Ford Ranger

Competes with: Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Chevrolet Colorado

Looks like: A Ranger with more aggressive styling cues, an updated headlight design and a more sculpted body

Powertrain: 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or newly available 315-hp, 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6, 10-speed automatic transmission, rear- or four-wheel drive (Ranger); 405-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6, 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive (Raptor)

Hits dealerships: Late summer; models with the 2.7-liter coming in late fall

Ford is launching its 2024 Ranger with some big promises: The automaker is calling the latest iteration of its mid-size truck the most capable and connected Ranger yet. On the capability side, the Raptor off-road performance variant joins the Ranger lineup this year, adding to the automaker’s Raptor roster, which includes the F-150 Raptor and Bronco Raptor.

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In connectivity, the Ranger gets an updated multimedia system as well as loads more driver-assist features. The redesigned Ranger also gets more towing technology and added storage and convenience features along with a newly available 2.7-liter V-6.

A More Rugged Exterior

All Rangers wear an updated face with the automaker’s signature C-clamp headlight design. The 2024 Ranger will again be offered in XL, XLT and Lariat trims in crew-cab form, and each model wears a trim-specific grille. In back, the taillights continue the C-clamp design, and the models wear “Ranger” stamped across the tailgate.

The new Ranger grows in size for 2024; the truck has more ground clearance, and the wheelbase and track have been stretched about 2 inches. The Ranger’s rear shocks and shock mounts have also been moved outboard of the frame rails. Ford says these changes will provide more bed space along with improved stability.

A lot has changed in the back. A newly available integrated box side step sits behind the rear tires and is big enough to fit both feet for easy access to everything in the cargo box. Other bed updates include zoned bed lighting; a newly available 400-watt power inverter with an outlet to power camping and tailgating gadgets; and a redesigned tailgate that also doubles as a workbench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets.

The new Ranger Raptor wears a more aggressive look to match its chops. Extras include large “Ford” lettering on the grille, an all-steel bumper and bash plate, LED projector C-clamp headlights, flared fenders with functional fender vents and beefy 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain KO3 tires. The Raptor also adds reinforced front frame rails, front shock towers, rear shock brackets and suspension mounting points.

Power

The 2024 Ranger’s base engine carries over from the 2023 model: a 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 310 pounds-feet of torque. But for 2024, the Ranger gets a new powertrain option. Shared with the F-150 pickup truck and Bronco SUV, the new engine is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 that makes 315 hp and 400 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are again available, and an electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system built for on-demand off-road and low-traction capability is available.

The Raptor adds even more off-road-ability and power; Ford says the Ranger Raptor is the most powerful Ranger ever built. Power comes from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that makes 405 hp and 430 pounds-feet of torque.

Other Raptor upgrades include a Watts link rear suspension and class-exclusive 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve shocks, an advanced 4WD system, a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, and front and rear locking differentials for improved off-road traction. A driver-selectable drive mode system offers further tailoring to road conditions, featuring Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl and Baja modes.

Interior and Tech Upgrades

One big criticism of the last-generation Ranger was its dated, low-rent interior; a bland design and poor materials quality made the cabin standout in a bad way. Ford claims the new model is improved with upgraded materials and a more modern design; the new cabin also has more convenience and tech features that should make it more competitive against newer rivals.

On the tech side, there’s a standard 10.1-inch or available 12-inch center touchscreen that uses Ford’s Sync 4A infotainment system, which we’ve enjoyed using in the F-150. There’s also a standard 8-inch digital instrument cluster or available full-screen 12.4-inch cluster. Other tech upgrades include an available wireless charger, a standard embedded 4G LTE modem and the ability to get over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Ranger has more available driver-assist features, too, to make off-roading and backing up a trailer easier. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system combines an integrated trailer brake controller and 360-degree camera to make steering a trailer while backing up easier, and the Trailer Reverse Guidance system uses cameras to show angles and monitor conditions surrounding the truck to help provide real-time coaching on how to maneuver the trailer. Other safety and driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a blind spot system with trailering coverage, and an automatic parallel and perpendicular park assist system.

Ford also added several new and convenient storage features, such as a large center console storage bin, bigger door pockets designed to hold tools and an available second upper glove box. In addition, the second row gets some storage, too, with under-seat cargo bins. The rear seatbacks can also fold, which Ford says should make loading and moving large items easier.

The Raptor adds a Code Orange-colored sport steering wheel with cast-magnesium alloy paddle shifters, six overhead upfitter switches for off-road gear, Ford Performance front seats and premium materials trimmed in Code Orange.

Pricing and Release Date

The 2024 Ford Ranger will start at $34,160, above the 2023 Ranger’s $28,895 starting price (all prices include destination), and the Ranger Raptor will start at $56,960. Ford will begin taking orders later this month. The Ranger and Ranger Raptor will be assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., and go on sale in late summer; models with the 2.7-liter will go on sale in late fall.

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