The Ford Ranger has been a staple in the mid-size truck market for years, and the 2024 model marks the beginning of its fifth generation since its US comeback in 2019. After spending a week behind the wheel of the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT, it’s clear this truck has evolved, but in a world of increasingly aggressive and powerful pickups, where does the Ranger stand? This Ford Ranger review dives into the details, comparing it to its predecessors and the competition, including its own wild sibling, the Ranger Raptor.
The previous time I had a Ford Ranger for a week was in 2021. That 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat with the Tremor package was a capable and comfortable truck. It was nimble, easy to park, and perfect for those everyday tasks and weekend projects. It wasn’t trying to be something it wasn’t; it was just a solid, reliable mid-size truck. Fast forward to the 2024 Ford Ranger, and while the core practicality remains, the landscape of trucks has shifted dramatically.
Imagine attending a black-tie gala in a well-tailored suit, only to find everyone else has arrived in superhero costumes and full battle armor. That’s the 2024 Ford Ranger in today’s truck market. It’s respectable, functional, and gets the job done, but it’s not trying to compete in the horsepower wars or off-road dominance battles that have become increasingly common. In a world where trucks are often marketed as extreme machines, the Ranger takes a more grounded approach.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For many buyers, the over-the-top nature of some modern trucks is overkill. The Ranger occupies a space for those who need a truck for practical purposes – work, home projects, and some weekend adventures – without needing to conquer the Baja desert or tow a small house.
For 2024, the Ford Ranger sports a redesigned exterior, giving it a more muscular and modern appearance. The sharper lines and rugged front fascia hint at capability, but it’s still a more understated design compared to some of its rivals. The trim levels for the 2024 Ranger start with the base XL, a no-frills work truck. Stepping up to the XLT, the model tested here, adds more comfort and tech features without becoming overly luxurious. Finally, the Lariat trim offers leather upholstery and additional technology for a more premium feel.
Under the hood of the standard 2024 Ford Ranger is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and offers both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations. Is this engine powerful enough? For most daily driving and typical truck tasks, absolutely. It provides ample power for commuting, hauling, and even towing up to 7,500 pounds. However, in a world where some trucks boast V8s and horsepower figures exceeding 700, the Ranger’s engine can feel… adequate. It’s not going to win any drag races, but it will reliably get the job done.
Image showing the interior of the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT, highlighting its functional and comfortable design, perfect for everyday use – Ford Ranger XLT interior review.
The model tested was the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT. The XLT trim hits a sweet spot, offering a good balance of features and value. Inside, the cabin is functional and comfortable. The materials are durable and feel appropriate for a truck, and the layout is user-friendly. While not overtly luxurious, the XLT provides enough creature comforts for daily driving and longer trips.
Comparing the 2024 Ford Ranger to the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is like comparing a well-trained sheepdog to a wolf. They share a lineage, but their purposes are vastly different. The standard Ranger is the practical, everyday truck. It’s capable of towing and hauling, comfortable for daily commutes, and can handle light off-road duties. The ride quality is decent, and the technology, while not cutting-edge, is functional and easy to use. It’s a truck that prioritizes practicality and reliability over flash and bravado.
Image showcasing the exterior of the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT, emphasizing its redesigned muscular look and practical bed size for work and weekend tasks – Ford Ranger XLT exterior review.
Then there’s the Ranger Raptor. This is where Ford injects adrenaline into the Ranger lineup. The Raptor swaps the four-cylinder engine for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, boosting output to 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant leap in performance, transforming the Ranger from a capable work truck into a high-performance off-road machine.
The Raptor’s upgrades go far beyond just the engine. It features a high-performance Fox Racing suspension, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and robust skid plates. The suspension is engineered for high-speed off-roading, allowing it to handle jumps, rough terrain, and challenging trails with confidence. The visual differences are also striking. The Ranger Raptor boasts flared fenders, a more aggressive grille, and numerous rugged styling cues, making it clear that this is no ordinary Ranger. It’s built for those who want to push the limits off-road and make a statement while doing it.
Image displaying the 2024 Ford Ranger’s Pro-Trailer Back-Up Assist feature, highlighting its technology designed for ease of towing and practicality – Ford Ranger towing review.
Of course, the Raptor comes at a significantly higher price point. It’s a premium off-road performance truck, while the standard Ranger, particularly in XL and XLT trims, is positioned as a more budget-conscious option for buyers who need truck capabilities without the extreme performance or price tag.
In conclusion, the 2024 Ford Ranger occupies a unique space in the current truck market. It’s not trying to be the loudest, most powerful, or most extreme truck out there. Instead, it focuses on being a reliable, practical, and capable mid-size truck that can handle everyday tasks and weekend adventures without unnecessary frills. In a world of automotive hyperbole, the Ranger is a refreshingly sensible choice. It’s the “just here to do my job” truck, perfectly content to be the quiet achiever in a segment often dominated by showboats. For buyers seeking a dependable and versatile mid-size truck that won’t break the bank, the 2024 Ford Ranger is definitely worth considering. However, if you crave adrenaline-pumping performance and off-road prowess, the Ranger Raptor is waiting to unleash its wild side.
Image of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor front view, showcasing its aggressive styling and off-road ready design, contrasting with the standard Ranger – Ford Ranger Raptor review.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT Specifications:
- MSRP: $37,255
- MSRP (as tested): $40,748
- Engine: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost
- Horsepower: 270 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed shiftable automatic
- Fuel Economy (EPA): 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined mpg
- Fuel Economy (as tested mixed conditions): 25 mpg
- Curb weight: 4,415 lbs
- Max Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs
- Max Payload Capacity: 1,711 lbs
Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: 210.6 inches
- Overall width with mirrors: 86.7 inches
- Height: 74.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 128.7 inches
- Bed length: 59.6 inches
- Ground clearance: 9.3 inches
Interior Dimensions:
- Front head room: 41.0 inches
- Front leg room: 43.7 inches
- Front shoulder room: 57.1 inches
- Front hip room: 55.9 inches
- Rear head room: 39.8 inches
- Rear leg room: 34.6 inches
- Rear shoulder room: 56.7 inches
- Rear hip room: 54.1 inches
Warranty:
- 3 Basic Years / 36,000 Basic Miles
- 5 Drivetrain Years / 60,000 Drivetrain Miles
- 5 Corrosion Years / Unlimited Corrosion Miles
- 5 Roadside Assistance Years / 60,000 Roadside Assistance Miles
Image showing the rear of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, emphasizing its aggressive stance and off-road focused design elements – Ford Ranger Raptor off-road review.
Image inside the bed of the 2024 Ford Ranger, demonstrating its cargo space and utility for various hauling needs – Ford Ranger bed size review.
