I've been looking forward to the "new" Ranger for a long time, but reviews so far have been underwhelming from what I've seen. Kind of a letdown but maybe the next iteration will involve a more comprehensive redesign instead of using an existing model. I haven't driven one yet, but I think I'll keep looking at the Colorados or a used Taco.
Have not driven a new Ranger. I have seen them on the highway and they appear to be real nice and sized pretty much the same as the Cheve and Toyota versions.
I was also real interested in the new Ford Ranger from an informational point of view since I bought a new Tacoma in Dec. 2017 (a year + months old now). Have had zero problems with the Tacoma. I love it. My nephew has a Colorado and loves it. The resale on the Colorado and Tacoma is very good. But I was not that concerned about that issue. I was more interested in dependability and I have owned a Toyota pickup (both 4x2's and 4x4's) since 1980. The worst problem I ever had with any of them was having to replace the AC condenser on my 2nd one. With my history, it is hard for me to choose anything other than a Toyota PU.
Cost is an issue. Toyota's are I believe the most expensive. I think they approach being totally worth it if you look at the competition price-wise IF you consider dependability. Other than liking something, I want dependable... for years.
The V6 is plenty of power for these mid-size pickups. I think the 4 cyl versions are a little under powered. But, this all depends on your use. I have a 4 cyl 4x2 Tacoma. It does just fine. I don't pull a trailer or a boat. So, it has enough power for me. You get used to the power level and adjust. The only time I ever really take notice of the power issue is the down shifting on steep hills and if I need to accelerate quickly pulling out into traffic. It does just fine for me.
Like the OP, I don't haul much stuff. All of my PU's had a tool box mounted in the back and I just filled it up with crap and the crap just stayed there.... for years and years. There of course was important stuff stored in there. Finding it was somewhat of an issue at times. I have a heavy plastic box now in the bed to hold the necessary items with room for additional stuff if needed to be locked up. I bought a box large enough that it would be a pain in the butt for someone to steal it and it is also cabled (with lock) to the truck. I wanted a storage box that is easy to move out of the truck if I need to haul something larger and need the bed space. It has worked out and everything inside has been dry. Cost was about $50.
I am content and recommend the Tacoma. If you want larger, go Tundra. If you need a lot of power, go V8 with the Tundra. They are just so darn expensive these days. All of them are for the most part.
If the new Ranger is true to Ford form, the suspension will be softer than the Tacoma or Colorado. You pay for that softer highway ride over time if you haul much stuff with suspension issues. I have those with my Ford Van. But it has served me very well overall. Biggest repair bill was about $1000-$1200 on the Van. I only use the Van for work.
Just bought a new Toyota car for my wife in the last couple of weeks. Hope it is as dependable as her last car (a Corolla). Like I said, it is hard for me to choose anything other than Toyota any more if there is a model that works for my intended use.
Added: On the car issue, my wife was looking at used cars. I was at the Toyota dealer for service on my Tacoma (warranty check with 15K mileage). Anyway, I saw a new car (Yaris model), her color, and was only a couple thousand more than what she was looking at used. (It's 3.7" less wide than the Corolla.) She test drove it later that day, we made the deal, and she drove it home. My only concern is that the Mexican made Toyota's may not be as reliable as the US or Japan made ones.... no idea. We'll see. It is a done deal.
The surprise on the Yaris purchase was I made an offer below what they quoted me and they accepted it. Did this with a cell phone text.... wonders never cease. The dealers in my area pretty much quote you a price and it is usually sticker or close to it and essentially say "take it or leave it". This was a change of pace for sure. My wife is tickled with her new car!