Your Guide to the 2025 Ford Ranger

Originally designed as a compact pickup, the Ford Ranger recently reemerged as a midsize model that slots in perfectly between the compact Maverick and best-selling full-size F-150. The Ranger has won plenty of praise since making its debut, and it has only become more captivating with the debut of the second-generation model in 2024. Ford made some important improvements to the new Ranger, introducing a new V6 engine and giving the cabin a modern makeover complete with a new vertical infotainment display.

The 2025 Ford Ranger remains largely unchanged aside from some optional appearance-related upgrades, but a wealth of engine options, trim levels, and equipment packages can make it difficult to settle on a specific design. In an effort to smooth out the process, we’ve outlined some of the key decisions that you might want to consider when you set out to buy your next pickup. Join us as we explore the Ranger’s trims and variants, learning how this pickup is making a name for itself in the competitive midsize segment.

Power & Performance

The Ranger’s base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine benefits from a little forced induction with a turbocharger, allowing the pickup to produce some 270 hp. That’s plenty of power for this midsize model, but those seeking a little extra oomph have some other intriguing options to choose from. Available on the XLT and Lariat trims, the Ranger’s twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 produces 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque without breaking a sweat.

Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and can be optioned with rear- or four-wheel drive, but they do differ in terms of acceleration. The four-cylinder version offers a zero-to-60-mph time of 6.2 seconds, while the V6 can get up to the same speed in just 5.6 seconds. This sort of straight-line acceleration isn’t always the most relevant metric for a pickup, but it can make a real difference when you’re trying to merge onto the highway or put the Ranger through its paces.

Like any good pickup, the Ranger makes towing a priority with a 7,500-lb maximum capacity that puts it right toward the top of the midsize segment. The rear-wheel-drive version of the Ranger boasts a max payload capacity of 1,805 lbs, while the four-wheel-drive version sacrifices around 90 lbs in exchange for its enhanced traction. Drivers who are in the market for the most efficient Ranger should stick with the four-cylinder version, which delivers an impressive 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The V6 still posts a respectable 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, which is a small price to pay when you consider the uptick in horsepower.

Speaking of power, we have to take a moment to mention the Ranger Raptor. The dedicated off-road trim—which earned the nod as one of Car and Driver’s 10Best trucks of 2025—can almost be considered a standalone model, especially when you get a look at the goods under the hood. Ford has outfitted the Ranger Raptor with a muscular 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that can churn out 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to rocket the 5,325-lb pickup to 60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds, which is an eye-catching number in the pickup segment.

That sort of performance does come at the cost of fuel economy and towing capacity—with the Raptor posting 16 MPG in the city, 18 MPG on the highway, and 5,510 lbs of max towing—but you’ll hardly notice the difference as you create some new core memories at your local off-road trails. If an over-400-hp midsize pickup isn’t enough to get your blood pumping, Ford Performance has you covered with an optional software calibration add-on that allows the twin-turbo V6 to make 455 hp and 536 lb-ft of torque.

Trim Levels & Variants

A wide variety of available trims give drivers the opportunity to create a customized truck that caters to their specific needs. If you’re in the market for an affordable work truck that can double as a weekend adventurer, the Ranger’s XL trim is both affordable and practical. The XLT introduced some impressive automotive tech into the equation, including a full suite of Ford’s Co-Pilot360 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The Lariat offers a true luxury experience without sacrificing the utility that has long made the Ranger such a popular choice.

Those looking to really max out the Ranger’s off-road credentials need look no further than the Ranger Raptor, a true performance machine inspired by the desert-racing, rock-crawling trophy truck that is the F-150 Raptor. All four versions offer a unique slate of features, so let’s take a moment to review the highlights of each trim and variant to learn just how adaptable the 2025 Ranger can be.

The XL

The Ranger XL punches well above its budget price with a generous assortment of comfort and convenience tech. A 10-inch infotainment screen and digital display cluster give the dashboard a decidedly modern feel, while the six-speaker sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity make it easy to enjoy some tunes or interact with your favorite apps as you make your way around town.

