The 2024 Ford Ranger presents itself as a visually appealing truck, boasting noteworthy capability claims. However, it’s exclusively available with a short cargo bed and a four-door cab configuration. While the dashboard is dominated by expansive screens, the interior ambiance evokes a casual, almost basic feel, akin to a familiar pizza parlor booth. As Car and Driver experts, we approach this truck with a blend of anticipation and reservation.
On paper, the latest Ranger iteration promises substantial work capacity relative to its size. Equipped with the towing package and hitch receiver, both the standard 2.3-liter turbo-four engine and the upcoming 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 are rated to confidently tow up to 7,500 pounds. Even with a simpler bumper-mounted hitch, it manages a respectable 3,500-pound towing capacity. Opting for the larger engine translates to enhanced overtaking prowess and more relaxed hill climbing, albeit at the cost of slightly reduced fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter 4×4 variant achieves a combined 20 mpg, compared to the 2.3-liter version’s 22 mpg in combined driving.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: The 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat model is shown towing an XTR off-road trailer during towing capacity tests at the vehicle launch event.
To put this into perspective, the 2019 Ford Ranger, which marked Ford’s return to the American mid-size truck market after a hiatus, also featured a 7,500-pound maximum towing capacity and a 270-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. The key updates for the current model year in the US market are primarily cosmetic, incorporating a prominent portrait-style infotainment screen and the forthcoming availability of the larger engine later in the year. However, this enhanced package comes at a higher price point. A 2019 SuperCrew (four-door) short bed 4×4 Lariat originally listed at $39,480, whereas a comparable 2024 model starts at an MSRP of $47,115.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: A dynamic shot of the 2024 Ford Ranger driving through a desert landscape, highlighting its adventurous spirit and design.
Yet, considering inflation, it’s important to note that $39,480 in January 2018 equates to roughly $49,428 in today’s dollars, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator. Therefore, in real terms, the new Ranger represents a somewhat better value proposition than its predecessor did upon initial release.
Global Roots and Familiar Foundations
The 2024 Ranger being introduced to the US market has been available internationally for a couple of years. This generation of Ranger leans heavily on its Australian design and engineering origins. While some might view this as unconventional for an American truck, it’s worth noting that Australia boasts a robust truck culture and some of the most challenging off-road terrains globally.
At the Ranger’s media launch in Utah, Ford representatives emphasized the “newness” of the vehicle. However, as seasoned automotive experts at Car and Driver, we observe a degree of evolutionary rather than revolutionary change. The underlying T6 platform, dating back to around 2010, remains the foundation. Visually, the side profile echoes the global Rangers we’ve encountered across Australia and South America for over a decade.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: Close-up view of the 2024 Ford Ranger’s interior, showcasing the dashboard layout, materials, and infotainment screen.
In the realm of work trucks, absolute “newness” often takes a backseat to proven mechanicals. The core elements – a robust frame, leaf spring suspension, and an engine delivering power to either two or four wheels – remain fundamental. With advancements like independent front suspension becoming standard in the 1980s and the more recent adoption of disc brakes across the segment, the pickup truck landscape has seen fewer radical innovations in recent years. High-performance variants like the Raptor represent a distinct category, warranting separate in-depth analysis which Car and Driver will explore in a future review.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: A series of detailed exterior shots highlighting the 2024 Ford Ranger’s styling, including grille, headlights, and body lines, emphasizing its modern truck design.
The exterior styling does incorporate appealing details. Ford’s decision to retain the access keypad is a welcome touch for convenience. For the volume-selling Lariat and XLT trims, a significant update is the availability of the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, previously featured in the Bronco and F-150. This engine delivers a robust 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, maintaining performance even at higher altitudes thanks to its turbocharging. Scheduled for release in the summer of 2024, the exact price premium for this upgrade remains to be seen. In the Bronco, the jump from the 2.3-liter to the 2.7-liter engine incurs an $1,895 cost increase, suggesting a similar figure for the Ranger.
Currently, all non-Raptor Ranger models are equipped with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Car and Driver tested this engine in a four-wheel-drive configuration at elevations exceeding 4,000 feet. Ford reaffirms its output at 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, consistent with the 2019 model year. Being turbocharged, it should retain much of its power at higher altitudes. Notably, neither EcoBoost engine necessitates premium gasoline, a practical benefit for owners.
