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CHATHAM, Mass. – Ford continues to answer America’s demand for better pickup trucks, of all sizes, with the introduction of an all-new Ranger mid-size family for 2024.
Completely redesigned interior providing more amenities and technology along with a reengineered platform for both improved off-road performance and more comfortable ride make the new Ranger a worthy little brother to Ford’s iconic F-150 full-size pickup.
We spent a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCrew 4×4 (with FX4 Off-Road Package, a $1,445 option) which included a 650-mile trip from Cape Cod to Northern New Jersey. Even with the off-road suspension configuration and pickup-truck underpinnings, the overall experience was enjoyable for myself and my partner and allowed us to transport a couple of bicycles to a daughter in West Hartford.
Powerful and efficient under the hood
The review unit came with the standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine which produces 270 horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque. The power flows through a 10-speed automatic SelectShift® transmission and, as part of the FX4 package, a shift-on-the-fly (with a console-mounted dial) part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system.
Road conditions did not allow for testing the 4WD system in anything other than 2High but I was not disappointed by either the on-road performance or fuel efficiency.
Pressing the accelerator brought on the motivation I wanted when I wanted it, regardless of whether merging onto the interstate or trying to pass slower vehicles on uphill portions of the highway. Car and Driver’s testing returned 0-60 miles-per-hour times of 6.2 seconds with the four-cylinder – a terrific result for a 4,415-pound, 210.6-inch-long, pickup.
In addition, despite the less-than-optimal aerodynamic profile (the Ranger sits 74.4 inches high offering a large front end to the air) and weight, the truck returned an overall 22.9 miles per gallon, a bit better than the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s 22 mpg rating (20 urban, 24 highway).
And the truck is rated to pull a trailer of up to 7,500 pounds and has an available payload capacity of 1,805 pounds.
Platform gets a makeover
Ford’s truck engineers paid special attention to the Ranger’s platform for the new version. The fully boxed high-strength-steel frame was improved with the wheelbase and track stretched about two inches (to 128.7 inches and 63.8, respectively). This provided more bed space and improved stability without negatively impacting off roading.
The rear shocks/shock mounts were moved outboard of the frame rails (for improved ride and control) and off-roading benefited from increased ground clearance (to 9.3 inches) and better approach and departure angles (now 30.2 inches and 25.8 respectively).
The basic suspension components consist of a short- and long-arm independent setup in the front with tubular stabilizer bar, while the rear has a Hotchkiss-type non-independent live one with leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers.
The four-wheel power disc brake system with four-sensor, four-channel antilock braking system (ABS) and AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control features 12.24- x 1.33-inch discs, 2.0-inch twin piston calipers, non-asbestos organic pads up front and 12.12- x 0.94-inch discs, 2.12-inch single piston calipers, non-asbestos organic pads in the rear.
The XLT sports 17-inch gray-painted aluminum wheels mounting 255/70R17 A/T (all-terrain) black-sidewall tires.
The pieces all add up to a vehicle which rides firm, but not harsh (even with an empty 59.6-inch bed). I did not hear any complaints from my traveling partner, even when we encountered roads which were not in great condition.
Ford CoPilot-360™ brings modern ADAS
The 2024 Ranger XLT comes with the Ford CoPilot-360™, the company’s umbrella name for its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The system featured Auto High Beams; BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and trailer coverage; Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB); Rearview Camera; Intersection Assist; Active Park Assist 2.0; Evasive Steering Assist; Post Collision Braking; Intelligent Speed Limiter; Forward Collision Warning; Reverse Brake Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go.
The review model also featured the optional ($2,305) Advanced Towing Package Plus Technology Package which brings a 360-degree surround view monitor which made parking in malls and supermarket-lots a breeze.
The package also brought trailer brake controller; pro trailer backup assist; reverse park aid with trailer guidance; adaptive cruise control with stop and go; front parking sensors; enhanced-active-park assist, and connected built-in navigation.
Again, all of these technological features made driving the pickup simple and easy for a non-pickup person like me. It took the pressure off maneuvering the large vehicle, regardless of traffic conditions.
Technology at the forefront on the interior
A 12.4-inch customizable digital cluster greets the driver from behind the manually adjustable steering wheel, but it is the vertically (tablet) oriented 12-inch center touch screen which grabs the attention of everyone who enters the 2024 Ranger’s cab.
The large screen comes as part of the XLT High Equipment Group ($1,045 option) which also brings power-adjustable heated front seats, the dual-zone automatic climate-control system and power-sliding rear window.
The screen is the heart of Ford’s SYNC®4A infotainment system as well as controls for the climate-control system as well general vehicle settings.
Storage areas are tucked into the dash, center console and all four doors was well as a hidden bin under the rear seat. Folding down the rear seatback provides a flat platform for in-cabin loading of stuff the driver wants to keep off the cloth seats.
This is a very livable pickup truck.
A Range(r) worthy of consideration
Ford knows pickup trucks as evidenced by its global leadership in selling these multi-use vehicles. The Ranger represents the brand’s offering of a capable pickup a bit smaller than the F series.
The two-wheel-drive XL leads off the Ranger family at $32,800 while the high-performance, off-road specialist Ranger Raptor anchors it at $55,720.
The XLT 4×4 like I reviewed has a $41,535. The options mentioned above as well as a few others (like the Azure Gray Metallic Tri-coat paint at $995 and spray-in bedliner at $495) as well as the $1,595 destination charge, brought the as-reviewed price to $47,840.
This is a lot of money, but it brings a lot of truck. A truck which performs better than one might expect while providing a comfortable, efficient ride. This could be the right answer for someone who wants/needs a pickup-truck’s capabilities, especially with some off-road chops, but cannot handle a full-size machine.
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