RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
EAST HADDAM, CT – The Ford Ranger is a little something special. It’s a mid-size pickup truck with but a handful of competitors. They include the GM Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. That’s it.
It’s no secret that today’s pickups have grown to extremes. So much so that they often won’t fit in a suburban garage or a parking space at the supermarket.
In my neck of the woods where narrow two-lane country roads prevail, it’s not uncommon for extended side door mirrors on the big boys (and girls) to smack things like rural mailboxes. This makes the Ford Ranger a welcome alternative because of its reasonable proportions.
The Ranger was ambitiously redesigned in 2024. For utmost, rugged versatility it remains on a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. The wheelbase and wheel track have both been stretched some two inches in each direction to provide improved creature comfort, greater stability and a wider rear bed.
As is industry-typical, the ever-ready Ranger is a little bit bigger than its predecessor. As a result, it is now able to accommodate an optional V6.
The rear shock absorbers have been moved outboard of the frame for better control, suspension arms are now aluminum and front approach/rear departure angles – the body clearance off the ground when going on or coming off a hill – have been increased.
The four-wheel drive rough rider I drove featured an FX4 Off-Road Package which included a heavy-duty suspension. It also had more aggressive 18-inch wheels and tires, increased ride height, underbody skid plates and an electronically locking differential, which in my mind ruined the Ranger.
Unless you’re seriously and frequently heading off into the hinterlands, the FX4 option translates into a harsh, everyday existence. Each bump along the road turns into a barrage of bashes beneath your derriere. I’d clearly opt for the standard suspension.
In addition, the increased ride height of the off-road package also reduces access to the short, five-foot rear bed because the truck is now too tall. Fortunately, there are rear corner side steps behind the rear tires so you can step up and lean over to lean in.
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A standard, 2.3-liter EcoBoost (turbocharged) four-cylinder engines drives the Ranger with 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s perky and potent enough but can be a bit gnarly noise-wise on acceleration. The Ranger gets 20 City/24 Hwy mpg and towing capacity goes to 7,500 lbs.
Hopefully, you’ll never have to open the hood because you’ll find an aesthetic mess underneath. It seems that Ford no longer takes pride in any form of underhood aesthetics. Instead of contributing to a bit of truck-owner pride and bragging rights, the Ranger is left with a plumber’s nightmare for all to see. Yuck!
According to Ford’s accessory catalogue, you can “add a clean, finished look to your vehicle’s underhood appearance” for $146.32 (Part # L1MZ-6A949-C). But at $43,980 for a Ranger XLT, a standard, plastic beauty shroud would sure be appreciated.
Externally, Ford has emphasized and improved styling. The company’s signature C-clamp headlight design has been incorporated so the mid-size Ranger shares the bold identity of its bigger, full-size F-Series siblings. More aggressive wheel arches and side sculpture further contribute to a more planted, sure-footed stance.
Available exclusively as a four-door Crew Cab, the new-for-2024 Ranger is roomy enough for a small family and a bigger troupe on occasion. But when it comes to routinely carrying four average adults, a larger F-Series will be required for that kind of crew. Abundant nooks and cubbies, charger ports, underseat storage and more convenience considerations add to the Ranger’s kind accommodations.
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Two digital instrument cluster and center touchscreen displays are available. A standard 8-inch and available 12.4-inch cluster is complemented by a 10.1-inch or 12-inch center display. Improved interior materials and attention to detail comes part and parcel with this latest Ford Ranger. The intricate instrument panel vents are a bit fiddly and will no doubt turn into dust magnets.
Ford claims that there are 31 standard or available driver assist features ready and willing to serve Ranger owners. Available Zone Surrounding and Bed Lighting packages will come in handy around the campsite or workplace.
Ford calls it “the most connected Ranger ever” due to its greater attention to advanced technology and smart feature sets – from operational and infotainment to safety and trailering.
For average, everyday use, the capable, intermediate Ranger could indeed be a sweet spot with its more conservative size and fresh, contemporary style. Originally homegrown in Australia to conquer the Outback, that country’s number one seller was just named North American Truck of the Year.
(Photos by Bud Wilkinson unless otherwise noted.)