On the Road: Performance and Handling Impressions
Car and Driver conducted mountain road and highway driving loops with two Ranger variants: a well-equipped XLT 4×4, priced around $45,000, and a Lariat 4×4, estimated at $50,000 when paired with a light camper trailer. All 2024 Rangers utilize Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.3-liter engine delivered adequate power. We were impressed by the transmission’s responsiveness, adeptly selecting the appropriate gear for both brisk acceleration and efficient cruising. Ascending and descending steep Utah mountain passes without cargo, the power proved sufficient, yet lacked substantial reserves – a factor likely driving the availability of the more potent engine option.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: A series of images showcasing the 2024 Ford Ranger’s truck bed, highlighting features like power outlets, tie-down points, integrated lighting, and tailgate functionality.
We harbor some reservations regarding its performance when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, but the engine appeared unstressed even with a trailer weighing a couple of thousand pounds.
Braking performance was commendable. The unladen XLT exhibited rapid stopping in panic situations, and trailer control remained reassuringly stable. Another noteworthy positive is the comfortable ride quality when the bed is empty. Pickups can often feel unsettled or bouncy without load, but this issue was minimal in the Ranger.
However, the steering feel presented an anomaly. Maneuvering the XLT in a dry parking lot evoked a sensation of resistance, akin to steering through coarse sand. While not unresponsive, it felt somewhat sticky and unusually heavy, a sensation that lessened at higher speeds.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: Interior close-ups of the 2024 Ford Ranger, focusing on the blue and tan color scheme, seat materials, and cabin details.
Interior Concerns and Technology Assessment
Our primary reservations stem from the cabin’s fit, finish, and overall ambiance. The interior shortcomings are considerable. The seats are merely adequate; the XLT’s cloth upholstery felt reminiscent of budget aftermarket seat covers – thin and with minimal cushioning. While not overtly uncomfortable, it reinforces the work-truck character. The Lariat’s leather upholstery represents a noticeable upgrade and might justify the trim level jump for buyers prioritizing interior refinement.
Rear seat comfort mirrors the front, a positive aspect for frequent passenger hauling. They offer both upward and downward folding functionality, creating a reasonably flat surface for interior cargo, a practical design element.
Both test vehicles exhibited subpar panel fitment. While some drivers may overlook such details, the evident cost-cutting measures were distracting, even overshadowing the prominent infotainment screen in our perception.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: A series of images detailing interior quality concerns in the 2024 Ford Ranger, focusing on panel gaps, material quality, and assembly issues.
While the test trucks were pre-production models, these observations are based on the vehicles provided for evaluation. In both XLT and Lariat trims, the junctions between plastic panels often felt粗糙 (rough). Button tactility was less refined than even a basic TV remote, and the gear selector markings on the XLT’s center console appeared almost crudely applied.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: Close-up shots of the 2024 Ford Ranger’s interior controls, highlighting the climate control buttons and steering wheel-mounted controls, assessing their ergonomic design.
Ergonomics also presented areas for improvement. The steering wheel toggle knobs, while functional for upward presses, require an awkward hand repositioning for downward inputs – a significant ergonomic flaw for frequently used controls.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: A playful shot of the 2024 Ford Ranger’s infotainment screen displaying a doodle mode or drawing application, showcasing its digital features.
The infotainment screen warrants discussion. XLT and lower trims receive a smaller digital gauge cluster display, but both test vehicles featured large, portrait-oriented center displays.
Regarding gauge clusters, we at Car and Driver generally find animated digital versions less aesthetically pleasing than traditional analog needles. While digital displays theoretically offer greater information density, automakers rarely fully utilize this potential, often resulting in pixelated displays lacking visual elegance. The 2024 XLT Ranger retains a physical key, a somewhat retro touch. We might have preferred retaining the previous generation’s gauge cluster as well.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: Comparison view of the 2024 Ford Ranger’s digital gauge clusters in XLT and Lariat trims, highlighting differences in display layout and information presentation.
Moving to the central infotainment screen, the portrait orientation has merit. However, in attempting to optimize viewing for both driver and passenger, it compromises optimal viewing angles for both. Glancing at the map or other information requires more significant eye diversion from the road, potentially causing strain.
