Since its reintroduction in 2019, the Ford Ranger has set the standard for midsize pickup trucks. A combination of performance and capability makes the Ranger an ideal choice for veteran truckers who want a smaller pickup to complement their fleet, as well as being perfect for folks who are new to truck ownership. The key to the Ranger is its ability to provide the maneuverability of a smaller truck while delivering towing and hauling capabilities more in line with a larger truck. The 2024 Ford Ranger is the newest generation of this midsize truck, and it ups the ante when it comes to off-roading and fun features.
The 2024 Ranger comes with a standard SuperCrew cab. This provides plenty of room for up to 5 passengers. In addition, Ford has finally given drivers a chance to purchase a Ranger Raptor. This gives drivers the opportunity to get a performance off-road version of the Ranger that should outperform any other midsize trucks on or off the road. Finally, the 2024 Ford Ranger has a bolder, more aggressive look than the prior generation’s model. This is due in part to the fact that Ford has made the STX package with aluminum wheels standard on the XL model. The prior year’s Ranger XL came with steel wheels and required motorists to pay for the STX package as an option.
Starting at
One of the biggest improvements on the 2024 Ford Ranger is the addition of a second engine option. The prior generation’s model came with the same engine on all three trims. For the new generation, Ford has continued to use the same engine but now offers a more powerful engine on two of the Ranger’s trims.
The standard engine on the 2024 Ranger is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 gas engine. This has a dual overhead camshaft configuration (DOHC). The engine features auto start-stop and twin independent variable camshaft timing to improve efficient performance. The auto start-stop will turn off the engine when stopped in heavy traffic or at a traffic light. This will reduce fuel consumption from idling. The engine will automatically restart as soon as you take your foot off of the brake pedal. This engine can deliver up to 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. You can find this engine on the 2024 Ranger XL, XLT, and Lariat.
If you opt for the Ranger XLT or Lariat, you have the option of equipping your truck with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 gas engine. Just like the 2.3-liter engine, this one has a DOHC configuration with four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing, and auto start-stop. However, it has a compacted graphite iron block, uses a combination of port fuel and direct injection, and features twin turbochargers to give it some serious acceleration. You can see this in the output of 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
The all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor features one standard engine; this is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that is ridiculously powerful. This is because Ford has given this engine twin turbochargers, making it one of the most powerful midsize pickup trucks to hit the market for 2024, able to deliver up to 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Fans of off-roading will be excited by the introduction of the Raptor trim to the Ranger lineup.
Ford has equipped each of the four 2024 Ranger trims with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. This should help maximize the performance of whichever engine you choose on your Ford Ranger.
Except for the Raptor model, each 2024 Ford Ranger comes with your choice of two different drivetrains. The standard drivetrain is rear-wheel drive (4X2). This 4X2 has an independent front suspension axle standard. However, if you want, you can opt for an available electronic locking rear axle on the Ranger with a 4X2 drivetrain.
If you want better traction on your Ranger, you can choose to equip it with available four-wheel drive. Like the 4X2, you can choose an independent front suspension axle or an electronic locking rear axle. Either way, you are sure to get exceptional performance, as the 4X4 system on the Ranger features a transfer case designed to give optimal power to each wheel.
The only Ranger model that doesn’t offer any drivetrain options is the Raptor. But with the specialized 4X4 system on this truck, would you want anything different? This is a drivetrain with an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. There are automatic locking differentials for the front and rear axles as well. This is an excellent upgrade for folks who plan to go off-roading in their Raptor since you are as likely to encounter a traction issue in the front of the truck as you are in the rear.
In keeping with the off-road design of the Raptor, Ford has equipped this truck with a set of 33-inch beadlock capable wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. This allows you to underinflate your tires without risk of damage, giving you an improved grip on challenging trails. Ford has also given the Raptor a different suspension system than the other 2024 Ranger trims. The standard suspension features short and long arm independent suspension in the front with a stabilizer bar, and a Hotchkiss-type non-independent suspension in the rear with leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers. Ford has replaced this on the Ranger Raptor with a set of next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks. The front set of shocks has coil-overs, while the rear set features piggyback reservoirs with Watts linkage and trailing arms. This is a long travel suspension to better handle dunes and was purpose-built for the Raptor. It will definitely come in handy if you are serious about off-roading.
