Acceleration

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	5	5	4.9

The 3.0-liter V6 is adequate, but we prefer the 4.0; it has fine power at all speeds and works nicely with the 5-speed automatic. No 4-cyl models made available for testing.

Fuel Economy

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
4	4	3	4

Test FX4 SuperCabs with 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 12.9-14.4 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. EPA fuel-economy estimates for 2WD versions are 2-4 mpg better. Expect little difference with 3.0 V6. 4-cyl models should average in the low-to-mid 20s. Ford and Mazda recommend regular-grade fuel for all engines.

Ride Quality

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	4	3	4

Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. These pickups jiggle on rough roads, but absorb big bumps pretty well. FX4 has surprisingly civilized ride for an "off-road" model.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.8

Noticable body lean, but nicely weighted steering and good directional stability for the class. The rear end is prone to hop in bumpy turns.

Quietness

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	4	3	4

Not as quiet as Dodge Dakota, but good isolation from engine, wind, and road noise. The 4.0 V6 is smoother, quieter than the 3.0 V6.

Controls

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Ford and Mazda versions share a convenient dashboard design, solid overall assembly. Materials appropriate for the price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	4.9

Good head and leg room, but three adults are a tight squeeze, and entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4x4s and 2WD Edge models. Regular cab has slightly more seat travel and seatback recline than most rivals.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
0	1	1	2

Extended cab's rear half doors are a plus, but are awkward to maneuver around in tight spaces. With or without rear doors, rear cab of extendeds is best used for toddlers or cargo. Explorer Sport Trac (see separate entry) serves as Ford's compact-size crew-cab pickup.

Cargo Room

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
1	3	3	3.1

Better than average behind-seat regular-cab space. Extended cabs carry lots of stuff. Available dual rear doors are nice, but don't open independently of the fronts, making loading difficult in confined spaces.

Value within Class

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
6	7	7	6.3

Some newer-design competitors overshadow the Ranger and B-Series for power and refinement. And neither Ford nor Mazda offers a compact crew-cab pickup. Still, Ranger is a solid workhorse with proven mechanicals and aggressive pricing that's frequently discounted. Ranger offers a wider array of popular features than the B-Series, and is available at a greater number of dealers. That makes it a Recommended pick.

Total Score

2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
32	41	38	42.8

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score		32
Average Score		42
High Score		52