After a Lifetime of Tacomas, I Bought a New Ford Ranger? Dude, I Love or Hate My New Ride! (Video)

Is this a Ranger Raptor on a budget?

2020 ford ranger dude i love my new ride

How would you modify your new Ford Ranger to make it your own? Why did you chose this truck over the other? How was the purchase process? These are just some of the questions that we ask and answer on this episode of “Dude, I Love or Hate My New Ride!”

Ford Ranger

Andrew used to own several Toyota trucks, including a late-model Tacoma and an older Tundra. He was not happy with the Tacoma drivetrain, and the older Tundra needed a repair.

Andrew decided to test drive a new Ranger and purchased this XLT crew cab 4×4 less than two months ago. He got the truck at a very good price at a year-end sale. The retail sticker price was around $38,000, but the final price was close to $30,000. That is around $8,000 discount on a new midsize truck.

Andrew left the 2.3-liter turbo I4 and the 10-speed automatic alone for now, but the suspension is already updated. He has an ICON leveling kit with coil-overs/shocks in the front and shock in the rear. He has a taller off-road tire on the truck, and a Ford Ranger Raptor grille. OK, this is definitely not a Ranger Raptor with a wide stance and lots of suspension travel. However, it’s a budget-minded build that offers the ride Andrew is looking for and the unique look.

In the back, Andrew has a tonneau cover, a Ford storage box, a Ford tailgate damper, and a special mountain bike rack system. Check out the video for all the details, a first drive, and the bike rack demo.

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov is an Automotive Enthusiast, Producer, Reviewer, Videographer, Writer, Software Engineer, Husband, Father, and Friend.