One of the biggest reasons many drivers choose a pickup truck is for its towing and hauling capabilities. This is especially so if you plan to use your truck in part for work. Fortunately, Ford has designed the 2024 Ranger to deliver capabilities most folks would associate with a larger truck. This is certainly the case if you choose a model with rear-wheel drive.
One of the main changes from the prior generation of the Ranger is the standard bed. Unlike the 2023 model, the 2024 Ford Ranger does not come with an extended bed. Instead, like the SuperCrew cab, Ford has given the Ranger a standard payload bed design across all trim levels. This provides 43.5 cu.ft. of cargo space, with a capability dependent upon which drivetrain you choose. For example, the Ranger with a 4X2 can hold up to 1,805 lbs of cargo, while a 4X4 reduces this slightly to 1,711 lbs. If you choose the Ranger Raptor, your payload capability tops out at 1,411 lbs.
The bed on the Ranger XLT, Lariat, and Raptor models feature 400 watts of in-bed power. This can help you keep your tools charged if you are on a job site or use it to power an air pump to re-inflate your tires if you’ve taken advantage of the beadlock-capable wheels on the Raptor.
The choice of engines on the 2024 Ranger also has a positive impact on its towing capability. If you choose a Ranger XL, XLT, or Lariat, you will be able to tow up to 7,500 pounds. This is quite impressive, considering that the Ranger is a midsize pickup truck. If you decide on a Ranger Raptor, you will still be able to tow up to 5,510 pounds. In addition, the Raptor has a standard trailer brake controller. This helps you slow your trailer down smoothly, especially on inclines. The trailer brake controller is also available as an option on the XLT and Lariat models of the Ranger.
The 2024 Ford Ranger may be the most technologically forward midsize pickup truck on the market today. Ford has used its cutting-edge innovation to improve the safety and connectivity of the new Ranger truck. The best part is that most of the technology comes standard on all models of the 2024 Ford Ranger.
Each 2024 Ranger comes with a set of standard driver assistance features as part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology. Forward Collision Warning will let you know if a front-end collision is imminent so you can take evasive action. Pre-Collision Assist will then go into action, using the Automatic Emergency Brakes to bring your Ranger to a safe stop or to reduce the impact if a collision is unavoidable. If you are involved in a crash, the Post Collision Braking system will help prevent a secondary collision by bringing your truck to a stop. There is also available Evasive Steering Assist that will help you steer clear of any obstacles in the path of your Ranger.
Ford also includes a Lane Centering System. If your Ranger begins to drift out of the lane, a warning will sound so that you can get back into the lane. In addition, the system will use slight steering adjustments to keep you on the straight and narrow. The standard Rearview Camera on the Ranger will also help when you have to back out of a space and can also assist you when hitching up a trailer.
You can also get other safety features that are either optional or come standard on higher trims. For example, the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert will let you know if it is safe to change lanes on the highway. This system has a trailer feature that can judge the distance between your trailer and the vehicle traveling in the next lane. Ford also offers a 360-degree camera that will allow you to see completely around your truck. This comes standard on the Lariat and Raptor and is available on the XLT as well.
Ford has really pulled out the stops on the SYNC 4A infotainment system on the Ranger. The standard touchscreen is now a very impressive 10.1-inch, with a huge 12-inch screen available as an option. The SYNC 4A has a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot as part of the standard FordPass Connect, so you and your passengers can stay connected no matter where your Ranger takes you. The SYNC 4A allows you to connect your devices using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can make hands-free calls and stream your favorite music from Pandora, Spotify, and other apps. You may have a difficult decision to make as the SYNC 4A comes with a SiriusXM satellite radio, providing some of the best in music, talk, sports, and news programming.
If you are a true audiophile, you can opt for the available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, one of the top brands in audio systems. This will take your music to another level, providing you with a soundtrack as you take your 2024 Ford Ranger out on your next adventure.