Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger  - Best Selling Pickup

The Ford Ranger has become a staple in the world of pickup trucks, known for its versatility and rugged performance. This iconic vehicle has evolved over the years, offering a range of models to suit various needs and preferences. From the capable Ford Ranger XLT to the off-road-ready Ford Ranger Raptor, there's a configuration for every driver. The 2024 Ford Ranger brings new features and improvements, solidifying its position in the competitive pickup market.

This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about the Ford Ranger. We'll explore its history, design, and exterior features, as well as its performance and powertrain options. The guide also covers the Ford Ranger's interior and technology features, off-road capabilities, and pricing across different trim levels. Whether you're in the market for a new truck or simply curious about the Ford Ranger's specs, towing capacity, and fuel efficiency, this article provides valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

History and Evolution of the Ford Ranger

Origin of the Ranger Name

The Ford Ranger name has a rich history that predates its use on compact pickup trucks. Ford first introduced the Ranger nameplate in 1958 as the lowest-trim sedan for its Edsel division. After the demise of Edsel in 1960, the Ranger name found new life in 1965 as a trim package for F-Series trucks and later for the Bronco in 1972. This mid to high-level trim option continued until 1981 when Ford retired it in anticipation of its upcoming compact pickup truck.

Interestingly, the Ranger name was also associated with an early precursor to modern SUVs. In 1949, Ford collaborated with 4x4 specialist Marmon Harrington to create the Ford F1 Ranger, a modified delivery truck with added seats and a 4x4 drivetrain. Only about 50 of these vehicles were produced between 1949 and 1952, making them extremely rare today.

Compact Pickup Era (1983-2012)

The modern Ford Ranger as a compact pickup truck made its debut in the 1983 model year. Developed under "Project Yuma," this GBP 549.94 million initiative aimed to create Ford's first domestically produced compact truck to replace the Mazda-built Ford Courier. The project focused on quality and fuel efficiency, anticipating stricter CAFE standards in the mid-1980s.

The first Ranger rolled off the Louisville assembly line on January 18, 1982, and reached showrooms in March of the same year. This new compact pickup offered impressive capabilities, with 4x4 models matching or exceeding the F-100's payload capacity of 1,600 pounds. Engine options included an inline-four-cylinder, a V6, and a 4-cylinder diesel, with bed lengths of six or seven feet.

In 1993, Ford introduced the second generation Ranger, featuring a major redesign. This update brought improvements to suspension and steering, resulting in a smoother ride. The Ranger also became the only pickup to offer a Super cab with suicide doors, allowing for additional passenger or cargo space in the cab.

Mid-size Pickup Reintroduction (2019-present)

After a hiatus in the North American market from 2012 to 2018, Ford reintroduced the Ranger for the 2019 model year. This fourth-generation Ranger marked a significant shift, as it was now positioned as Ford's first entry-level, mid-size truck rather than a compact pickup.

The new Ranger is based on the global-market Ranger T6 platform, designed by Ford Australia and adapted to meet US regulations and market demands. This reintroduction brought advanced safety features, driver assistance technologies, and improved performance to the model line.

A notable addition to the Ranger lineup is the Ford Ranger Raptor, introduced in 2019. Developed by Ford Performance, this special model caters to off-road enthusiasts and shares design cues with the larger F-150 Raptor.

Despite its evolution from a compact to a mid-size truck, the Ford Ranger continues to generate excitement among consumers, maintaining its popularity in the pickup market.

Design and Exterior Features

The Ford Ranger has undergone significant design improvements, resulting in a more imposing and stylish appearance. The latest model is longer and wider than its predecessor, featuring a bluff front end and square-jawed looks that draw inspiration from the Ford F-150. This design choice gives the Ranger a commanding presence on the road, rivaling many SUVs in terms of visual appeal.

Styling Elements

One of the most striking features of the new Ranger is its distinctive C-shaped daytime running lights, which flank a wide grille adorned with a large Blue Oval emblem. This combination creates an eye-catching front fascia that immediately identifies the vehicle as a Ford. The Ranger's muscular stance is further enhanced by its overall proportions, which contribute to its imposing look – an unusual characteristic for a commercial vehicle.

At the rear, Ford has incorporated a design cue from its American counterparts by stamping the Ranger name into the tailgate. This replaces the stickers used on previous models, adding a touch of sophistication and durability to the truck's appearance.

