Switching vehicles can be a big decision, and recently, I traded in my previous Ford Ranger for the latest 2024 model. Like many Ford owners, I’ve been through my share of bumps and bruises with my trucks, but the offer to upgrade to a new Ranger was too good to pass up. Initially, I hadn’t realized it was the next generation, but after putting over 1100 kilometers on it since December, I’ve formed some strong opinions. For those considering a jump, especially if you’re familiar with models around the 2022 Ford Ranger Xlt, here’s a breakdown of my first impressions.
One of the most immediate differences is how much more substantial the new Ranger feels. The 2024 Ford Ranger XLT boasts a significantly firmer and more planted suspension. It’s not a harsh ride, but rather a confident and controlled feeling that is a notable improvement over the previous generation, which at times felt bouncy, especially when towing. I even upgraded the rear shocks on my older model to try and improve its towing stability. This new model feels solid right out of the gate.
The cabin environment is also a major step up. Road noise is noticeably reduced, contributing to a more premium feel overall. The truck simply feels bigger, perhaps visually enhanced by the hood design which seems more expansive. It gives the sensation of sitting higher, offering a more commanding view of the road.
Much of this enhanced driving experience can be attributed to the new OEM General Grabber A/T tires. Despite initial skepticism from my wife, these tires have proven to be exceptional across various conditions. From highways to back roads, local streets, and even ice, snow, and rain, their performance has been consistently impressive. If you’re considering tire upgrades for your truck, especially something comparable to a 2022 Ford Ranger XLT, these OEM tires are a strong benchmark.
Moving to the trim level, the upgrade from the 300a to the 301a package is significant. The addition of running boards is a welcome feature, especially for those with shorter passengers. The folding mirrors are another thoughtful touch, appearing robust and likely expensive to replace if damaged, making their protective folding feature quite valuable. Heated seats are always a crowd-pleaser in colder climates, and the full LED lighting package adds a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.
This 2024 Ford Ranger XLT is also equipped with Advanced Towing technology. While I’m yet to fully utilize all its features, the blind spot cameras for reversing and advanced backing assist are intriguing. It’s technology that adds to the overall confidence and capability of the truck, something that owners of a 2022 Ford Ranger XLT might find a significant leap forward.
However, it’s not all perfect. There are a couple of areas where the new Ranger falls short, primarily in its tech interface. Ford’s Sync4 system, while boasting impressive voice command capabilities, has some frustrating quirks. The preloaded stations on the screen are unremovable, a bizarre design choice. While I managed to overwrite them after some online research, the initial inflexibility is perplexing. Even after a master reset, these defaults persist, making the system feel less intuitive than expected. Furthermore, some of my preferred talk radio stations aren’t available as presets, and satellite radio favorites are also inaccessible via steering wheel controls. Voice commands work, but for a system touted as advanced, these limitations are surprisingly archaic.
Another tech integration issue arises with CarPlay. Switching to the Sync4 radio screen effectively suppresses CarPlay notifications. Incoming texts don’t pop up over the radio interface, which is a significant oversight in seamless connectivity. I’m exploring potential hidden menus to see if these preloaded station presets can be removed, hoping for a more customizable user experience.
Lastly, the plastic bed rail covers present a challenge. My existing rolling tonneau cover, which worked perfectly on my previous Ranger (similar in some respects to a 2022 Ford Ranger XLT in bed dimensions), is now slightly too small, possibly by an inch or two. More critically, the plastic bed rail design makes it nearly impossible to securely clamp the side rails of the tonneau cover. The owner’s manual mentions “Pickup Bed Access Caps,” suggesting these plastic pieces might be removable for accessory installation, but further investigation is needed.
Despite these gripes, my overall impression of the new 2024 Ford Ranger XLT is overwhelmingly positive. The black color scheme is striking, the leather steering wheel adds a touch of luxury, and while driver-assist features can be occasionally intrusive, the lane-keeping radar is genuinely useful on highways. Most of the other alerts are still a bit unnerving due to potential repair costs, but the core driving experience is significantly enhanced.
For anyone upgrading from a previous generation Ranger, or even considering models around the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT era, the 2024 model is a substantial leap forward. Do I regret the change? Absolutely not. I’m thrilled with the upgrade and looking forward to many more miles in this impressive new truck.
