I had to look to be sure, but the last time I had this vehicle to review was 2019, although I recommend these trucks to people all the time. I’m talking about the all-new, redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger. This 5th generation Ranger has been completely redone, and it grew some. It is longer and wider than previous versions, and it is more capable.
My review truck is the SuperCrew full four-door truck, and it is the XLT package, one of the most popular sold. You can go down to the XL, or up to the Lariat. Ranger is also offered as Raptor, but that is a completely different truck altogether.
Under the hood is the standard 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine that has been around for a lot of years. It is mated to a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission. Together they put out a terrific 270-horses, and a strong 310 pound-feet or torque, and this truck surprised me with 7,500 pounds of towing capacity. This one is also two-wheel drive, but of course, 4-wheel is optional. If you desire even more power, there is an optional 2.7-liter V6 as well.
The exterior appearance is good with a new grill for 2024, front fog lamps, LED head and taillights, a sculpted hood similar to the F-150, 17” aluminum wheels, and built-in side steps just in front of the rear bumper to make loading and unloading the bed easier.
Interior
The XLT interior is nice, the cloth seats are comfortable and surprisingly wide. There is color-matched stitching on the seats, and a small amount of carbon fiber mixed throughout the cabin. The front cabin area is crisp and well laid out.
The gauge cluster is configurable for driver info controlled from the steering wheel. From the menu in the center, you can scroll through MyView, trip/fuel, off-road, towing, and audio. The entire 8” gauge area is easy to read and operate.
High on the dash is a huge 12” vertical touchscreen with the Sync4A system that is simple but works well and is fast. You operate all audio, Bluetooth, navigation, towing pages, apps, Wi-Fi, a great rear camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an Alexa interface. You can also connect to the truly great FordPass information. If you are not familiar with FordPass, watch this 2-minute video:
The center console houses the gearshift lever and the start/stop disable, the traction control button, the parking sensors, and a round dial to select the drive modes. There are a couple of cupholders, storage, a wireless phone charger, a power port, and USB and USB-C ports. Just above the console and under the big screen are air conditioning controls and knobs for radio volume and tuning.
Back seat room was really large and bigger than expected in this size truck, and the head room would be fine for people well over 6-feet tall. The back seat folds up and has storage underneath for valuables, and it will fold down to make a flat load surface. There are USB and USB-C ports, a 110 power outlet, and there is a fold down armrest with cup holders. I do wish there were air conditioning vent in the rear.
Inside the Ranger pickup bed are two 400-watt power outlets for using whatever tools you need, and the tailgate is lockable and soft release. It goes down very slowly and gently.
The XLT comes standard with power windows and locks, rearview camera, manual tilt wheel, keyless entry through the fob, remote start, a full-sized spare tire, a power sliding rear window, climate controlled air conditioning, and automatic headlights.
This Ranger has the Advanced Tow & Tech package for $2,305, which gives you the navigation system, and ProTrailer backup system. Floor liners and floor mats run $200, a keyless door pad is $95, the spray-in bedliner is $495, and there is $495 charge for the Hot Pepper Red paint.
On the safety side of things there is a back seat reminder, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Ride and Drive
The Ranger drives great, was surprisingly quiet inside, and overall, I found it quite enjoyable to drive. The truck sits fairly low to the ground being two-wheel drive, making entry and exit to the cab very easy, no running boards needed, and you can place things in the pickup bed easily thanks to the nifty built-in side steps. Ford made it easy for those people who want a truck, but think the F-150 has just gotten too large.
Fuel economy is rated at 21 city and 25 highway, for 22 combined. Total MSRP on my tester is $43,025 with transportation.
What I Liked Most: The capability, great ride and drive, and the comfort.
What I would change: Really nothing. It is a nice fit between the Maverick and the F-150.
MSRP: Base price $36,150/Total MSRP $43,025 with transportation and options.
Fuel Economy: Rated at 21 City/25 highway/22 combined.
Weight: 4,203 pounds/GVWR 6,050 pounds.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
Towing Capacity: 7,500 pounds.
2024 Ranger XLT in a few words: A great, capable truck to work out of, but very pleasant driving characteristics as a daily driver.
Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty with roadside assistance.