Regular cab Rangers have been lengthened three inches. That's a big improvement as last year's regular cab models offered insufficient legroom for tall drivers and restricted rake for the seat backs. This year, there's more interior space, increased seat travel, and the seat can be reclined farther. There's also more space available behind the seat for storing stuff and a storage tray has been added to make this more convenient.
We still recommend the roomy SuperCab models for all but the most serious of work trucks. The big benefits of the SuperCab are the increased cabin space and convenient storage for gear.
The Ranger shares the Explorer's dash and easy to use switchgear and instrument panel. Attractive new seating offers more comfort and support, particularly for off-road driving. Dual airbags come standard with a passenger-side deactivation switch.
New stereos provide improved audio performance, including the one that came on our truck outfitted with in-dash compact disc and cassette players matched with 80 watts of power and four speakers, all tuned to the Ranger's interior.
The new Ranger does not drive like a traditional truck. Steering response and handling in transient maneuvers could almost be described in sports car terms. Winding over narrow mountain roads north of Los Angeles, we found the Ranger to be a vehicle that inspires confidence in the driver. Before long we were rounding curves with bravado usually reserved for sports sedans.
It rides nice, too. Only the slightest choppiness on the four-wheel-drive versions betrays their off-road suspensions with front torsion bars and multi-leaf rear springs. The standard two-wheel-drive versions ride even better than the four-wheel-drive models, a benefit of their front coil springs and two-stage rear leaf springs. The harshest ride is found in the Splash models with suspensions tuned for improved handling. A load improves the ride quality of all of these trucks as the rear tires hop around over bumps when the bed is empty.
While the ride quality of the two-wheel-drive trucks provides a compelling case, it seems a shame to pass up the superb four-wheel-drive system. The vacuum-assisted hublock system works seamlessly, allowing the driver to shift in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. Shift out of four-wheel drive, and the 4x4 model rides only slightly rougher than the two-wheel-drive model. The ride quality is still surprisingly good and handles twisty roads with amazing prowess for a four-wheel-drive pickup.
Our 4x4 SuperCab came with the 4.0-liter V6, which really shined with the optional five-speed automatic transmission. This five-speed automatic shifts as smoothly as a Lexus and always keeps the V6 in its primary torque range and its efficiency matches that of the 5-speed manual. It's a great combination.