Ford Ranger Vs F250: Battle Of The Pickup Trucks! Which One Will Win Your Heart?

In the realm of pickup trucks, two titans stand tall: the Ford Ranger and the Ford F250. These trucks have earned a reputation for their ruggedness, capability, and versatility. But which one is the right choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare the Ford Ranger and F250 head-to-head in terms of performance, capability, features, and price.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Engine Options:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers two engine options: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbocharged V6 diesel engine.
• Ford F250: The F250 boasts a range of engine options, including a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, a 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine, and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine.

Power and Torque:

• Ford Ranger: The EcoBoost engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Power Stroke diesel engine generates 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.
• Ford F250: The 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine delivers 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, the 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine produces 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine generates 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque.

Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 lbs.
• Ford F250: The F250’s towing capacity ranges from 12,000 lbs to 23,500 lbs, and its payload capacity varies from 3,300 lbs to 4,200 lbs, depending on the engine and configuration.

Capability: Off-Road Prowess and Ruggedness

Four-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes standard with a four-wheel drive system with an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case.
• Ford F250: The F250 also features a four-wheel drive system with an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, along with an optional four-wheel drive system with a manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case.

Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers 8.9 inches of ground clearance, a 28.9-degree approach angle, and a 25.5-degree departure angle.
• Ford F250: The F250 provides 10.8 inches of ground clearance, a 31.5-degree approach angle, and a 26.5-degree departure angle.

Off-Road Features:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger XLT and Lariat trims come equipped with an off-road suspension package that includes monotube shocks, a front stabilizer bar, and all-terrain tires.
• Ford F250: The F250 offers various off-road packages, including the FX4 Off-Road Package and the Tremor Off-Road Package, which add features like skid plates, off-road tires, and an electronic-locking rear differential.

Features: Comfort, Convenience, and Technology

Cab Configurations and Seating:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger is available in SuperCab and SuperCrew cab configurations, with seating for up to five or six passengers.
• Ford F250: The F250 comes in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations, providing seating for up to three, six, or five passengers, respectively.

Infotainment Systems:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger features the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system.
• Ford F250: The F250 offers the SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system.

Safety Features:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
• Ford F250: The F250 provides a comprehensive range of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.

Price: Value for Your Money

Starting Price:

• Ford Ranger: The Ford Ranger has a starting price of $25,580 for the XL trim.
• Ford F250: The Ford F250 starts at $33,275 for the XL trim.

Price Range:

• Ford Ranger: The Ranger’s price range extends to $43,095 for the Lariat trim.
• Ford F250: The F250’s price range reaches up to $84,525 for the Limited trim.

Which Truck is Right for You?

The Ford Ranger and F250 are both excellent trucks, but they cater to different needs and preferences. If you’re seeking a versatile and fuel-efficient pickup for everyday use and occasional off-road adventures, the Ford Ranger is a compelling choice. However, if you require a heavy-duty truck for towing and hauling heavy loads, the Ford F250 is the clear winner.

The Verdict: A Matter of Choice

Ultimately, the decision between the Ford Ranger and F250 depends on your specific requirements and budget. Consider your intended use, towing and payload needs, desired features, and budget to determine which truck is the right fit for you.