2019 ford ranger review....

[ArlyA]

Are you keeping your ranger out of the snow?

 

[MoArk Willy]

Snow? SNOW? SNOW?
We don't get no stinking' snow.

 

[TCowner]

I took my Ranger in to the dealership two weeks ago to investigate my complaint of the "roaring" engine noise and erratic shifting at colder temps and lower speeds. And, as you might expect, I was told that this is normal for the 2.3 ecoboost engine and the ten speed transmission.

I'm not buying it.

My first experience with the Ford Ecoboost was the 3.5 in a 2011 F150. That engine in my opinion is the best truck engine out there. The only issue I had was a battery failure the first week I owned it. I put 43,000 miles on it without an issue and it never displayed this loud, "roaring" noise when leaving with a cold start. The only thing I had to worry about was the tire spin because of the enormous low end torque.

So, I am a bit disappointed with this engine. I am impressed with the fit and finish of the truck. The ride and control of the vehicle is impressive and I could do without all of the electronic controls that have taken over the human interaction with the truck. But I suspect this is the future of all vehicles. I like that you can turn off the golf cart engine starting feature (although I forget to do it often) but I just wish there was a single "button" that one could press that would put the truck into "baby boomer" mode and simplify the operation. There are many days that I just want heat, a clear windshield, some Bruce Springsteen playing in the background. There is the one feature I like where the truck warns me if an obstruction is nearing. I've found that useful when backing out a parking space in a ramp. All of the others, not so sure.

So, when the lock down ends I want to drive a 2020 Ranger to see if there has been any change with respect to my engine/transmission shifting complaint. If this is normal then my Ranger experience may be short lived. Of course my first year depreciation will keep my in the truck for a few years. My only hope may be with the rumors out there of a pending 2.7 ecoboost coming. I'm sure it will get the same transmission but everything I hear and read about that engine impresses me. Otherwise, it may be back to a Colorado or a Canyon in a couple of years.

 

[ArlyA]

I took my Ranger in to the dealership two weeks ago to investigate my complaint of the "roaring" engine noise and erratic shifting at colder temps and lower speeds. And, as you might expect, I was told that this is normal for the 2.3 ecoboost engine and the ten speed transmission. I'm not buying it.

Silly qestion. Have you driven another 2019 ranger from a cold start?? I'd say the 10 speed tranny does drive a bit different from our other vehicles which are 10+ years older.

 

[TCowner]

I have not as the local dealer only has the 2020 models in stock. They also are only scheduling appointments for test drives because of the "lock down". I think I will wait until my next service is due and try to drive a 2020. But, as the service Tech said, they all do this so I am not hopeful this can be resolved. However, if the 2020 does not exhibit the same issues then at least I can give the service department something to draw a comparison.

 

[KennyG]

If my 10 speed in my F-150 is any indication, the shifting should smooth and almost imperceptible, hot or cold. The only thing I notice is that starting out with slow acceleration the logic causes it to shift from 1st directly to 3rd and there is a slight jerk when it does that.

I had a Dodge Dakota V-6 that roared when cold. The cause was the viscous drive on the engine fan. It's supposed to let the fan drive significantly slower than engine speed. It made noise at the fast idle when started and continued for a few minutes until it warmed up. I just ignored it and it never caused a problem.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I took my Ranger in to the dealership two weeks ago to investigate my complaint of the "roaring" engine noise and erratic shifting at colder temps and lower speeds.

I do not know if it is normal or not....but mine does it as well. I had it to the dealer a week ago for the first oil change. I didn't mention it, they didn't mention it.

 

[TCowner]

I suspect they all do it and I will just have to live with it. I'm amazed that a team of engineers that, did such a phenomenal job with the 3.5 and 2.7 ecoboost, signed off that they were satisfied with this. It sounds like an air boat taking off. It takes too long to shift up from 1st gear. The engine's low end pull is quite pleasant but it revs up to nearly 2500 rpm before it shifts to second gear. Again, more so when cold and on first start. The ecoboost that has such pleasant low end power it should be able to shift quicker. It just seems odd.

 

[ArlyA]

I suspect they all do it and I will just have to live with it. I'm amazed that a team of engineers that, did such a phenomenal job with the 3.5 and 2.7 ecoboost, signed off that they were satisfied with this. It sounds like an air boat taking off. It takes too long to shift up from 1st gear. The engine's low end pull is quite pleasant but it revs up to nearly 2500 rpm before it shifts to second gear. Again, more so when cold and on first start. The ecoboost that has such pleasant low end power it should be able to shift quicker. It just seems odd.

I'll try to pay attention to our machine's RPM next time I drive it. I would agree that it takes a bit for 1st gear to engage but that's a minor annoyance. I do like our 2019 ranger. Our local dealership called yesterday to say they got in a tailgate liner in for us. Not driving much these days!

 

[TCowner]

My problem is that I am comparing this issue to the non issues I had with the 3.6 V6 in the GMC Canyon. The engine does not have the low end torque of the ecoboost but has more horsepower albeit at a higher rpm. But it is a smooth running engine.