The 2024 Ford Ranger takes on fresh upgrades to give this truck a new style and packaging while heading up the market with a more powerful Raptor model.
The Ranger seems to be a bit behind other midsize trucks in terms of evolution and development. GM changed its pair of midsize trucks for 2023, and now Ford has done the same for 2024. Thankfully, the Ranger is one of the most popular truck names and demands a certain level of respect, admiration, and attention whenever it’s offered. The new 2024 model brings this midsize truck to new heights of performance, competing directly with the rest of the midsize truck market.
Did Ford take cues from GM?
All midsize trucks aim to reach the same sales and popularity as the Toyota Tacoma, but most fall short. In fact, the Tacoma is the only midsize truck in the top five in terms of sales from 2023. Still, a new direction could prove to be the formula for success for the Ford and GM trucks.
Last year, GM simplified its midsize truck lineup with one engine and one body style. The differentiating factors for the Chevy Colorado were the power output and equipment and only the equipment for the GMC Canyon. The new 2024 Ford Ranger is being offered exclusively as a four-door crew cab truck with a five-foot bed, making it similar to the GM models.
The new Ranger brings a familiar look but has different front-end features depending on the trim level. All models have a wide grille and the Ford C-Clamps headlights but have a few styling elements to differentiate the trims. The RANGER lettering spelled across the tailgate makes it easy to know exactly what truck you’re following when you get behind this midsize Ford.
Is the new Ranger bigger than before?
This new model is the same length as the previous version but has a few changes. This new Ranger is wider and has a longer wheelbase, which should make it even more stable on and off the roads than before. Placing the wheels closer to the corners brings a bolder stand and improves the approach and departure angles.
In addition to better off-road prowess, the new Ford Ranger improves its utility with new features. The wider body means a larger and more useful cargo bed. The space between the wheel wells measures four feet, which is room for a standard sheet of plywood. This new truck also has a 400-watt inverter with an outlet in the bed to provide power at the job site or on the trails, making it easier to power items while in the wilderness.
The Ford Ranger Raptor joins the lineup
A new Raptor trim sits at the top of the Ranger lineup, standing out from the rest of the models in a big way. The wide grille spells out FORD in large letters, which matches what we find in the F-150 Raptor models. This top-end Ranger also has a set of LED projector headlights, an impressive graphics package, and a set of 33-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around a set of 17-inch wheels.
How much power does the new Ranger produce?
Ford didn’t follow the entire GM blueprint. Instead of only one powertrain, Ford gives the Ranger three possible engines to provide various power levels. Lower Ford Ranger trims still utilize a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower to the rear wheels. You can move up to a more powerful 2.7-liter engine that produces 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. These two engines use a ten-speed automatic transmission for smooth and accurate shifting.
If you go for the Raptor, you’ll have a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine under the hood. This engine delivers 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque for the drive. The Raptor model also includes an advanced 4WD system, rear locking differentials, a custom off-road suspension, and 10.7 inches of ground clearance.
The tow rating for the Ford Ranger is limited to 7,500 pounds with either of the smaller engines. The Raptor model is limited to 5,510 pounds of towing, but that’s pretty standard for high-output, off-road-focused midsize trucks.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger right for you?
Ford improves the Ranger for the current model year, using traditional names and impressive features to deliver a much better truck. The Ranger is available in XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor trims, giving you several great ways to have the truck you want to drive.
If you’re looking for a midsize truck, check out what this new Ford Ranger offers. There could be a trim that has everything you want in your pickup truck.
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