Not that I am ever going to change my oil but this is dumb and what were they thinking.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/01/diyers-take-note-the-2019-ford-rangers-oil-change-procedure-contains-a-big-extra-step/
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/autos/ownership/changing-your-2019-ford-rangers-oil-you-better-take-off-that-front-left-wheel-then/ar-BBRNMRy?li=AAggFp0
Easiest way to get at thr filter on my civic is also to remove the wheel, not a big deal imo.
I disagree. I remember having to do it on mine. It was a stupid design then, and it is a stupid design now.
A PITA indeed. Not sure if the dealer would charge extra for such an "oil change" but an independent garage will definitely add $10-$20 to the bill because it now takes twice the usual time. The aforementioned filter relocation plumbing will likely void the warranty should something go wrong with the engine, even for an unrelated reason.
So, if doing an oil change on a 4-post lift, it isn't so bad, as the vehicle is already in the air, and taking a wheel off isn't too bad.
BUT, if you're doing it at home, it necessitates jacking up the front of the vehicle and putting it on jackstands, which adds an extra layer of complexity to what is supposed to be a simple service. Any other vehicle you can just drive up on ramps, or, if you're skinny enough, slide underneath without raising the vehicle at all.
Mind you, Toyota went backwards with the Tacoma, as well. On the old 4.0L, the filter was located on top of the engine, within easy reach when the hood was open. Plus it self-drained, so little mess when removing it. On the new 3.5 they put the filter (canister) underneath the engine in a more traditional spot. Sure, now it's like almost every other vehicle, but it used to be a lot better.