2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford Ranger extended cab starts at a base price of $24,410 for the entry-level XL model. However, all pricing excludes the $1,195 destination charge and $645 worth of acquisition fees. Other taxes, charges, or incentives may be applicable. The mid-range XLT goes on sale for $28,460, while the top-spec Lariat is a meaty $32,500. All these prices apply to 4x2 RWD models, with 4WD adding $4,160 to the base Ford Ranger's price, and $4,000 to the XLT and Lariat's starting prices. If you spec a Crew Cab, expect to pay $2,400 more on an XL and $2,175 more on each of the other models. Fully-loaded with options and packages, the Lariat can easily exceed $45,000, so be careful with the options.

The Ranger is not a sports car, but in terms of midsize pickup trucks, it's an admirable performer, with enough agility to make it fun to drive from day to day. The suspension is also impressively compliant and supple, which makes it a good fence-sitter between handling and comfort. However, while it will be difficult to discern imperfections and small potholes from the cabin, some may find the suspension just a little too floaty, which leads to some body roll as can be expected from just about any pickup. The steering doesn't tire you out though, with light feedback and an eagerness to change direction. This makes it great even on narrow city streets, but it also means that you have to trust your inputs wholeheartedly. As with many pickups on sale, you can also upgrade the suspension and tires for more rugged duty. The FX2 package exists for rear-wheel-drive models, beefing up the suspension and adding off-road tires, while the FX4 is obviously more hardcore and can be fitted to 4WD models. The package includes Terrain Management and Trail Control, with four different drive modes maximizing grip and stability: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. It also adds a 16-gauge steel bash plate, giving you the confidence to properly send it on less forgiving terrain.

While others may be more luxurious and offer more drivetrain options, the new Ranger is not particularly bad in any way. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is an admirable powerplant, making town and freeway driving a breeze. Available off-road accessories bolster the Ranger's rugged ability, and its standard driver aids and safety features are impressive for this segment. However, those accustomed to a more comfortable way of life in their pickups will find the base model a little spartan and the top model a little expensive when you compare what the same money can get you. The Ranger, then, is not inherently bad, but it was clearly never originally designed with the American market in mind, and it shows. The medium-sized cupholders are one obvious clue. That said, if you stick with a base model, the Ranger is quick, pretty comfortable, and highly capable, with outstanding towing capacity to boot.

The entire Ranger offering is powered by the same engine, with the same gearbox and drivetrains available. Cab choices are also open to each model, so we'd go for an XL with a crew cab and five-foot bed. Unless you intend to do serious off-roading or live in an ill-tempered climate, stick with 4x2. We'd spend an additional $1,760 over the starting price of the new Ford Ranger to unlock blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and cruise control. We'd also add the trailer tow package for $495, thus unlocking ultimate hauling ability. Add another $995 for the STX appearance package with its alloy wheels, and you've got a handsome and capable pickup for just over $30,000.

The Chevy Colorado is a more familiar midsize pickup in the States, and has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy steed. It's capable of towing more than the Ranger if you spec the turbocharged diesel powerplant, which ups capacity to 7,700 lbs - 200 more than the Ranger's maximum. However, that means you have to pay more, whereas the Ranger is standard across its offering with a 270 hp four-pot turbo, an engine which has been proven to be among the reviewmost effervescent in its class. On the plus side, the Colorado starts at $21,300, almost $3,000 less than the Ranger truck. The base model is almost as economical, with the 2.5-liter four-pot returning an average of 22 mpg compared to the Ranger's 23. As a cheap workhorse runaround, the Colorado is comfortable and capable enough, and the price difference swings our favor in its direction.

The Tacoma is a pricier offering in base form than the Ranger, starting at over $26,000. That doesn't mean more power, however, with the base model only producing a paltry 159 hp from its 2.7-liter inline-four. Torque is similarly low, with only 180 lb-ft compared to the Ranger's 310. On the plus side, amenities like adaptive cruise control are standard in the Toyota, but you pay with rear legroom in the crew cab, which the Ranger has more of. The Tacoma will likely be easier to live with, though, offering better interior storage and even more off-road ability. You can also have it with a manual gearbox. It also has a standard infotainment system with a larger screen that is easier to use than the Ranger's very basic setup. Overall, the Ranger can tow more and is a better workhorse, but the Tacoma will be more capable off-road and offer more features - assuming you're willing to pay for them.