The XL might not be the most rugged Ranger on offer, but it does come equipped with a set of all-terrain tires and LED reflector headlamps with an automatic high-beam feature that addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of any nocturnal excursion.

The XLT

The Ranger XLT might just represent the most well-rounded trim in the 2025 lineup. The XLT is not only available with the upgraded twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, but it also packs a long list of tech and safety features that can go a long way toward improving your everyday driving experience. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite is one obvious highlight, with the XLT adding some important features like rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support.

This trim is no slouch when it comes to interior tech, offering a wireless charging pad, cloud-based navigation, and a digital rearview mirror function, plus a set of 120-volt, 400-watt outlets in the cabin and bed that’ll keep all your gear charged and ready to go. The XLT also sets itself apart from the base trim with an included Sport Appearance Package that adds a striking set of 17-inch gray-painted wheels, a matching grille with a gray-painted center bar and surround, and a gray-painted front fascia that ties everything together for a unified aesthetic.

The Lariat

The Ranger’s Lariat trim lends a touch of class to the brawny truck, introducing a range of comfort and convenience features that make it an easy sell for any driver seeking a luxury pickup experience. Technology takes center stage on the range-topping trim, with the Ranger’s standard 10-inch screen being replaced by a 12-inch alternative that’s powered by Ford’s SYNC 4A technology. This expansive screen is perfect for monitoring the pickup’s 360-degree camera system, which allows drivers to avoid obstacles while trying to park the Ranger or make that tricky trailer hitch attachment.

Automation is the name of the game with the Ranger Lariat, which comes complete with rain-sensing wipers and an adaptive cruise control feature that includes speed sign recognition. Ford’s focus on comfort sees the Lariat graced with a dual-zone electronic climate control system and heated, leather-trimmed seats that can be easily adjusted to enhance comfort. The pickup’s Sport Appearance Package replaces the XLT’s 17-inch gray-painted wheels with an 18-inch aluminum version, while a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with HD radio gives drivers access to a true high-fidelity mobile listening experience.

The Raptor

The Ranger Raptor isn’t your run-of-the-mill pickup. Packed with a 405-hp EcoBoost V6 and a long list of advanced off-road components, the Raptor is a readymade off-roader that provides a more practical midsize alternative to the F-150 Raptor. With its 2.5-inch FOX racing shocks with live valve technology, locking front and rear axles, Watts-link rear suspension, and beefy all-terrain tires, Ford has packed the Raptor trim with everything it needs to find success on challenging off-road terrain.

This trim comes standard with a handy low-speed cruise control that’s perfect for navigating tough trails, allowing drivers to focus on navigating around obstacles while the truck handles all the acceleration and braking duties. Fender flares protect the body from any debris you might kick up, while front and rear tow hooks simplify any recovery efforts. The Raptor comes standard with a range of customized driving modes for different driving conditions, and it even has a unique MyMode setting that lets drivers customize everything from the electronic locking differential and four-wheel drive to the steering, suspension, and exhaust settings.

How to Pick the Perfect 2025 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger might just be one of the most compelling pickups in today’s midsize segment. Ford has managed to create a versatile truck that can be easily tailored to each driver, whether they’re seeking a reliable work truck, luxurious family vehicle, or no-holds-barred off-road machine. With three engines, three trims, one intense variant, and a long list of available add-ons and packages, the 2025 Ranger provides the perfect template for creating the midsize pickup of your dreams.

Not sure where to start when building your bespoke Ranger? The team at Jim Ellis Ford is here to help. Our experienced sales staff is dedicated to helping every customer find the perfect vehicle to meet their individual needs. We strive to forge a personal connection with each driver, which pays dividends when it comes to narrowing down our wide selection to a particular make, model, and trim. If you want to see which 2025 Ford Ranger is the perfect fit for you, stop by Jim Ellis Ford today.