The Ranger has been a household name in the Ford truck lineup that dates to 1958 with the Edsel Ranger and eventually as a trim package on F-Series trucks. In 1983 it became its own line of compact trucks. The compact truck went on hiatus from 2012-2018 and then returned as mid-size truck to compete with others like Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. 2024 marks the second generation of the mid-size Ranger with fresh styling, more towing technology, convenient storage features, plus an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 for added power.
The Ranger is available in four trims known as XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor. All trims, except the Raptor, are available with rear wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Raptor is exclusively an off-road ready 4x4. There are three different powertrains available starting with the base engine which is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Also available is the new twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter six-cylinder with 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. And pushing out the most power is the Raptor exclusive twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
Prices for the Ranger start at $32,820 for a 4x2 XL or $36,465 for a 4x4 XL. Top end Raptor models start at $55,720. Competition includes other mid-size trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. I spent a week in the Ranger Lariat that checked in at $52,300 with several options, and here’s what stood out.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Ranger adopts a more aggressive and modern look, borrowing styling cues from the Ford F-150. The front grille is bolder, with wider air intakes and sharper lines that give it a muscular presence on the road. The truck's overall silhouette is still compact compared to larger full-size pickups, but the added strength in the design language helps it stand out in a crowded segment. The Ranger is available in a variety of trims, including an off-road-focused Tremor package, which comes with a lifted suspension, off-road tires, and additional skid plates for those who plan to take it on more rugged adventures. An even more intense Ranger Raptor also joins the lineup.
Ranger Raptor
While I didn’t spend a week driving the Raptor version, I did have a chance to drive it at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. This truck is focused on the harder core trails and competes directly with the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Chevrolet Colorado Bison. The Ranger Raptor is designed for enthusiasts who want a truck capable of handling tough terrain and spirited driving, both on- and off-road. It comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine that delivers 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque via a 10-speed automatic. It comes with standard 4WD and an advanced terrain management system. It has its own suspension set-up with FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass dampers for enhanced off-road control and comfort.
On the exterior it features a bold "FORD" grille and aggressive styling. It has wide fenders to accommodate 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, functional air vents, skid plates, and tow hooks. It’s highly capable with reinforced underbody protection for rugged trails, improved ground clearance with a better approach, breakover, and departure angles. It also includes drive modes like Baja, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, and more for tackling various conditions as well as a trail cruise control system for off-road driving.
Performance & Handling
One of the big updates for the 2024 model is the expanded engine options. Ford has introduced a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft of torque, making the Ranger a serious player when it comes to towing and hauling. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4, carried over from previous models, still offers an excellent balance of power and fuel efficiency, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifting and good acceleration, whether you're on the highway or tackling off-road trails.
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine provides strong low-end torque, which results in quick acceleration, making the Ranger feel responsive both in city driving and on highways. It will get from 0-60 MPH in about 6.9 seconds. The Ranger provides more torque than competitors like the Toyota Tacoma's V6 or the Chevy Colorado's base engine, giving it an edge in towing and overall driving dynamics. I had no issues with power when merging on the highway and it continued to have enough pep for passing. The V6 will certainly provide even more, but I found the 2.3 EcoBoost to be plenty sufficient.
This new Ranger is much more refined than the previous generation offering a quiet and composed ride. Its general road manners are impressive; however, the steering could use a dose more of refinement. Steering is less precise and feels vague. Overall, the 2024 Ranger strikes a good balance between rugged capability and on-road comfort. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps, whether you're driving over city potholes or rough trails.
Towing Capacity
The Ranger's towing capacity has also improved, with the max rating now up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it a solid choice for those who need to tow trailers, boats, or small RVs. Should you plan to tow, it may be worth the upgrade to the new 2.7L V6 that will provide more power. Payload is estimated at around 1,860 pounds, making it one of the best in the class.
My test truck came with Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist which greatly improves trailering. Once set up, the system enables the driver to steer the trailer using a dedicated knob on the dashboard to direct the trailer. The system automatically manages the steering, throttle, and brakes of the truck. Ford uses cameras and sensors to track the trailer's position and guide its movements. This feature greatly reduces the learning curve for drivers unfamiliar with towing and reversing trailers. It also minimizes the risks of accidents and reduces stress on the driver. The system is slick and intuitive to use.
Fuel Economy
Overall fuel economy will vary depending on the Ranger trim / powertrain you choose, but regardless it offers decent fuel economy compared to others in the class. The general breakdown of EPA estimates is as follows:
• Turbo-four, RWD: 21/25 mpg city/highway
• Turbo-four, 4WD: 20/24 mpg city/highway
• Turbo-six, 4WD: 19/23 mpg city/highway
• Turbo-six, 4WD (Raptor): 16/18 mpg city/highway
Interior /Technology
Inside, the 2024 Ranger has been significantly upgraded and the most improved attribute of the new truck. The cabin features more premium materials, with soft-touch surfaces and a more modern layout. The center console is redesigned for easier access, and there's better storage throughout the cabin. Storage is a big improvement with deeper console bins, cup holders, and rear-seat space for larger items.
Drivers will face a 12.4” digital gauge display and Ford has integrated its SYNC 4 system, which includes an 8-inch or optional 12-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. The interface is intuitive and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation available. The system is user-friendly, and the larger screen option is especially nice for drivers who want a more expansive view of their infotainment. It maintains physical controls for climate control in addition to those found within the touchscreen. The dual purpose may seem repetitive, but it does offer the driver the choice to their personal preference. Other available features include a wireless device charging tray, navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote start, in-bed power outlets, a universal garage door opener and ambient interior lighting.
Seating
The Ranger seats five in its four-door Crew Cab configuration. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats come standard. Leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and heated and power-adjustable front seats with memory settings for the driver are available. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of space, and the rear seats in the crew cab are surprisingly roomy for the segment. It offers substantial head and legroom in all seats.
Cargo
Exclusively offered as a Crew Cab, the Ranger now boasts a 5-foot bed with 43.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is commendable for a truck its size. Its 4-foot width conveniently allows for fitting plywood snugly between the wheel wells, and payload capacity ranges between 1,375 and 1,805 pounds. Extra storage is also available beneath the rear seats, and the seat backs can be folded flat to accommodate additional cargo.
Safety
In terms of safety, the Ranger comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assistance features that include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer additional safety tech like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, making the Ranger a solid choice for those who prioritize safety.
Final Statement
When the Ranger first returned in 2019, it felt like it was a generation behind. This new 2024 truck fixes most of the criticisms that Ford faced when the Ranger was pitted against top competitors. With a variety of engine choices, including the new high-powered, Ranger Raptor, there are far more options to find one that suits your lifestyle. The interior gets a ‘most-improved’ award with impressive materials and much better technology. Whether you’re looking for a work truck, play truck, or an all-round commuter truck, the Range is a viable option worth taking for a drive.
First Impression Summary
Test Vehicle: 2024 Ford Ranger Supercrew 4x4 Lariat
Exterior Color: Velocity Blue MetallicInterior Color: Sandstone Leather
Notable Options: A/T Tires, Locking Differential, Chrome Appearance Package, 18” Chrome Wheels, ProTrailer Backup Assist, Running Boards, Integrated box sidestep, Keyless Keypad, Bedlines Toughbed Spray
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $52,300
Pros: Powertrain options, updated interior, capability (towing/payload)
Cons: Unresponsive steering, high prices
