Ford has a strong reputation for its pickups. Its trucks, from the small and plucky Maverick to the super-capable F-Series full-size models, are some of the best-selling in the country.
My Ranger XLT was fitted with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance features, which performed well and were unobtrusive in everyday driving.
Exterior
The Ranger is a middle child in Ford’s truck lineup, but a revamped version for 2024 brings it closer to its F-150 stablemate while adding more utility. It also tries to keep pace with newer competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator.
With a wide stance, F-150 styling cues and an improved cabin and infotainment, the Ranger is hoping to win back some truck buyers who had written it off.
My Ranger XLT was powered by a 270-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. A 315-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 will be available starting in summer 2024.
Both engines are rated to tow 7,500 pounds. A standard remote-locking tailgate with damped movement when lowering and bed LED lighting are nice touches, along with exterior corner steps built into the frame between the rear wheel openings and bumper to make it easier to get in and out of the bed.
Standard equipment includes a vinyl floor and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. An optional 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with Sync 4A adds navigation, off-road data and entertainment features. A Ranger XLT with the Advanced Tow and Tech package will run you $2,305 and adds floor liners, a spray-in bedliner, keyless entry and start, a power sliding rear window, and upgraded driver aids including blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert.
Interior
Ford is a truck company and it’s known for its trucks from the small Maverick to the massive F-150 Super Duty. The Ranger is its middle child and it needed a major overhaul to compete in the midsize truck segment. It finally has a fresh start for 2024 with a new design, reworked suspension and improved capability.
Its 2.3-liter twin-turbo engine can be slow to wake up at low rpm but it quickly dials in plenty of power for passing and merging. The 10-speed automatic transmission amplitudes the engine’s output well, delivering an eager and brisk feel. Around corners, the Ranger feels stable (for a truck) and controlled and the steering has just enough weight and assist.
A suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies is available and a large 10.0-inch infotainment screen comes standard on XLT trim. I found Ford Co-Pilot360’s lane keep assist to be effective at highway speeds, and its pre-collision system performed very well during my test drive.
Other Ranger improvements include a more spacious cargo bed with better access to its corners, LED box lighting and 120-volt and 400-watt electrical outlets. A trailer jackknife prevention system is also standard and displays unique camera angles of the ordeal, as well as lines that project your trailer’s path. You can even conduct your pre-trip trailer light inspection with the free Ford Pass app.
Performance
The redesigned Ranger is the latest attempt to regain Ford’s foothold in the midsize pickup market. The Ranger has a fully boxed frame, a wider stance, more roomy cabin with better materials and features, upgraded infotainment, expanded advanced driver assistance systems, and a choice of two powerful engines.
The base engine is a 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Ford also offers a twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that’s found in the Bronco and F-150.
For a smaller truck, the Ranger feels quick and agile on the road. The 10-speed transmission manages to corral the I-4’s horses without overdoing it. The Ranger is equally capable in off-road situations, thanks to its fully boxed frame and standard 4×4 with locking rear differential.
The Ranger’s interior is well laid out, with a digital gauge cluster and an easy-to-use Sync 4A infotainment system with a new 10-inch vertical touchscreen. It’s one of the best-looking systems in this class, and Ford smartly placed physical climate controls under the screen rather than on it.
Value
With the Ranger fully redesigned for 2024, Ford has made it a stronger midsize pickup. Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver while still offering big truck capability. Its cabin has been improved and it now offers a lot of the latest driver assistance features seen in its bigger, F-Series siblings.
Ford’s excellent Sync 4A infotainment system is standard and it works well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for mobile device integration. My XLT test vehicle also had keyless entry and start which was a nice touch, but to get push-button ignition on the Ranger XLT you’ll need to shell out for the Lariat.
There are lots of optional extras for the Ranger, including a spray-in bedliner and cargo tie-down hooks for an additional $400. My test vehicle had the optional Touring Pack that adds front parking sensors, a surround-view camera and an enhanced parking assist.
Safety is a high priority for Ford and the Ranger was awarded maximum five-stars in ANCAP crash testing. Nine airbags are fitted, including dual front, twin rear side, front centre and driver’s knee bags as well as full-length curtain coverage. The Ranger is covered by a competitive warranty and offers four years of capped-price servicing.