Debuting in 1992, the Ford Ranger took a break from 2011 to 2018, with Ford initially stating it had no plans to bring the midsize truck back. However, after significant demand from enthusiasts, Ford reintroduced the international model to the U.S. market in 2019. That version, however, struggled to compete with segment leaders. For 2024, Ford has fully redesigned the Ranger, creating a model that stands as a worthy companion to the best-selling F-150. We spent a week with the 2024 Ranger, and here’s what we discovered.
That “international” Ford Ranger replaced the previous-generation model, but it was withheld from the U.S. market. At that time, Ford saw waning consumer interest in the segment, deciding to throw its full pickup truck investment into the F-Series instead.
Once it arrived in the U.S. market, the 2019 Ford Ranger already seemed behind its competitors. For one, the style had aged. For another, many of its competitors introduced new or updated models, tapping into expanded interest in the market. We drove that Ranger and were disappointed. Notably, it simply lacked the panache of the F-Series.
Ford Ranger Overview
Give Ford time, and they’ll work through challenges, particularly if the model is a pickup truck. The ongoing success of the F-Series and the surprisingly strong interest in the compact Maverick were inspiration enough. The new Ranger would compete, and Ford has proven that it intends to win.
Before we drill down, the 2024 Ranger is offered in XL ($32,720), XLT ($35,660), Lariat ($43,680), and Raptor ($55,620) grades. Add a pricey $1,595 for the destination charge. Buyers should note that other than the four-wheel-drive-only Raptor, they’ll pay upwards of $3,685 to upgrade from rear to four-wheel drive. Quite easily, the pickup truck you want may cost you at least $40,000. We drove the Lariat and, when equipped with all the bells and whistles, it retailed for around $50,000.
That’s a lot of money for a pickup truck of this size.
Exterior Features
The Ranger no longer offers an extended cab. If you want this model, the full four-door crew cab is your only choice. Ford is simply following the industry trend as consumers prefer the larger models. Only the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier offer extended and crew cab choices.
Again, it is Ford’s Japanese rivals that offer the longest beds: six feet, in particular. For the Ranger, along with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Jeep Gladiator, you get five-foot beds. Choose the Honda Ridgeline, and that bed is four inches longer than the five-foot limit.
As for the Ranger’s new look, Ford’s engineers did everything right to make this truck complement its larger F-Series siblings. From its upright and expansive grille to its broad hood, the frontal expression is pleasing. Powerful roof pillars, a slab-sided profile, sentry-like rear lights, and RANGER debossing enhance the vibe.
There are plenty of goodies offered, depending on the model. Though we won’t get into all things Raptor, the parallels with Ford’s big truck are welcome: LED lighting, all-terrain tires, security approach lights, cargo management rails, and electronic front and rear locking axles, along with robust payload and towing capabilities.
Interior Highlights
The disappearance of the extended cab means that the Ranger can rightfully claim room for five. Yes, the back seat is tight, but three normal-sized adults can fit. We think, though, that the rear area also makes for nice storage space, including the compartment found under the back seat.
The front seats are bulky, thick, and comfortable. There are likely some differences between grades (we drove the Lariat), but the shoulder, back, hip, and leg support shine. Adjustable seating with available power options, heating and cooling, and upgraded materials, including real hides, enable the Ranger to play in this space quite well. We also like its commanding views.
The cabin is very much truck-like, with knobs and switches at the ready. There are plenty of interior storage areas, including door pockets, a center console, and an open area beneath the glove box. The hammerhead shifter sits between the seats, as does the terrain control knob. In the 2024 Ranger, Ford blends modern tech screens with traditional elements to form a very pleasing truck.
