Why the 2025 Ranger Deserves a Spot in Your Garage

For more than three decades, the Ford lineup has featured the Ranger as a dependable and smooth-riding midsize truck, appealing to drivers looking for a versatile pickup that can be used for both work and play. It was initially marketed as a compact truck, but today’s Ranger is a solid midsize option, offering more than just reliability and an enjoyable drive. We have a wide selection of Rangers to consider when you stop by Jim Ellis Ford, your local Ford dealer near Smyrna.

If you’re unfamiliar with our team, you will quickly see that we’re not your typical dealership; rather, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional customer service from our introductions to well beyond the sale. This is evidenced by the fact that our family of dealerships has earned the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence for over 20 consecutive years. We’re excited to help you find the right vehicle to meet your needs, so let’s explore the 2025 Ford Ranger and why we think it’s a strong contender if a new midsize truck is on your must-have list.

An Overview of the Ford Ranger

As mentioned, the Ranger initially debuted for the 1983 model year as a compact truck. It remained in this class until it returned after a brief hiatus in 2019 as a midsize option. The shift from compact to midsize was dramatic, giving drivers in Smyrna a more modern truck both inside and out with the latest advancements in technology and a turbocharged engine that offered up to 270 hp. 

Additionally, Ford’s engineers made it clear that the Ranger wasn’t just a way to get from point A to point B. It was also a way to enjoy the road less traveled, with up to 10.7 inches of ground clearance (depending on the trim level you choose), a terrain management system, and an optional tow package, with which drivers could haul up to 7,500 lbs.

Since its re-arrival on dealership lots, this truck has continued to evolve to meet demands. Today’s Ranger is part of its fifth generation, which debuted in the 2024 model year, bringing with it significant changes and the boldest Ranger yet. 

Diverse Capabilities

One of the main reasons drivers choose trucks is for the capabilities and flexibility they offer. Whether you need a truck for work, to help check off the boxes on your to-do list, or to enjoy an adventure after a long week on the job, trucks are a great option—and the Ford Ranger should be among the first you test drive, as it answers all these demands and then some.

First, the Ranger’s Raptor variant is the perfect companion for the trails, giving you a powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine and 10.7 inches of ground clearance. It also offers a selectable 4×4, along with front and rear locking differentials. Add to that the optional FX4 Off-Road package, and you’ll enjoy specially tuned shocks, an exposed steel bash plate, and an electronic-locking rear differential. Additionally, the Raptor’s Trail Control system allows you to focus on navigating the trails by controlling acceleration and braking during low-speed or off-road use. Even better is that the Off-Road Screen helps you see your “pitch” and “roll” angles for a more engaging adventure.

Off-roading isn’t all that the Ranger is capable of. As mentioned, when properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,500 lbs. Also, you can store the profiles of up to ten trailer configurations, allowing you to take full advantage of systems like Pro-Trailer Back-Up Assist, which is standard on the Raptor variant and available on the XLT and Lariat trims. Also available are the Trailer Light Check Function and Trailer Brake Controller, both giving you more confidence on the road.

Finally, Zone Lighting—which is standard on the Lariat and Raptor—allows you to light up the area around your truck, which is key when loading and unloading at night. In-Bed Power—which is a standard feature of the XLT, Lariat, and Raptor—gives you electricity when you need it most through a 120V/400W outlet.

Connectivity Tech

In our tech-driven world, having a vehicle that can keep up with you is more important than ever. With this in mind, you will be happy to see that the 2025 Ford Ranger is equipped with the brand’s signature SYNC 4A interface software. This technology gives you easy access to your favorite apps and directions by seamlessly connecting by Bluetooth or via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Additionally, thanks to voice commands, you can keep your eyes on the road as you operate this system. Speaking of, you will also appreciate the available 360-degree camera that gives you sightlines all around the truck, including a simulated bird’s-eye view that increases your confidence when navigating tight parking spaces and busy city streets.

As you slide into the driver’s seat of the 2025 Ford Ranger, you will quickly see the modern interior styling, with the available 12-inch digital cluster and 12-inch touchscreen. These two displays will give you the data you need to safely enjoy your trip, whether you’re simply driving around Smyrna or taking a longer road trip. Plus, the infotainment screen is easy to use, which adds to the ease of focusing on the road.

Driver Assistance

As more drivers use their trucks for everyday life, it’s essential to know what safety features exist to keep you and your passengers safe during the drive. The good news is that Ford has consistently made safety a priority by offering a suite of features known as Co-Pilot360. 

For the 2025 Ford Ranger, this suite includes blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and a lane-keeping assist system that keeps your truck centered and offers alerts if you sway too far on one side or the other. You can also add to the standard features by opting for available packages that include adaptive cruise control, the 360-degree camera mentioned above, and front parking sensors.

Check Out the 2025 Ranger Today

The 2025 Ford Ranger is a great option to consider if you’re looking for a midsize truck that looks and functions as if it’s much bigger than it truly is. The newest version of this dynamic truck offers you seating for five and four trim level options, including the off-road-ready Raptor variant and the decked-out Lariat. Each trim level offers its own distinct advantages and available packages, which we would be more than happy to help you navigate to find the right one for your driving needs.

We’ve helped countless drivers in the Smyrna area find the best match for their driving adventures over the years, and we’d love to help you do the same. You will find that our focus is on providing you with a stress-free and hassle-free experience that continues long after the sale; this is thanks, in part, to our state-of-the-art service center and factory-trained technicians. Ultimately, it’s our goal to make sure you’re happy with the vehicle you choose from the first mile to the last.

If you’re in the market for a new truck, we think the 2025 Ford Ranger is a great option to consider. Stop by today or reach out to talk with a member of our team.