Primary climate controls thankfully remain physical buttons, but seat and steering wheel heating are relegated to a pull-up menu, less accessible while driving.
Audio quality, even with the upgraded B&O-branded system in the Lariat, proved underwhelming. Even with neutral equalizer settings, audio reproduction sounded somewhat muffled and lacking in fidelity.
An optional power-opening rear glass window adds a touch of novelty, but a sunroof is not offered as an option.
Towing Technology and Practicality Considerations
The Ranger’s most compelling technological assets lie in its camera array and trailer backup assist system. While a front camera might seem less essential on a truck of this size, it proves helpful in confined spaces. The ability to monitor a trailer via the rear camera at speed is a genuinely valuable feature.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: The 2024 Ford Ranger utilizing trailer backup assist technology while towing, demonstrating its advanced towing features.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist, previously seen on larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Super Duty, is a new option for the Ranger. This system effectively transforms the drive-mode selector into a steering wheel for low-speed reversing maneuvers. Used in conjunction with the camera system, it aims to simplify trailer maneuvering, particularly for novice towers.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: Close-up views of the Pro Trailer Backup Assist controls in the 2024 Ford Ranger, along with the camera display showing trailer alignment during a reversing maneuver.
While intended to enhance intuitiveness, experienced towers might find a learning curve. During a comparative test with a Toyota Tacoma lacking such a system, Car and Driver testers found themselves more efficient maneuvering a trailer using traditional mirror-based techniques and spatial awareness. The Ford system’s benefits became more apparent when tested with larger F-150 and F-350 trucks, where maneuverability is inherently more challenging.
Simpler yet appreciated innovations include an optional integrated step in the rear bumper for easier bed access and seamlessly integrated LED bed lighting.
Final Verdict: Capability vs. Daily Driver Comfort
After a day evaluating the 2024 Ford Ranger, Car and Driver remains unconvinced. While it boasts segment-leading capability claims, the practical necessity of a 7,000-pound towing capacity for typical mid-size truck buyers is questionable. The Ranger’s impressive payload capacity is similarly somewhat negated by its short bed configuration.
The exclusive availability of the short-bed, long-cab configuration suggests a target demographic prioritizing daily driving with occasional utility needs. For such buyers, we strongly recommend a thorough assessment of actual vehicle usage before committing to a purchase. A $50,000 investment in a Ranger is a significant financial commitment, especially when a comparable, lightly used F-150 offering greater capability and interior comfort might be attainable for a similar price. Alternatively, that budget could unlock a truly exceptional passenger car with superior driving dynamics.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: The 2024 Ford Ranger pictured in an urban environment, considering its suitability as both a daily driver and a utility vehicle.
Another factor to consider is Ford’s recent recall history. Ford has issued more recalls than any other US automaker in recent years. Ford’s communications representative addressed this concern, stating ongoing efforts to improve vehicle quality through enhanced testing, complexity reduction, and rigorous process discipline, with early indicators showing improvement.
Despite these efforts, based on our test drive and broader experience with Rangers, Car and Driver would favor the previous generation Ranger over this new iteration. Within the mid-size truck segment, the Nissan Frontier remains our preferred choice. While naturally aspirated and potentially less powerful at altitude, its ergonomics and driving experience are more agreeable, and it retains the option of a long bed for genuine work truck applications.
Andrew P. Collins
Image alt text: A front three-quarter view of the 2024 Ford Ranger, showcasing its updated front fascia and overall design.
While the 2024 Ford Ranger can serve as a dual-purpose vehicle for family transport and weekend hauling, a more financially prudent and potentially more comfortable solution might be pairing a used work truck with a dedicated passenger car for the same overall investment. The new Ranger’s driving experience lacks refinement, undermining its appeal as a family-friendly 4×4. Its level of ruggedness aligns with vehicles like the Wrangler or 4Runner, but without their inherent character and charm. This stems primarily from an unrefined interior despite a competent chassis.
The Ranger Raptor, however, represents a fundamentally different proposition and value equation, which Car and Driver will explore in a separate, forthcoming review.
| 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 Specs |
|---|
| Base Price (approx. as tested) |
| Powertrain |
| Horsepower |
| Torque |
| Max Payload |
| Max Towing |
| Off-Road Angles (4×4) |
| Ground Clearance (4×4) |
| Fuel Economy |
| Quick Take |
| Score |
