Ford has announced an all-new lineup of Rangers. The new 2024 Ford Ranger isn’t just offering new color options and random accessories. Ford did its work and talked with current Ranger owners and consumer groups around the world to ask and learn what they wanted to see in the next evolution of the model. I’ve only gotten a sneak peek of the new Rangers and have yet to drive them, but I believe they’ve delivered. They have addressed power and storage while integrating driver-assist technology and enhanced overland capabilities. Ford has built a fully redesigned Ranger with a purposeful focus on supporting outdoor adventure.
I still remember the Ranger compact pickup from the 1980s and 1990s that seemed to be everywhere. They were economical, reliable, and appealed to a wide variety of consumers. Forward to 2023, and Kelly Blue Book rates the current Ranger as the lowest 5-year-cost-of-ownership mid-size pickup truck on the market.
Pricing
Looking ahead, it seems Ford still wants to offer that value to consumers. The new 2024 Ford Ranger lineup includes the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor versions. Starting at $34,160 for the XL and up to a $56,960 starting price for the Raptor, customers will get a capable and functional mid-size pickup that includes many features found in higher-priced and full-sized trucks.
Dimensions
The Raptor wheelbase has been stretched by 2 inches in the XL, XLT, and Lariat and 3 inches in the Raptor. Track width for all versions has been widened by 2 inches, and shock mounts have been moved outboard of the frame rails. All of these dimensional changes will have a profound impact on stance, capability, stability, and comfort. Ground clearance, approach, and departure angles have also been improved. The Raptor will be 3 inches longer, with the front axle moved forward and an approach angle of 32 degrees.
Engine
The XL, XLT, and Lariat Ranger will be equipped with Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, providing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and are upgradable to the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which offers 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All will be equipped with the 10-speed automatic SelectShift transmission. The Raptor will have a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 in the Ranger Raptor, with a snorkel-ready airbox.
Technology
The once-basic Ford Ranger has evolved to provide cutting-edge modern technologies several steps above its price tag. There will be two sizes of instrument clusters and two sizes of user interface tablets. But at the same time, the Ranger still offers mechanical buttons and switches for the most frequently used driver controls. As much as I appreciate the automotive industry’s adoption of digital control panels, it’s really nice to still have some things at your fingertips rather than six pages deep into a tablet.
The Ranger also has options for 360-degree exterior lighting broken into four controllable zones, great for setting up camp in the dark or working in and around the vehicle in low-light conditions. Optional 360-degree cameras and radar sensors are mounted on all sides and corners of the Ranger. The vertical tablet display can show individual camera angles or a top-down view, like having a drone flying overhead, to show you exactly where the vehicle is positioned. Both the cameras and the radar system aid the Active Park Assist 2.0 feature that will parallel park automatically. They also help the evasive steering assist and post-collision braking to make the overall driving experience safer.
Towing
When it comes to towing, all versions of the Ranger will have a 7,500-towing capacity, a built-in brake controller, and several tow-friendly features to make you feel like a pro. The optional cameras allow for an extended view that incorporates a trailer behind the truck to help manage blind spots and tight situations. The Lariat and Raptor feature Pro-Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance real-time coaching, which allows the driver to use a joystick and the camera system to direct the trailer where they want it to go—the Ranger will do the rest. These systems will be useful to both novice and experienced trailer towers.
Storage
Secure storage has been added underneath the back seat for valuables or less frequently used items such as jumper cables or recovery gear. The upright portion of the rear seat will fold down to create a flat platform and a nice large area for storing boxes and other bulky items inside the cab of the Ranger. The bed of the truck has also seen beneficial upgrades. The 2-inch wider stance of the truck allows for a true 4 feet between wheel wells. This can accommodate 4-foot-wide sheets of construction materials for hauling or building out drawer systems and platforms. There is a side step built into the body on each side that is large enough for two feet and will hold 300 pounds. Optional 110V and 12V outlets are available, along with a 400-watt inverter for running larger electrical items such as tools, compressors, or grills. The outlets are monitored by a low-battery voltage cutoff system to preserve the starting battery. A second and higher glove box has also been added to the passenger front seat area.
The 2024 Ranger Raptor
We’ve mentioned a few things about the Raptor version of the Ranger above, but we want to call out the overall package. Compared to the 2023 Ranger, the 2024 Ranger Raptor will be 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider with the shock mounts moved outboard of the frame rails.
It will feature a long travel suspension with a Watts rear linkage and 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks. The front end will have coilovers, and the rear will use bypass reservoirs to help reduce overheating. Other suspension components are purpose-built and tuned for the Raptor, including aluminum upper and lower control arms and long-travel trailing arms. The boxed frame is reinforced at the front frame rails, rear shock brackets, front shock towers, and suspension mounting points. They’ve prepared the Ranger Raptor to inspire confidence and take on harsh conditions.
The Fox Live Valve system is integrated into the selectable drive modes and will change damping performance to match: Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja. The system has been designed to enhance capability, comfort, and driver control. Drive modes will adjust engine tuning, throttle response, transmission behavior, braking, steering, traction control, exhaust, and the instrument cluster display.
Its 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, with a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, will provide 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque paired with Ranger’s advanced four-wheel-drive system, an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case and locking differentials front and rear. It will utilize an anti-turbo-lag system to preserve boost when in Baja mode, allowing for better acceleration coming out of corners.
“Ranger Raptor is the high-performance off-road truck so many customers have been begging for. It’s right-sized for tight trails and daily life, can carry lots of gear, and is a blast to drive,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. “Ranger Raptor is fast, comfortable, and packed with top-shelf, purposeful technology designed to perform. This is the baddest Ranger we’ve ever made.”
The Raptor will have additional switches overhead of the dashboard for aftermarket accessories like lights. There are beefy recovery points in the front and rear tied into the frame, and the bumpers are steel. Unfortunately, the Raptor bumpers are not winch-ready, so an aftermarket solution will be needed. The 33-inch BFGoodrich AT KO3 tires mounted on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels will round out the package, and it looks like there is plenty of room for a 35-inch tire.
Availability
Ranger models will be available to order later this month (May 2023), with delivery in late summer for the 2.3-liter equipped models and the 3.0-liter equipped Ranger Raptor. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost will be available for delivery in late fall 2023. All Ford Ranger versions will be assembled in Michigan, United States.
The new Ranger will be a great feature-rich and performance-oriented economical mid-size truck. Its integrated technologies and features are inspiring, with trim levels to suit a wide range of budgets and functional needs.
Visit ford.com/rangerready for more details.
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