Ride quality between trims

[zeak]

I know it's hard to say yet, but I was wondering if Ford truck owners see a difference in ride quality between trims in the F150, Ranger etc. People talk about higher end trims but that seems to be about tech features. I'm deciding between a Base or BD, and don't need or want all the tech of the higher trims. I will use this car for pavement and getting to the beach/mountains but no serious off roading. If I get the Base, I will get Katzkin/Wet Okole covers which should approximate the MGV of the BD. If all functional things are equal (or close) in terms of a non Squatch engine/tires/wheels, will I actually notice a difference in the handling and comfort for a DD ride? Thanks.

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[Canyonero02]

Different tire sizes will effect ride but besides sasquatch/Badlands, the rest should ride the same. An XL F150 and a King Ranch would have the same ride and handing. The higher trims have more sound deadening material to make them quieter.

 

[ZackDanger]

Depends how you define “comfort.”

Tires are going to play a huge role... tread and stiffness.

I’m assuming OBX will be the most comfortable on road between the softer tires with street tread pattern and the additional sound deadening optioned.

Trims with other street focused tires will be similar. Any “all terrain” or “mud terrain” tire trades street comfort for grip, traction, and “aggressive looks.” Trims that include those will be “less comfortable” on the road.

I think comparing OBX or Base to Wildtrak back-to-back will reveal a big difference in experience.

But that’s the absolute answer when comparing Bronco trims. If anyone is tempted to compare these things against, say, an Accord, I bet all the Broncos will basically feel the same.

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[VTBronco]

Depends how you define “comfort.”

Tires are going to play a huge role... tread and stiffness.

I’m assuming OBX will be the most comfortable on road between the softer tires with street tread pattern and the additional sound deadening optioned.

Trims with other street focused tires will be similar. Any “all terrain” or “mud terrain” tire trades street comfort for grip, traction, and “aggressive looks.” Trims that include those will be “less comfortable” on the road.

I think comparing OBX or Base to Wildtrak back-to-back will reveal a big difference in experience.

But that’s the absolute answer when comparing Bronco trims. If anyone is tempted to compare these things against, say, an Accord, I bet all the Broncos will basically feel the same.

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I think this is a great take. I’m coming from a Honda Civic, but have driven Tacos, Rangers, and Wranglers with AT tires. I don’t mind the road noise as my Civic literally is a Matchbox car on the highway and the cabin isn’t exactly quiet. Obviously if you throw on big tires with a rough tread, your ride will be stiffer than leaving the stock tires.

I’m planning on going with either BFG KO2s or something similar on the Big Bend aftermarket with a Hotheads Headliner once those are being manufactured. If you’re looking for the most comfortable ride, I would agree that the OBX stock with additional deadening would definitely be the most comfortable!

 

[Cheshire]

I know it's hard to say yet, but I was wondering if Ford truck owners see a difference in ride quality between trims in the F150, Ranger etc. People talk about higher end trims but that seems to be about tech features. I'm deciding between a Base or BD, and don't need or want all the tech of the higher trims. I will use this car for pavement and getting to the beach/mountains but no serious off roading. If I get the Base, I will get Katzkin/Wet Okole covers which should approximate the MGV of the BD. If all functional things are equal (or close) in terms of a non Squatch engine/tires/wheels, will I actually notice a difference in the handling and comfort for a DD ride? Thanks.

The Base has 30" street tires and Black Diamond 32" all terrains. Assuming the same engine/transmission, I would expect the Base to handle better. It should accelerate and brake quicker due to smaller/lighter tires. It should also run a slalom course quicker than Black Diamond, which translates into better handling in general. The Base has a lower center of gravity also, so it's going to handle more like a car (relatively) than a Black Diamond. Base tires should also be quieter.

 

[zeak]

Thanks. That’s very helpful. I know the tires can make a huge difference in the ride feel and noise. Those things can be modified easily between trims, as can sound deadening options. I just wanted to make sure that the driving experience of acceleration,handling etc didn’t feel “cheaper” at the Base level in terms of its basic function, and not all the extra amenities it’s missing.

 

[Used2jeep]

Another simple thing is how much air you put into the tires. Do you leave them near the bottom of their range or do you pump them up? A couple pounds either way makes a huge difference too.

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