The “new” Ranger isn’t all that new. However, the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger is updated and improves on the previous version of this midsize truck.
The Ranger redesign arrived with a bolder front-end styling that’s reminiscent of the larger Ford F-150. The ride and interior are more sophisticated, yet the Ranger still maintains its workhorse capability. It slots between the smaller Maverick and the larger F-150 in the Ford truck lineup.
The Ranger, which hit a high note with sales of 348,358 in 1999, disappeared at U.S. dealerships for seven years, starting in 2011. It did immediately resurface internationally, but didn’t come back to U.S. markets until 2018, essentially a version of the Ranger that had been sold overseas for several years.
With sales sliding from 101,486 in 2020 to 39,364 in 2023, Ford apparently decided it was time for a change. The consensus is the changes could have been more extensive.
The four-door Ranger has a modified version of the previous frame that extends the wheelbase by about two inches. What some folks might not like with the 2024 Ranger is it has only one bed length and cab configuration – a crew cab with a five-foot bed. There are four trim levels – XL, XLT, Lariat and the new Raptor that’s built with off-roading in mind.
The pickup truck is a bit pricey, starting at approximately $32,700. There’s some stiff competition, including the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma, which all have received recent redesigns, making the midsize truck class more competitive than ever before.
There’s no change in the base engine of the Ranger. It’s still a turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder that produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and has a 10-speed automatic transmission. Despite being a little sluggish at low speeds, it’s still capable of going 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
The Ranger does offer a more performance-laden engine, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter, V6 that generates 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque and is also paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Naturally the V6 is faster, covering 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive an option in all but the upscale Raptor model. Maximum trailer capacity is 7,500 pounds. Fuel economy is about the same – 21-25 mpg for the four-cylinder and 19-23 mpg with the V6.
AT A GLANCE – 2024 FORD RANGER
- Performance: turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 270 horsepower; twin-turbo 2.7-liter, V6, 405 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 21-25 mpg; 19-23 mpg
- Price estimate: $32,700 to $55,600
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
It’s a pickup truck, so no one expects the Ranger to possess the driving acumen of a good sedan or crossover SUV. But the ride is smoother than previous models and better than some of its competition. The steering remains light and numb, even though the cornering and maneuvering in parking lots has improved.
The Ranger cabin comes with a lot of Ford’s latest technology and driver assistance features, making it more modernized than many midsize trucks. The controls are placed within easy reach of the driver and the 10.1-inch touchscreen is an improvement over the previous 8-inch version. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration systems connect wirelessly.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. We liked that the steering wheel has lots of adjustment range, allowing any driver to get in their comfort zone. The second row bench seating lacks the leg room taller adults will require, but it’s more than enough for kids.
A nice touch is the hidden upper glovebox in the dashboard, storage under the pickup’s rear seat and large door pocket cubicles.
Even though the redesign could be more comprehensive, we like the overall improvements to the 2024 Ford Ranger that should make it more competitive with its many rival trucks.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.
