The 2024 Ranger begins at $34,160 and can arrive at U.S. dealerships late this summer season
by Michael Gauthier
15 hours in the past
by Michael Gauthier
2023 is the yr of the mid-size truck and that’s clear as soon as once more as Ford has taken the wraps off the redesigned Ranger. After all, the mannequin doesn’t want a lot of an introduction because the North American variant is nearly an identical to the abroad mannequin that was unveiled in 2021.
Whereas it’s fashionably late, the US-spec Ranger is dressed for fulfillment because it incorporates a extra muscular and upscale look that comes with a number of cues from the bigger F-150. This isn’t too stunning as Ford officers advised us the truck was designed with Individuals in thoughts from the onset.
4 completely different trims will probably be out there in North America – together with XL, XLT, Lariat and Raptor – and every has a novel grille and entrance finish look. That being stated, each mannequin has a single bar grille that flows into C-clamp headlights.
Extra: The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Is 405 HP Of Awesomeness And A Steal At $56,960
Pictures: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
Shifting down the edges, we are able to see purposeful fender vents, sculpted doorways, and out there aspect steps. The latter are housed beneath the rear fender and may assist as much as 300 lbs (136 kg) of weight.
Out again, there are C-clamp taillights and a stylized tailgate with “Ranger” lettering. A dampened tailgate is accessible and it opens to disclose a much more helpful mattress, which might now accommodate 4 ft large sheets of plywood and drywall because of the truck’s additional width.
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Nevertheless, Ford giveth and Ford taketh away because the 2024 Ranger will probably be supplied solely in a SuperCrew configuration. The loss of life of the SuperCab isn’t stunning, nevertheless it additionally means the top of the 6 foot mattress because the redesigned mannequin is accessible solely with a 5 foot field.
Picture: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
Talking of the mattress, XLT and above trims have 12V and 120V retailers in again. The latter supplies as much as 400 watts of energy and it may be used to cost instruments on jobsites. On the subject of placing the truck to work, the tailgate capabilities as a workbench and has two clamp factors in addition to an built-in ruler.
The mannequin additionally provides a spray-on mattress liner, mattress lights, and a brand new Zone Lighting system. The latter is right for tenting or working at night time as house owners will be capable to illuminate as much as 4 completely different zones across the exterior of the automobile.
A Fashionable And Extra Tech Centered Inside
Pictures: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
One of many Ranger’s weakest factors was the inside because it already felt dated when the truck returned to America in 2018. The outdated cabin has fortunately been banished to the historical past books because the redesigned mannequin sports activities a much more fashionable inside that options an 8- or 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster in addition to a ten.1- or 12-inch infotainment system.
Talking of the infotainment system, it options Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, 4G connectivity, and assist for over-the-air updates. It may well additionally present an assortment of digital camera views in addition to a devoted off-road show.
Whereas Ford embraced screens, the corporate was good sufficient to incorporate a bodily quantity controller and buttons for the local weather management system. They’re joined by a drive mode selector, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and straightforward to entry USB ports. Consumers may even discover HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio, and a B&O premium audio system.
Picture: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
The Ranger provides two completely different shifters because the Lariat has a “short-throw e-shifter,” which is rather more compact than what you’ll discover within the XL and XLT. Ford officers stated the e-shifter was crucial to include among the truck’s superior driver help techniques.
Talking of which, the Ranger provides Ahead Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Help with Automated Emergency Braking, and a Blind Spot Info System with Cross-Visitors Alert. The latter is notable for factoring within the size of a trailer you’re towing so long as you program that info in earlier than hand.
The Ranger additionally provides Adaptive Cruise Management with Cease-and-Go, Lane Centering, Reverse Braking Help, and Lively Park Help 2.0. Different highlights embrace automated excessive beam headlights, Evasive Steering Help, Intersection Help, and Pace Signal Recognition. Whereas BlueCruise isn’t out there, the mixture of adaptive cruise management and lane centering ought to make freeway journey pretty enjoyable.
Getting again to the inside, it’s plasticky however Ford added padded surfaces at key contact factors. There’s additionally extra visible curiosity within the cabin because the XLT we checked out had two-tone material seats with distinction stitching. The seats additionally featured a geometrical sample, which was echoed on the door panels.
