2024 Ford Ranger – ford.com | Shop 2024 Ford Ranger on Carsforsale.com
The 2024 Ford Ranger is entirely new, kicking off the fifth generation of Ford’s midsize pickup. It competes in a reinvigorated segment with the likes of the new Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma breathing down its neck. Sporting mini-F-150 looks, the all-new Ranger has grown about 2 inches in the wheelbase and track measurements.
Engineers also moved the rear shocks outboard of the frame rails to improve ride comfort and the truck now comes only as a crew cab with a 5-foot bed. Other updates include 4 feet of space between the rear wheel wells, and a new twin-turbo V6 powertrain option. However, the addition of a Raptor variant to the lineup is creating the most buzz.
Strong and stronger engines
Long list of modern technology
Mini F-150 looks
No more 6-foot bed
Light on luxuries
On the expensive side
The Ranger gets competitive
In XL, XLT, or Lariat trim, the 2024 Ford Ranger is powered by a turbocharged 2.3L inline-4 making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.7L twin-turbo V6 with 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque should join the lineup at some point this year, though it is not currently set up as an option for the online configurator.
All Rangers feature Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels with 4WD a roughly $3,500 option. Unless you go the Raptor route, which is 4WD-only. This hardcore off-roader also gets an exclusive – and potent – engine. A twin-turbo 3.0L V6, this motor is turned up to 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It’ll guzzle gas at the rate of 17 mpg combined versus 22 mpg combined for the base motor and 20 mpg combined for the 2.7L unit.
But the point of the Raptor is to hit sweet jumps, not sip fuel, and to that end, it’s up to the task with reinforced suspension mounting points, nearly 11 inches of ground clearance, a wider track, specialty Fox Live Valve dampers, and more.
The Raptor also takes a hit on the towing front where it is rated for up to 5,510 pounds. That’s well off the mark of 7,500 pounds set by the rest of the 2024 Ranger lineup. A mark that is within 200 pounds of the class-leading Chevy Colorado, which we compare to the Ranger here.
Unlike its full-size F-150 stablemate, the Ranger does not lean heavily into luxury when it comes to the cabin. Leather is standard on Lariat models, but it’s not of the fancy quilted or two-tone variety. Entry-level XL trucks come with a utility-friendly vinyl floor and cloth seats, while heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control require the top-spec Lariat.
All models seat 5 occupants as part of the standard crew cab configuration. New for 2024, the rear seat folds flat for easier loading of cargo and offers an under-seat storage compartment. The standard 5-foot cargo bed includes 6 tie-down points and available LED lighting, but again, there is nothing trick or especially impressive about it. But helpfully, there is now a 4-foot wide space between the rear wheel wells.
All 2024 Rangers come with wireless Apple and Android smartphone mirroring and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Base models manage these systems via a 10-inch central touchscreen, while the Lariat and Raptor feature a 12-inch unit. These models also come with a 10-speaker audio system from Bang & Olufsen and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster.
Ford fits every 2024 Ranger with 6 airbags and SOS Post-Crash Alert, but only forward collision mitigation and automatic high beams are standard advanced driver aids. So far, neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has tested the new Ranger, though the 2023 model earned 4 stars overall in NHTSA crash testing.
The base 2024 Ranger XL – which is $3,000 more than an entry-level Chevy Colorado – comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, black cloth upholstery, and black vinyl flooring. These models also feature an 8-inch instrument panel screen, a 10-inch central touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, a 6-speaker stereo system, and dual front USB ports.
XLT models have LED bed lighting and fog lamps, remote engine start, a manual sliding rear window, and power outlets in the cargo bed. Cabin amenities include carpeted flooring, a choice of black or tan cloth seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A wireless charging pad, a digital rearview mirror, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert round out the tech features and these models have access to several optional packages.
Highlights include the $1,560 Technology package that brings adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, and connected navigation. There’s also the $1,295 FX4 package that features off-road tires and dampers, steel bash plates, Trail Control, and more.
In Lariat trim, the 2024 Ranger features heated side mirrors, zone lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and 18-inch wheels. These models also come with a power-sliding rear window and heat and leather for the front seats and steering wheel. The tech roster includes adaptive cruise control, self-parking on 4WD models, surround view monitor, dual 12-inch cabin displays, and a 10-speaker audio system.
The range-topping Raptor sports heavy-duty skid plates, 33-inch all-terrain tires, Fox Racing shocks, locking front and rear axles, a coil-sprung rear suspension, and Trail Control. Inside, the cabin gains bolstered front seats, orange accents throughout, 6 upfitter switches, and paddle shifters. Raptors also come standard with Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist tech and a trailer brake controller.
Looking over the 2024 Ford Ranger lineup, the XLT model is the best value as it comes with a deeper lineup of modern tech and access to optional packages for those who want even more. However, a 2024 Chevy Colorado in LT trim comes in nearly $4,000 cheaper, while featuring bigger cabin screens and more standard driver aids.
Chevrolet includes the first scheduled service on the house versus Ford which does not include any complimentary maintenance. Both automakers, however, have the same 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain term.
2024 Ford Ranger – ford.com | Shop 2024 Ford Ranger on Carsforsale.com
There is a lot to like about the 2024 Ford Ranger from its new looks and upgraded chassis to the wide array of modern technology. Of course, the addition of a Raptor model is the most exciting aspect, but it will cost you dearly. With all the bells and whistles, the Raptor just cracks $60,000.
This relatively high pricing is an overall downside to the new Ranger, as it starts several thousand dollars higher than Chevy’s midsize Colorado. So, be sure to consult the latest new car incentives before hitting the dealership.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor starts at $57,065 with destination charges included.
All 2024 Rangers, except the Raptor, can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Raptor is capped at 5,510 pounds.
The standard 5-foot-long cargo bed on the 2024 Ford Ranger measures 48.2 inches between the wheel wells.