What To Know
- The Ranger also offers a variety of off-road features, including an electronic-locking rear differential, a Terrain Management System with four selectable modes, and an available Tremor Off-Road Package.
- The Ford Ranger is a strong contender in the midsize truck segment, offering a combination of performance, features, and value.
- It’s a good choice for buyers who are looking for a truck that can handle a variety of tasks, from towing and hauling to off-roading and daily commuting.
The midsize truck segment is a fiercely competitive one, with a wide range of options available to buyers. The Ford Ranger is a popular choice in this segment, thanks to its combination of performance, features, and value. But how does it stack up against its competitors? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the Ford Ranger and some of its key rivals to help you decide which midsize truck is right for you.
Performance Comparison: Power, Towing, and Off-Roading
When it comes to performance, the Ford Ranger is a solid contender in the midsize truck segment. It offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 that generates 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of towing and payload capacity, the Ranger is also competitive. It can tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,860 pounds. The Ranger also offers a variety of off-road features, including an electronic-locking rear differential, a Terrain Management System with four selectable modes, and an available Tremor Off-Road Package.
Features Comparison: Technology, Comfort, and Convenience
The Ford Ranger offers a range of features that enhance technology, comfort, and convenience. These include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a premium audio system, and heated and cooled front seats. The Ranger also offers a variety of driver-assist features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety Comparison: Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features
The Ford Ranger has received good crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.
Value Comparison: Price, Warranty, and Resale Value
The Ford Ranger is priced competitively in the midsize truck segment. It starts at $26,595 for the base XL trim level and goes up to $44,440 for the top-of-the-line Lariat Tremor Off-Road Package. The Ranger also comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Resale value for the Ranger is also strong, with Kelley Blue Book predicting that it will retain 48.9% of its original value after three years.
Takeaways: The Best Midsize Truck for Your Needs
The Ford Ranger is a strong contender in the midsize truck segment, offering a combination of performance, features, and value. It’s a good choice for buyers who are looking for a truck that can handle a variety of tasks, from towing and hauling to off-roading and daily commuting. However, it’s important to compare the Ranger to its competitors to make sure that it’s the right truck for your specific needs and budget.
Other Considerations: Reliability, Fuel Efficiency, and Customization
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other considerations that you may want to keep in mind when choosing a midsize truck. These include reliability, fuel efficiency, and customization options.
Reliability: The Ford Ranger has a good reputation for reliability, with J.D. Power giving it a score of 78 out of 100. This means that it’s less likely to experience problems than average.
Fuel Efficiency: The Ranger’s fuel efficiency is also competitive, with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine getting an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Customization: The Ranger offers a wide range of customization options, including different trim levels, packages, and accessories. This allows you to tailor the truck to your specific needs and preferences.
Information You Need to Know
Q: How does the Ford Ranger compare to the Chevrolet Colorado?
A: The Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet Colorado are two of the most popular midsize trucks on the market. They offer similar performance, features, and value. However, the Ranger has a slightly more powerful engine and a higher towing capacity. The Colorado, on the other hand, has a slightly better fuel economy and a lower starting price.
Q: How does the Ford Ranger compare to the Toyota Tacoma?
A: The Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma are two other popular midsize trucks. They offer similar performance, features, and value. However, the Ranger has a more powerful engine and a higher towing capacity. The Tacoma, on the other hand, has a better fuel economy and a higher resale value.
Q: How does the Ford Ranger compare to the GMC Canyon?
A: The Ford Ranger and the GMC Canyon are two more popular midsize trucks. They offer similar performance, features, and value. However, the Ranger has a more powerful engine and a higher towing capacity. The Canyon, on the other hand, has a better fuel economy and a lower starting price.