms, and entirely different axles. Did Ford do anything other than springs and shocks with the Tremor? I've not read anything to that effect if that's the case.

The headlines are bigger tires, better shocks, better springs with remote reservoirs, nicer interior and a few flares here and there on the body + red nostrils. Again though, it's a few thousand dollar package not a new trim level or model. It's just humorous to me that changes that have big impacts off-road are being belittled by a Jeep owner.

Let me put it this way, people on this thread have mentioned the lower clearance on the Ranger as a reason to not even look at it. The Tremor package brings it to within a tenth of an inch of the Gladiator.

 

[lrtexasman]

I seriously looked at the Ranger when they came out and I have driven a XLT Tremor. My issues with the Ranger is 1) buying a year before a total redesign is released 2) the wastegate rattle on the 4 cyl 2.3 Ecoboost is embarrassing. I have a Fusion work car with the 2.0 Eco and the rattle. I can say the Fusion has given me 120k trouble free miles at lifetime 26 mpg though. 3) The front seats feel like worn out bus seats. 4) the rear seats do not fold flat or offer floor storage space and 5) the truck bed does not configure to lay plywood flat. The Ranger will get better fuel economy (gas vrs gas), Will ride better on the highway and be quieter. However the JT Will have better off road capability, better fit and finish, significantly better resale value, and is more collectible long term. I don’t think anyone opening a barn 30 years from now will be too excited to find a Ranger vrs a JT.

 

[XJADDICTION]

? let me make this simple for you with an example.

This unfortunately has happened to me personally several times since owning my JT.

I’m at a gas station filling up. next to me is a lifted Nissan with chrome on chrome (I’m thinking to each his or her own).

The owner of the titan opens his mouth “ I have a full size lifted truck for less than that ugly thing costs. I mean if you lift it and put bigger tires on it, it would look a little better”

I’m still pumping, staying silent. Nissan owner proceeds “ those things look like a 3 year old made it with his erector set. “ ?

I finally looked at him and said “ do the top and doors come off of your Nissan?” No answer from Mr Mouth. “I guess that’s a no”

So there is your answer from this JT forum regardless of JT trim.

The top and the doors come off of a 7+ thousand pound towing pickup truck. If that is what you are looking for, this truck is it!

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