Body Configurations

The Ford Ranger offers versatility through various body configurations to suit different needs:

Single Cab: Available only in the base XL trim, this two-door option is ideal for those prioritizing cargo space over passenger capacity.

SuperCab: This configuration provides additional space behind the front seats, suitable for occasional rear passengers or extra storage.

SuperCrew® cab: A full four-door setup, offering maximum passenger comfort and accessibility.

Each 2023 Ranger trim can be equipped with either a SuperCab and 6-foot box or a SuperCrew® cab with a 5-foot box, allowing customers to choose the configuration that best fits their requirements.

Color Options

The Ford Ranger is available in a range of attractive colors to suit various tastes:

Blue Lightning

Meteor Gray

Frozen White

Shadow Black

Aluminum Silver

True Red

Saber

It's worth noting that all colors except True Red and Arctic White are considered prestige paints and incur an additional charge. Additionally, some colors may not be available across all models in the Ford Ranger range.

To further customize the Ranger's appearance, Ford offers several appearance packages:

Chrome Appearance Package

Black Appearance Package

Sport Appearance Package

STX Appearance Package (featuring black bumpers and unique box decals)

Splash™ Package (including unique black wheels, black mesh grille with orange accents, and a distinctive black and orange stripe along the body side and tailgate)

These packages allow owners to personalize their Ranger's exterior to match their style preferences.

The Ranger also boasts a range of available exterior features that enhance both its functionality and esthetics:

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

LED headlamps and tail lamps

LED fog lamps

Power-folding side mirrors

Manual-sliding rear glass

These design elements and features combine to create a Ford Ranger that is not only capable and versatile but also visually striking and customizable to suit a wide range of preferences and needs.

Performance and Powertrain

The Ford Ranger offers a range of powerful and efficient engines, providing customers with options to suit their specific needs. From robust diesel engines to high-performance petrol units, the Ranger's powertrain lineup caters to various driving requirements.

Engine Options

The main engine lineup for the Ford Ranger includes several options:

2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel: Available in two power outputs:

168bhp (EcoBlue 170)

202bhp (EcoBlue 205)

3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel: Produces 237bhp (EcoBlue V6 240)

2.3-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine: Available in select markets

The 2.0-liter EcoBlue 205 is expected to be the most popular choice among customers. It delivers strong performance from low revs and has ample power for quick acceleration and overtaking maneuvers. The V6 diesel engine offers even smoother operation and enhanced tractability, making it an appealing option for those seeking top-tier performance.

For the performance enthusiasts, the Ranger Raptor variant comes equipped with a potent 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, generating an impressive 288bhp.

Transmission Choices

Ford offers two transmission options for the Ranger:

6-speed manual gearbox: Available with the entry-level 168bhp engine

10-speed automatic transmission: Standard on the 202bhp and 237bhp engines

The 10-speed automatic gearbox has received positive feedback for its performance. It aids in low-speed acceleration while also helping to maximize fuel economy during highway cruising. However, some users have reported a slight delay in acceleration when demanding more power, particularly at lower speeds.

Fuel Efficiency

The Ford Ranger's fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and transmission combination:

2.0-liter diesel (168bhp): Achieves around 34mpg with the manual gearbox

2.0-liter diesel (210bhp): Returns approximately 30mpg with the 10-speed automatic

Ranger Raptor (3.0-liter EcoBoost V6): Offers 20.5mpg

CO2 emissions range from 220g/km for the base Single Cab diesel to 315g/km for the petrol-powered V6 Raptor.

It's worth noting that while the Ranger's fuel economy might not match that of some SUVs, its higher running costs are partially offset by a lower purchase price. Additionally, Ford has focused on improving fuel efficiency in the latest generation through enhanced powertrains and aerodynamic design.

Looking ahead, Ford plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Ranger in 2025. This variant will combine a 2.3-liter petrol engine with an electric motor and an 11.8kWh battery, offering an estimated electric-only range of around 27 miles. While this may seem modest compared to some plug-in hybrid cars, it's an impressive feat considering the Ranger's weight and utility focus.

Interior and Technology

The Ford Ranger's interior has undergone a significant upgrade, elevating it to a level that rivals many well-regarded SUVs. This transformation has resulted in a more upmarket feel, setting a new standard for pickup trucks.

