Finally Took a Test Drive, Surprised

What the heck do you mean by "Aussie from Detroit"?

 

I like the ride in my SR5. I've let several friends test drive it, both have had trucks. They thought the ride was relatively smooth for the most part, recognizing that it's a truck, not a car. They also liked the engine noise and turbo sound, but they lean more to the gearhead side than I. However, the more I drive it the more I also like the sound.

 

yes, in the instrument cluster. but not sure if they immediately populate, may need to drive it a few 100 feet or so.
Unless they eventually do after it runs for a few minutes.

 

I'm guessing the Ranger.

 

I'm heavily considering the next gen ridgeline which I think will be based on the new passport. Only things I'm not a fan about is the cylinder deactivation (you can buy something to deactivate it), auto start stop, and the buttons to shift.

 

I did some research on the cylinder deactivation defeat circuit they sell. I don't remember all the details but due to the computer monitoring system for that, when the aftermarket circuit fools the computer into thinking conditions don't exist to deactivate some cylinders, it's possible for the engine to overheat. Also the company that makes them does not say it will not void warranty. The Pilot now has the updated version of the 3.5 which deleted the cylinder deactivation. Why they didn't put it in the Ridgeline is a mystery. I've found the "Car Care Nut Reviews" videos give a lot of info on whatever vehicle he's done.

 

I know there are multiple different companies that have something to disable the VCM, as I'm sure there are pros and cons with each of them. Can't remember which one they recommended on forums.

I know the updated pilot has the new v6 with DOHC and as far as I know it still has the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management). Engine code J35Y8

 

Ranger. Designed and engineered mostly by Ford’s team in Melbourne, Australia. Best selling vehicle there. Rangers we buy are assembled with Broncos in Wayne, MI, 30 miles from Detroit.

 

The Ridgeline has a superior rear back seat storage area. Maybe the best in class.
I just wish Honda had provided a couple of different engine options, including a hybrid.

Rear seat storage:
https://youtu.be/CrZIoS6bJpA?si=tTijOUnw0avs5AqR&t=35

 

Look at @IdahoYota point on inflation. I found all the Toyotas tested were over inflated and Rangers under inflated.

No Range was any good for me for the short beds but consider this. While the Ranger has some hand/touch controls for cabin and climate, some was sliding around the finger on that screen while the Tacoma lets you control your HVAC with fairly thick gloves on. The at first seemed different even off putting dashboard of the Tacoma made the competitors seem poor by comparison.

In long running repeat testing we drove entry level through halo models. The leaf spring models are a bit different, TRD OR and above shocks superior, but tires in addition to the inflation were also noticeable.

You for sure hear the two sets of injectors each cylinder has. It doesn't bother me in any way with time and use.

Something else about ride. All long beds ride nicer and while they create a storage issue sure are a heck of a lot more useful than the short beds. I even got the impression a long bed often has higher resale.

 

This. My truck came off the lot with 40lbs in the tires for some reason. Letting them down to recommended pressure made a huge difference.

For the 47th time, that's not the turbocharger making that noise. It's the fuel pump.

 

I thought the noise was the engine knock from the dealer putting 87 in it.

 

I heard unless you put 110 racing fuel in it the engine will explode.

 

It probably will!

If the transmission doesnt break first.

 

I went back to the dealer and drove an SR5. Yes, not as choppy as the Sport. For some reason the engine didn't sound as rough and it seemed quicker off the line. I really wish they'd have the power seats on the SR5. Anyone know if limited slip is still standard on a 2WD SR5?
I also went down the street and drove a Ranger XLT. Hated it. Weird steering feel, the brakes were atrocious. You push halfway down before it starts grabbing. You keep pushing and pushing then finally, we have braking going on. The ride was not smooth as the reviews have said. It was "lumpy" even on good roads. The seat also was not more comfortable than the Tacoma as the reviews have said. The interior looked old and cheap. All in all not a pleasant ride to me.
And BTW, I guess the factory still hasn't figured out the painting process. Every Blue Tacoma I looked at had horrendous orange peel on the right bedside. How they keep making it past QC is a mystery. Do they even have QC in Mexico?

 

Not sure why the drone / harshness on acceleration from the sports & off-road, but its definitely there on both, ive driven multiple & currently own a sport.
I had a 24 sr5 prior to the sport & was wiser quiet in-comparison....
The noise / harshness is not from the fake noise being pumped into the cab, as its all turned off on my sport & the noise is still there....
"normal characteristic"
Also do Agree with the sr5 hands down being way peppier than the other trims, also no idea why...
Im guessing strategy tuning, as the other models you can switch between various modes vs sr5 just has etc mode & thats it.

I love rangers, at least I did, until they brought it back.....
Couldn't give me one...

 

Would the 4WD SR5 have the same suspension as the 2WD SR5? They have a discounted leftover 2024. I don't really need a 4WD but I wouldn't be opposed if it was not rougher riding.

 

Im guessing pretty much the same config, but speculating....
Dont think coil over tuning is different sr5 2wd vs 4wd...
Go drive one....

Theres plenty of 2wd around...

 

Should be the same. Confirm via test drive.