Between July and September this year, Ford moved close to 200,000 F-Series trucks (think F-150, F-250, and F-350), while the smaller Ford Ranger sold just 15,500 units.
It’s a striking gap, especially since the Ranger isn’t lacking when it comes to capability. It stands high, has that unmistakable truck design, and tows up to 7,500 pounds—enough for most trailers and even a good-sized speedboat.
Driving a Ranger XLT 4×4 for 30 minutes showed me this truck could easily handle daily needs and then some. It’s well-suited for people who think they need a full-size but actually don’t. The 2024 Ranger might change minds, but “mid-size” and “four-cylinder” are still a tough sell in the U.S. truck market.
The Practical Appeal of the Ranger
The 2024 redesign makes the Ranger look closer to the popular F-150, bringing it in line with its bigger sibling’s style. But the difference isn’t just cosmetic. The Ranger’s size makes it a lot easier to manage in tight spots, parking lots, or city streets.
It’s built for those who want truck performance without the hassle of handling a larger model. It even has a slightly sloped hood for better forward visibility, which is something full-size trucks struggle with. It’s just easier to live with overall, and that’s a big plus.
Essential Truck Features without the Overkill
Ford offers an Advanced Towing and Tech Package on the Ranger, which gives you some of the same handy features you’d find on an F-Series. This includes a trailer backup assist, a trailer brake controller, and automatic light testing. You also get extra sensors and adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition, which makes towing and daily driving a little easier.
Engine and Towing: Enough Power for Most Jobs
The Ranger’s 2.3-liter turbo-four engine delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which sounds modest compared to a V8 but is more than enough for a truck this size.
Weighing about 1,000 pounds lighter than the F-150, the Ranger handles trailers comfortably without a struggle. The power delivery was smooth on a short test towing a utility trailer, and it felt strong enough for anything but the heaviest loads.
Without a trailer, the Ranger holds its own on the highway. It feels about as quick as my 5.3-liter V8 Silverado 1500 thanks to its lighter weight. Its suspension is also surprisingly smooth for a smaller truck, handling rough roads well. After 700 miles, my fuel average hit 23.7 mpg, beating the EPA’s estimates.
Inside the Ranger: Simple but Functional
The interior of the Ranger XLT isn’t flashy, but it’s practical. Most of the cabin is gray and black plastic, with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster that’s clear but basic. There’s a slot for an old-fashioned metal key on the steering column—a nice touch for anyone who’s lost track of a key fob one too many times.
Ford also keeps it straightforward with physical buttons for climate and audio controls on the steering wheel and below the standard 10-inch touchscreen. The optional 12-inch screen in the 301A package offers a bit more control and ease of use, though there was some lag at times, especially when adjusting climate settings.
Maneuverability and Road Comfort
Ford lists the Ranger’s turning circle at 42.5 feet, which is about four feet less than an F-150 SuperCrew. This makes the Ranger nimble enough to navigate narrow spaces, and the smaller wheelbase helps when reversing with a trailer. One small downside is the road and wind noise at higher speeds, which becomes noticeable enough to talk about.
The Maverick Tremor: A Smaller Alternative Worth Noting
While looking at the Ranger, last year’s Ford Maverick Tremor deserves a quick mention as a solid, smaller truck option. The Maverick Tremor has a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with standard all-wheel drive, making it ideal for those who want truck utility without needing the towing power or size of the Ranger. Priced lower, the Maverick Tremor is great for urban drivers who only need occasional light-duty towing or hauling, and it provides a budget-friendly alternative in Ford’s lineup.
Ranger vs. F-150: Let’s Talk Price
The Ranger XLT 4×4 I drove cost $46,619, including the base price, the 301A package, and the Advanced Towing and Tech packages. At first glance, that sounds like F-150 money, and it is—sort of. For the same price, you’d only get a base F-150 STX with two-wheel drive and minimal options. You could drop down to the entry-level XL for a SuperCrew at a similar price, but again, it’d come with fewer options and a very basic interior. An F-150 with features comparable to this Ranger XLT would cost over $60,000, making the Ranger a smart option if you don’t need the size.
Final Thoughts: The Full-Size Alternative That Holds Up
The F-150 has long been the standard in the truck market, and its reputation keeps buyers coming back. However, the Ranger offers a very capable alternative for those who don’t need the size or power of an F-150. It has all the essentials of a full-size truck—strong towing ability, durability, and practical tech features—in a more manageable package that’s easier on the wallet.
The Ranger delivers everything you’d expect from a truck in a way that fits into daily life, proving that the right truck doesn’t always have to be the biggest one.