The latter is a cool contact and it’s not the one one because the air vents have distinctive grilles, which naturally draw consideration. They’re joined by gloss black and metallic accents in addition to a barely odd texture on the dashboard.
The entrance seats are spacious, however issues are noticeably tighter in again. Two adults can match into the second-row, however this 6’2” scribe discovered legroom was restricted and felt much less beneficiant than the 38.3 inches (973 mm) would recommend. On the intense aspect, there’s ample headroom in addition to USB and 120V retailers.
Talking of the second-row, it options underseat storage in addition to fold-flat rear seatbacks. The latter makes it straightforward to haul massive gadgets you don’t need to retailer within the mattress.
A Acquainted 4-Cylinder And An All-New 2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6
Underneath the hood, clients will discover a acquainted 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that develops 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. That’s the identical output as its predecessor and the engine is as soon as once more paired to a ten-speed automated transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes normal, whereas four-wheel drive is elective.
It’s not all déjà vu because the Ranger may even be supplied with the Bronco’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which produces 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. That’s a big enhance and it simply beats the three.6-liter V6 within the Jeep Gladiator in addition to the three.8-liter V6 within the Nissan Frontier. Nevertheless, it’s a blended bag in comparison with GM’s turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that produces as much as 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque.
Whereas an excellent engine lineup is at all times welcome, the body is the spine of a truck. Within the case of the Ranger, you’ll discover a absolutely boxed high-strength metal one which has been torture examined and confirmed globally.
Picture: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
The truck incorporates a new entrance finish construction, which permits for extra room within the engine compartment in addition to improved air circulate. The entrance axle has additionally been moved ahead and the truck’s wheelbase grows by 1.9 inches (48 mm), whereas the observe climbs by 2.4 inches (61 mm). These aren’t the one modifications because the rear shocks and shock mounts have been moved outboard of the body rails for improved trip and management. The truck additionally guarantees to have improved stability and higher off-road functionality.
Talking of the latter, the truck boasts 9.3 inches (236 mm) of floor clearance with rear-wheel drive and 10.4 inches (264 mm) with four-wheel drive. These are enhancements of 0.9 and 1.5 inches (23 and 38 mm), respectively. Consumers may even discover improved strategy and departure angles of 29.2° and 25.8°.
On the subject of off-roading, the truck may be outfitted with a locking rear differential and a Path Management system. The latter is successfully off-road cruise management because it retains you transferring at a sluggish and regular pace so you possibly can give attention to steering.
New Tech And A 7,500 Pound Towing Capability
Towing is necessary to truck house owners and that is the place the mid-sizer shines as it might probably tow as much as 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) when correctly outfitted. Whereas that determine carries over from its predecessor, the most recent truck provides an built-in trailer brake controller from the manufacturing facility.
There’s additionally numerous trailering toys together with Trailer Reverse Steering and Professional Trailer Backup Help, which makes backing a trailer as straightforward as turning a knob. Consumers may even discover a trailer mild verify operate and Trailer Navigation. The latter function debuted on the Tremendous Obligation and is a superb addition because it offers instructions whereas factoring within the size and weight of your trailer. This guarantees to make towing in unfamiliar areas far much less annoying because the navigation system will keep away from tight turns, low bridges, and different obstacles – all based mostly in your particular trailer.
Final however not least, the truck’s most payload capability has climbed to 1,805 lbs (819 kg). That’s a slight improve of 35 lbs (16 kg), nevertheless it bests the Chevrolet Colorado by an excellent margin.
Begins At $34,160 And Arrives Late This Summer season
The 2024 Ranger begins at $34,160 together with a $1,595 vacation spot and supply price. That successfully splits the distinction between the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, which start at $30,695 and $38,395 respectively. It’s additionally unattainable to disregard the $40,570 Jeep Gladiator and the Nissan Frontier, which begins at $32,005 in a crew cab configuration.
The North American Ranger will probably be constructed on the Michigan Meeting Plant and orders will open later this month. Deliveries are slated to start late this summer season, though followers must wait till fall for the two.7-liter EcoBoost V6.