Cabin Design

Upon entering the Ranger, drivers are greeted by a spacious and well-designed cabin. The redesigned interior offers more room, thanks to the addition of an electric parking brake that frees up space on the center console. Ford has paid attention to both comfort and functionality, providing ample storage options throughout the cabin. These include two cupholders in the center console, two more that pop out from either end of the dashboard, twin glove boxes with a shelf in between, and a bin under the central armrest. For added convenience, there's a tray for smartphones in the dash, which includes a wireless charging pad in higher-end models.

The seats in the Ranger are designed for comfort, especially on long journeys. Higher trim levels like the LARIAT® and Raptor® feature heated steering wheels and driver's seats with memory function, ensuring a personalized and cozy driving experience. The cabin's materials have seen an upgrade, with premium materials and soft-touch plastics used throughout, contributing to the overall sense of quality.

Infotainment System

At the heart of the Ranger's technology offerings is the impressive central touchscreen. Lower-spec models feature a 10-inch unit, while higher trims boast a massive 12-inch portrait-style display. Both versions run Ford's latest SYNC 4 infotainment system, which has received praise for its quick load times and user-friendly interface. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, although the smartphone projection only occupies about half the screen.

In front of the driver, a digital instrument panel provides essential information, including fuel economy and 4x4 status. The display adapts based on the selected drive mode, enhancing the driving experience. However, it's worth noting that the full map view is not available when using Ford's built-in navigation system.

Driver Assistance Features

The Ford Ranger comes equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance features designed to enhance safety and convenience. These include:

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: This system maintains a pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead, even bringing the Ranger to a complete stop if necessary.

Lane-Keeping System: This feature alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane and can provide gentle steering assistance to guide it back.

Blind Spot Information System: Sensors detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot and alert them via warning lights in the door mirrors.

Cross Traffic Alert: This system helps when reversing out of spaces with limited visibility by warning of approaching vehicles from the sides.

Traffic Sign Recognition: This feature identifies road signs and displays the information on the instrument cluster.

Park Assist: The system can identify suitable parking spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into them, with the driver controlling the pedals.

These features, combined with the Ranger's improved interior design and advanced infotainment system, create a pickup truck that offers both comfort and cutting-edge technology, making it a strong contender in its segment.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Modified Modified Ford Ranger and the New Ford Ranger MSRT from MSRT or Wildtrack Ranger has established itself as a formidable off-road vehicle, offering a range of features and capabilities that make it well-suited for tackling challenging terrains. From its advanced 4x4 system to impressive ground clearance and specialized off-road packages, the Ranger has become a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts and off-road aficionados.

4x4 System

The Ranger's 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) system has evolved significantly over the years. In the current models, an electronically-controlled 4x4 transmission allows drivers to shift between 2WD and 4WD modes effortlessly using a convenient dial on the central console. This system also includes a low-range 4x4 mode for more demanding off-road situations.

The 4WD system in the Ranger utilizes a transfer case bolted to the rear of the transmission, with driveshafts connecting the front and rear axles. When in 2WD mode, power is transmitted to the rear axle, while in 4WD mode, the transfer case splits power between the front and rear axles.

Modern Rangers feature a live front axle, meaning the front wheels are permanently connected to the front axle without the need for locking hubs. This design enhances off-road performance and simplifies operation.

Ground Clearance

Ground clearance is a crucial factor in off-road performance, and the Ford Ranger doesn't disappoint in this aspect. The latest models boast an impressive ground clearance of 30cm (approximately 11.8 inches), providing ample space between the vehicle's undercarriage and the terrain.

This substantial clearance allows the Ranger to navigate over obstacles, rocks, and uneven surfaces with ease. It also contributes to the vehicle's impressive 800mm wading depth, enabling drivers to ford through water crossings confidently.

The high ground clearance of the Ranger is particularly beneficial for various off-road scenarios:

Obstacle clearance: Allows the vehicle to pass over rocks, logs, and other trail obstructions.

Approach and departure angles: Improves the ability to climb steep inclines and descend without scraping.

Underbody protection: Reduces the risk of damage to vital components when traversing rough terrain.

Special Off-Road Packages

Ford offers several off-road packages for the Ranger, enhancing its capabilities for more extreme adventures. These packages typically include features designed to improve traction, protection, and overall off-road performance.

One notable option is the off-road pack, which adds a locking rear differential and extra underside protection. The locking rear differential is particularly useful in low-traction situations, ensuring power is distributed evenly between the rear wheels for maximum grip.

