Acceleration

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	5	5	4.8

Adequate with 3.0-liter V6, but we prefer the 4.0 for its extra power, especially at low speeds. Either works nicely with the 5-speed automatic transmission. No 4-cyl models made available for test.

Fuel Economy

2WD Sport 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, low to mid 20s with 4-cyl models. Regular-grade fuel recommended for all engines.

Ride Quality

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	4	3	4.3

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; Level II version, not yet tested, includes 31-inch tires and special shock absorbers.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.9

Stable in corners with moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering, good directional stability. But as usual with pickups, bumpy corners can cause rear-end hop without a substantial load in the bed.

Quietness

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	4	3	4.4

Noisier than Dodge Dakota, but good isolation from engine, wind, and road ruckus. The 4.0 V6 is smoother, quieter than the 3.0 V6.

Controls

2WD Sport 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 price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	5.2

Good head and leg room, but three adults a tight squeeze. Regular cab has enough seat travel, seatback recline for acceptably comfortable positioning. Entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4WDs and 2WD Sports.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
0	1	1	2.5

SuperCab's available rear half-doors are a plus, but are awkward to maneuver around in tight spaces. With or without those, rear seat is skimpy, cramped, and thus best used for toddlers or cargo.

Cargo Room

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
1	3	3	3.7

Regulars have useful space behind the bench or bucket seats. SuperCabs carry lots of stuff. Rear access doors don't open independently of the fronts, making loading difficult in confined spaces.

Value within Class

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
6	8	7	6.2

This basic design is more than a decade old and acts like it. Rivals, all much newer, offer better power, refinement, room, and comfort. Still, Ranger and the similar Mazda B-series are proven workhorses that are attractively priced and often heavily discounted. Ford offers a wider array of features than the B-Series does, plus the convenience of more dealers.

Total Score

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, auto.	2WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, auto.	4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. SuperCab, auto.	Class Average
32	42	38	44.8

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score		32
Average Score		44
High Score		60