Yahoo Autos The 2024 Ford Ranger Is Finally Ready for the American Truck War
After years of watching truck buyers in other markets enjoy the updated mid-sizer, the Blue Oval has finally pulled the cover off the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger. Longer, wider, and with more powertrain options than ever before, here's everything you need to know about the latest entrant into the mid-size segment.
The 2024 Ford Ranger is based on a version of Ford’s T6.2 chassis, the same platform that currently underpins the mighty Bronco. The updated platform brings two more inches of wheelbase to the truck, while also allowing the rear suspension to be reworked. More specifically, Ford was finally able to stick the rear dampers outside of the frame rails, which will help with ride quality. Most of that extra wheelbase comes up front, as Ford needed to make room for larger engines. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder returns as the entry-level motor, providing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Customers of XLT and Lariat trim levels will now have the option to spec the larger 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 borrowed from its platform sibling. The Bronco motor brings 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft, and provides additional towing capabilities. Both come exclusively mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. All Ranger models can be specced with the brand’s shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system and all models will be equipped with a set of 17- or 18-inch wheels.
The 2024 Ford Ranger lineup will consist of four trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor. Regardless of which trim you choose, every Ford Ranger is now exclusively fitted in a crew cab configuration. Despite the larger cabin, the bed itself is actually more usable this time, as two inches of additional track allow the Ranger to swallow four-foot sheets of material between the wheel wells. Order yourself a Ranger 4x2 with the 2.3-liter and the Trailer Tow Package, and the truck will provide 7500 pounds of towing and 1805 pounds of payload capacity.
Despite the Ranger’s recent downturn in sales here in the United States, the nameplate has been a massive success for Ford in recent years. In fact, sales of the mid-sizer have grown 112 percent globally over the last decade. That’s helped establish the Ranger as an F-Series like figure in the rest of the truck-buying world. That said, even global customers want a bit of American flair when it comes to their Ford trucks. As such, the styling of the new Ranger was heavily influenced by the current F-150. The grille is wide and horizontal, flanked by the C-clamp lighting elements shared by F-Series and Maverick. While the A-pillars still hint towards the rounded approach of the last truck, this new Ranger is far more upright and commanding. New body side accents help give the truck a more muscular stance, while giving the impression that this is a larger truck than it really is. Fans of the nameplate might already have seen this design on sale in other countries, as the truck debuted for the larger global market back in 2021.
Design improvements continue inside, where Ford has placed a heavy emphasis on tech. Every Ranger model will come equipped with a digital cluster, ranging between 8-inches and 12.4-inches depending on the trim level. These clusters are configurable, and feature unique graphics tailored to specific modes and situations. A 10.1-inch infotainment system comes in XL and XLT trims, while Lariat and Raptor adopt a 12-inch unit as standard. XLT buyers can option the larger screen if they so choose. The screens are both baked by the Ford Sync 4A software and 4G LTE connectivity. The visual relationship with other Ford products continues inside as well, with a ton of horizontal features and door cards reminiscent of the Bronco Sport. Overall it's a nice looking interior, though it could go for a proper truck steering wheel.
Other tech highlights include two USB ports and a wireless charge pad, available zone lighting, and 400-watts of power available by way of an inverter in the bed. The truck also comes backed by 31 available driver assist features, which include a trailer blind spot monitoring system, Pro Trailer Backup assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, and adaptive cruise control. Lariat and Raptor models also receive a new e-shifter which enables Active Park Assist 2.0 functionality.
The 2024 Ford Ranger lineup is slated to start at $34,160, including $1595 for destination and delivery. Ford isn’t quite ready to share pricing details for the lineup as a whole at this time, but expect that to come with the Build and Price tool in the coming weeks. Order books for the truck will open later this month, with production slated to start at Michigan Assembly this summer. That said, 2.7-liter models won’t become available until Fall 2023. With the mid-size truck segment getting a welcomed refresh here in 2023, the battle is just starting to heat up.
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