For those seeking the ultimate off-road experience, the Ranger Raptor variant stands out. Engineered in Australia and designed for high-speed off-road driving, the Raptor boasts several impressive features:

Front and rear locking differentials

265mm of ground clearance

Knobbly BF Goodrich off-road tires

Off-road cruise control

These features combine to make the Ranger Raptor exceptionally capable in various off-road conditions, from gravel hills and rutted sand slopes to rock crawling sections. The long-reaching suspension keeps all four wheels in contact with the ground, while the electronics limit wheelspin for optimal traction.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Ford Ranger offers a diverse range of trim levels to cater to various customer needs and preferences. The pricing structure reflects the features and capabilities of each trim, providing options for different budgets and requirements.

Available Trims

The Ford Ranger is available in several trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities:

XL: The entry-level trim, available in Single Chassis Cab, Single Cab, and Double Cab configurations.

XLT: A step up from the XL, offering additional features in Double Cab configuration.

Tremor: An off-road-focused trim available in Double Cab configuration.

Wildtrak: A higher-end trim with enhanced features, available in Double Cab configuration.

Wildtrak X: An upgraded version of the Wildtrak trim.

Platinum: A luxury-oriented trim available in Double Cab configuration.

MS-RT: A performance-oriented trim available in Double Cab configuration.

Standard Features

Each trim level comes with a set of standard features, which increase in number and sophistication as you move up the range. Some notable standard features include:

XL: 10" Multifunction Display with SYNC IV, 2 speakers (Single Cab) or 4 speakers (Double Cab)

XLT: 10" Multifunction Display with SYNC IV, 6 speakers

Tremor: Advanced off-road capabilities, 10" Multifunction Display with SYNC IV

Wildtrak: 12" Multifunction Display with SYNC IV and Navigation, 6 speakers

Platinum: 12" Multifunction Display with SYNC IV and Navigation, B&O 8 speakers & 2 tweeters

Optional Packages

Ford offers various optional packages and features to customize the Ranger according to individual preferences:

Audio Upgrades:

10" Multifunction Display with SYNC IV and Navigation (XLT and Tremor)

12" Multifunction Display with SYNC IV and Navigation with B&O 8 speakers & 2 tweeters (Wildtrak and Wildtrak X)

Exterior Enhancements:

Load Box Bedliner

Spray In Load Box Bedliner

Cargo Area Management System

Rear Bumper Step

Stainless Steel Sports Bar

Flexible Rack System

3 Piece Hard Tonneau Cover (Body Color)

Hardtop (Body Color) Pickup Box Canopy

These optional features allow customers to tailor their bodykit Ford Ranger to suit their specific needs, whether for work or leisure purposes.

Conclusion

The Ford Ranger has proven itself as a versatile and capable pickup truck, offering a blend of rugged performance and modern features. Its evolution from a compact to a mid-size truck has had an impact on its appeal, attracting a wide range of customers looking for a reliable workhorse or a comfortable daily driver. The Ranger's robust powertrain options, advanced technology, and impressive off-road capabilities make it a strong contender in the competitive pickup market.

With its diverse trim levels and customization options, the Ford Ranger caters to various needs and preferences. Whether you're after a no-frills work truck or a fully loaded adventure vehicle, there's likely a Ranger configuration to suit your requirements. As Ford continues to innovate and improve the Ranger, including plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid version, this iconic pickup is well-positioned to stay relevant and desirable in the years to come.

FAQs

What are some common issues with the Ford Ranger?

The Ford Ranger sometimes experiences problems with its crankshaft sensor, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine misfires, sluggish acceleration, and even prevent the truck from starting.

Which Ford Ranger vs Competitors models are the most reliable?

For those considering a used Ford Ranger, the model years 1998, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2020, 2021, and 2022 are recommended as they have shown to be particularly reliable and durable.

What makes the Ford Ranger Predator stand out? The 2024 Ford Ranger and the new Ford RangerRanger XLTFord Ranger Finance is noted for its ease of driving and comfort, alongside its robust capability for towing and hauling. It also features a refined cabin equipped with the latest Ford technology and driver assistance features.

How practical is the Ford Ranger for everyday use? The Ford Ranger alloys wheels excels in practicality with its powerful engine and a ride quality that handles the challenges of a pick-up truck well. It is especially comfortable for long drives, thanks to its well-designed cabin.