New owner review: AWD Ecoboost FX4 4K C360

[donohfx]

As a product, the concept is amazing.

A small truck that does most truck stuff.
The design, inside and outside is cool.

Initial quality is lower than I'm used to. (German cars and a JL Wrangler) - meaning some rough edges can be seen in the hard plastic dash parts at seams. The backseat takes some work to latch and at high stereo volume there is some trim rattle. There’s also some rattle / vibration from various places over bumps while driving. Nothing crazy, but definitely not German

None of this was a surprise, especially with supply chain, new model bugs, and price point.

Stereo is not as bad as nearly everyone seems to say. (Last car was the wrangler unlimited - garbage sound. 2015 Jetta is “fine” 2012 GLI was “good”. )

I'd put this above the 15, but below my 2012. It does rattle the trim at quite low volumes - I may dig into the doors to see if so can deaden it a bit.

It is screaming for an exhaust - but I don't know if that'll help the engine sound. I suspect it's more the fast shifting 8 speed transmission that's making it odd sounding. You're in 4th by 50km/h if accelerating like a normal human. Could also be lack of firewall sound insulation in the cabin. (Price point.) The sounds in the cabin through the firewall aren’t loud, but definitely expressive. There’s the buzzy sound, some other sounds when you’re off gas (almost a thrashy/grindy sound. I don’t want to describe it that way since I don’t think it’s broken, but it’s definitely not smooth sounding.) Otherwise road and wind noise are good, but again coming from a Wrangler this isn’t saying much

The front seats lack lower thigh support - and feel a bit short, and honestly a bit narrow. I’m 5’11” and 195lbs. They’re very comfortable though, and the bolstering is supportive.

When delivered from the dealer, the rear window seems to have a bit of smudging or stickiness. I’ll give it a wash - it seems exterior only. I also noticed what might be dielectric grease or something else between the steering wheel buttons. You can sort of see it through the gaps between the buttons. I at first thought it was just a fit and finish issue, but it’s more likely just residue from production.

No stereo problems yet, no freeze ups. Car play is seamless. Headlights are good to excellent in the dark. Jeep’s projectors we’re insanely good, but I don’t feel I’m missing out.

Overall, at first impression, happy with my choice. I’ve put on 150km today alone.

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[JKinPA]

Well stated. It’s understood some of the things you mentioned may be present with the price point. Overall, it’s the best deal in the market currently, in my opinion.
I got a great small truck for a price that rivals an economy car. The AWD has been better than I could have hoped in winter weather, has plenty of power, MPG is good, and the ride is better than average. I feel like buying my Maverick was a win.

 

[Gullzway]

Looks Sharp! Nice review. I would have gone with Black, I've had black trucks for 20 years now.

 

[Prevok]

Always happy to read from someone coming from a Wrangler JL, as it's my current vehicle.

I assume the winter in Nova Scotia is similar to the one we get in Quebec. If you don't mind, and if you happen to test it out, I would be very interested to know how the AWD stack up against the Wrangler in/following a snowstorm.

For all the things I dislike about my JL (even tough I really like it), I just love it in snow. This is my biggest fear moving away from a true 4wd to an AWD truck.

 

[donohfx]

Always happy to read from someone coming from a Wrangler JL, as it's my current vehicle.

I assume the winter in Nova Scotia is similar to the one we get in Quebec. If you don't mind, and if you happen to test it out, I would be very interested to know how the AWD stack up against the Wrangler in/following a snowstorm.

For all the things I dislike about my JL (even tough I really like it), I just love it in snow. This is my biggest fear moving away from a true 4wd to an AWD truck.

I liked my JL until gas went crazy and it hydroplaned and got blown around a ton coming back from Montreal.

Mind you, probably partially my fault lifting it and putting it on 35s. But it was the whole package reasoning that made me switch.

1. I thought I’d like off-roading. Turns out I couldn’t be bothered. Not with with sailboat and house renos going on.
2. Was exhausting on the highway. Just keeping it going straight was a ton of tiny adjustments and actively on it.
3. Gas mileage
4. Funky rear diff. Made a noise and Chrysler said it was “fine” and that “they all do that” - drove me batty.
5. 8ft boards went from rear gate to dash.

Haven’t really had a chance to test the AWD in slick or snowy, but in wet and dry it’s solid. While there is a slight dash rattle I’m noticing, is less than JL and easily covered with stereo. I’ll maybe get the dealer to take a look at my next service.

Guess I’m old now at 33. The practicality excites me. I’ve always had fun cars, but this one doesn’t feel like a sacrifice.

 

[Atisko]

As a product, the concept is amazing.

A small truck that does most truck stuff.
The design, inside and outside is cool.

Initial quality is lower than I'm used to. (German cars and a JL Wrangler) - meaning some rough edges can be seen in the hard plastic dash parts at seams. The backseat takes some work to latch and at high stereo volume there is some trim rattle. There’s also some rattle / vibration from various places over bumps while driving. Nothing crazy, but definitely not German

None of this was a surprise, especially with supply chain, new model bugs, and price point.

Stereo is not as bad as nearly everyone seems to say. (Last car was the wrangler unlimited - garbage sound. 2015 Jetta is “fine” 2012 GLI was “good”. )

I'd put this above the 15, but below my 2012. It does rattle the trim at quite low volumes - I may dig into the doors to see if so can deaden it a bit.

It is screaming for an exhaust - but I don't know if that'll help the engine sound. I suspect it's more the fast shifting 8 speed transmission that's making it odd sounding. You're in 4th by 50km/h if accelerating like a normal human. Could also be lack of firewall sound insulation in the cabin. (Price point.) The sounds in the cabin through the firewall aren’t loud, but definitely expressive. There’s the buzzy sound, some other sounds when you’re off gas (almost a thrashy/grindy sound. I don’t want to describe it that way since I don’t think it’s broken, but it’s definitely not smooth sounding.) Otherwise road and wind noise are good, but again coming from a Wrangler this isn’t saying much

The front seats lack lower thigh support - and feel a bit short, and honestly a bit narrow. I’m 5’11” and 195lbs. They’re very comfortable though, and the bolstering is supportive.

When delivered from the dealer, the rear window seems to have a bit of smudging or stickiness. I’ll give it a wash - it seems exterior only. I also noticed what might be dielectric grease or something else between the steering wheel buttons. You can sort of see it through the gaps between the buttons. I at first thought it was just a fit and finish issue, but it’s more likely just residue from production.

No stereo problems yet, no freeze ups. Car play is seamless. Headlights are good to excellent in the dark. Jeep’s projectors we’re insanely good, but I don’t feel I’m missing out.

Overall, at first impression, happy with my choice. I’ve put on 150km today alone.

I had a jeep wrangler, although 20 years ago, the fit and finish was awful…

 

[JKinPA]

My Alto is awesome

 

[donohfx]

Did you buy the wei

My Alto is awesome

Did you get the wildpeaks separately? My fx4 came with the scorpions

 

[HappyCat]

I am also getting used to the engine sounds and shifting, so my brain knows what's "normal" I always listen to my vehicle, for any problems.

 

[Cromwell]

Did Bruce Ford treat you right? (I see their Spa sign and the hospital across the street.)

 

[donohfx]

Did Bruce Ford treat you right? (I see their Spa sign and the hospital across the street.)

I’d say so. Enough that I’ll use them for service and they’re 1.5hr away

 

[JKinPA]

Did you buy the wei

Did you get the wildpeaks separately? My fx4 came with the scorpions

Yes, I got the Wildpeak Trails. I went 245. Definitely preferred an AT with more bite than Scorpions. The tires have been great in winter weather and look pretty damn good

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