The 2024 Ford Ranger makes a bold entrance with a redesigned exterior and promising performance figures, positioning itself as a strong contender in the mid-size truck segment. Boasting impressive towing capacity and the introduction of a more powerful engine option, the new Ranger aims to blend work-ready capability with modern features. However, a closer inspection reveals a mix of commendable attributes and areas that might leave drivers wanting more, especially when considering its price point against competitors and even larger, used trucks. This review delves into the details of the 2024 Ford Ranger, weighing its performance, interior comfort, technology, and overall value to help you determine if it aligns with your needs and expectations in a modern pickup.
Engine Options and Performance: Power and Towing Capabilities
Under the hood, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers a couple of compelling engine choices designed to cater to different performance needs. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a familiar workhorse carried over from the previous generation, delivering a solid 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine proves to be quite capable for everyday tasks and even demanding jobs, offering a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. For those seeking more grunt, Ford introduces a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, shared with the Bronco and F-150, which bumps the output to an impressive 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade promises enhanced passing power and improved performance when hauling heavier loads or tackling steep inclines, maintaining its muscle even at higher altitudes thanks to the turbocharging. Both engines are paired with a smooth and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, contributing to a refined driving experience.
Image alt text: 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat model in towing test with XTR off-road trailer, showcasing towing capability.
During test drives, the 2.3-liter engine demonstrated adequate power for most situations, especially when unladen. The transmission’s responsiveness was particularly noteworthy, adeptly selecting the right gear to optimize both performance and fuel efficiency. However, when pushed on mountain roads at higher elevations, the engine felt like it had limited reserve power, suggesting that the 2.7-liter V6 might be a worthwhile upgrade for those who frequently demand more from their truck. Fuel economy is respectable for the class, with the 2.3-liter 4×4 variant achieving a combined 22 mpg, while the 2.7-liter 4×4 manages 20 mpg combined.
Towing and Payload: Work-Ready Stats
The 2024 Ford Ranger stands out with its robust towing and payload figures. Both the 2.3-liter and 2.7-liter engine options, when equipped with the towing package, can pull up to 7,500 pounds, placing it at the higher end of the mid-size truck segment. Even with a basic bumper-mounted hitch, the Ranger can still manage a respectable 3,500 pounds. Payload capacity is also commendable, exceeding 1,800 pounds in certain configurations, making it well-suited for hauling gear and equipment. These figures suggest that the Ranger is genuinely capable for both work and recreational towing needs, from trailers and boats to construction materials and outdoor equipment.
Ride and Handling: Comfort and Steering Feel
On the road, the 2024 Ford Ranger delivers a ride quality that is surprisingly comfortable for a pickup truck, especially when the bed is empty. Often, trucks can feel bouncy or jittery without a load, but the Ranger manages to maintain composure, offering a pleasant experience on various road surfaces. Braking performance is also strong, providing confident and swift stops, even when towing a trailer. However, the steering feel presents a mixed bag. While responsive, the steering can feel somewhat heavy and sticky, particularly at lower speeds, giving the impression of resistance. This sensation tends to lessen as speed increases, but it’s a characteristic that some drivers might find unusual or less refined compared to other vehicles in its class.
Interior Design and Quality: A Cabin of Contrasts
Stepping inside the 2024 Ford Ranger reveals an interior that is functional and feature-rich, yet somewhat lacking in the premium feel one might expect at its price point. The dashboard is dominated by a large, portrait-oriented infotainment screen, a modern touch that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s technology suite. However, the overall ambiance and material quality within the cabin are where opinions diverge.
Image alt text: Interior view of 2024 Ford Ranger showcasing dashboard with large infotainment screen and steering wheel.
The base cloth seats in the XLT trim are described as adequate but not particularly comfortable, with thin material and minimal cushioning reminiscent of budget-oriented seat covers. Upgrading to the Lariat trim brings leather upholstery, which significantly improves the perceived quality and comfort of the seats, arguably making it a worthwhile step up for those prioritizing interior refinement. Rear seats offer comparable comfort to the front, a plus for passenger-carrying duties, and they feature a fold-up and fold-down design to enhance cargo versatility within the cab.
However, the interior fit and finish raise some concerns. Panel gaps and material transitions in the pre-production test vehicles were noted as being less refined than desired, suggesting potential cost-cutting measures. Button feel was also criticized as being less tactile and decisive than expected. While these were pre-production models, and improvements might be made in final production versions, it’s an area prospective buyers should scrutinize.
Technology and Features: Infotainment and Driver Aids
The 2024 Ford Ranger incorporates a suite of modern technology features, headlined by its prominent infotainment system. Higher trims boast a large, vertically oriented touchscreen that controls various vehicle functions, from navigation and media to climate settings and vehicle apps. While the screen is visually impressive, its vertical orientation and positioning might not be optimally angled for both driver and passenger, potentially requiring more eye diversion from the road to operate effectively. Climate controls are thankfully retained as physical buttons, a welcome ergonomic touch, but features like heated seats and steering wheel are relegated to on-screen menus, which can be less convenient to access while driving.
Image alt text: Close-up of 2024 Ford Ranger interior showing panel gaps and material quality concerns in pre-production model.
The digital gauge cluster is another tech-forward element, though opinions on its aesthetic are subjective. While digital displays can present more information, the reviewer found the implementation in the Ranger less appealing than traditional analog gauges, citing a somewhat generic and less elegant look. A standout tech feature is the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a system borrowed from larger Ford trucks that simplifies trailer reversing maneuvers using a rotary dial and camera views. While innovative, the reviewer found it less intuitive and efficient than traditional mirror-based trailer backing in the Ranger, suggesting its benefits might be more pronounced in larger, less maneuverable trucks.
Value Proposition and Final Verdict: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The 2024 Ford Ranger presents a compelling package on paper, offering strong towing and payload capabilities, modern technology, and a redesigned look. However, when considering its price point, which starts higher than its predecessor and can quickly escalate with options and trims, questions about its overall value arise. The review suggests that for the price of a well-equipped new Ranger, one could potentially purchase a moderately used full-size F-150, which offers even greater capability and interior space. Alternatively, the Nissan Frontier is mentioned as a more affordable and ergonomically pleasing mid-size truck option, albeit with less powerful engine options.
Image alt text: 2024 Ford Ranger in heroic outdoor setting, emphasizing its rugged design and appeal.
The review also touches upon Ford’s recent recall history, noting that while the company is working to improve quality, it remains a factor to consider. Ultimately, the 2024 Ford Ranger is described as a capable truck with some appealing features, but its interior quality and value proposition are questioned. It might best suit buyers who prioritize towing capacity and modern technology in a mid-size package and are willing to overlook some interior shortcomings. For those seeking maximum comfort and refinement, or those on a tighter budget, exploring alternatives like used full-size trucks or competitors in the mid-size segment might be prudent.
| 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 Specs |
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| Base Price (approx. as tested) |
| Powertrain |
| Horsepower |
| Torque |
| Max Payload |
| Max Towing |
| Off-Road Angles (4×4) |
| Ground Clearance (4×4) |
| Fuel Economy |
| Quick Take |
| Score |
