The new Ford Ranger debuted last year in a host of global markets. It’s also expected to make its debut in the United States later this year.
The American-spec Ranger isn’t expected to look too different from the global model. It’s based on the T6.2 platform used by the global Ranger and Bronco, so expect to see a similar powertrain here.
Powertrain
The 2024 Ford Ranger Release Date standard engine will be a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, which sends it to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle also offers an optional four-wheel drive system.
The engine is paired with an electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system and a full-time four-wheel drive system, which helps the truck maintain its grip even when it’s not on the pavement. The new Ranger has been designed with off-roading in mind and features dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.
In order to improve the approach angle and axle articulation of the new Ranger, engineers pushed the front wheels forward by 50mm and moved the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails. It’s a similar setup to what you’ll find in the Bronco SUV, and it’s intended to improve ride comfort as well as traction on dirt.
We’ve heard that the Ranger will offer a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, but it’s not clear if this is just a standard feature or a high-end option for customers. A 12.0-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen is expected to be available as well, and it’s expected to run Ford’s Sync 4 user interface.
Another key feature is that the Ranger’s cabin will be designed with more room and convenience in mind. We expect to see a plethora of storage solutions, including larger door pocket cubbies and a hidden upper glovebox in the dashboard.
Other convenience features will include a digital driver information display, wireless charging pad and USB type-A and type-C ports. An all-digital gauge display will likely be offered as well, and it should be able to show a 360-degree view of the path ahead as well.
The Ranger also comes with a wide range of security features, including Advancer traction control, digital power brakes, roll traction control and ABS and driveline stability control. It also has a tire-specific low-pressure warning system, as well as a dual-stage frontal airbag system and front seat belt pretensioners. The Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver-assist technology is also included. It features lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and active park assist.
Transmission
The 2024 Ford Ranger should come with a new platform and a new powertrain that will help it compete with the latest pickup trucks in the market. The current model isn’t as capable or as nice to drive as the competition, and the upcoming version should remedy this problem.
The Ranger will be powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It will be paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
In other markets, the Ranger Raptor gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 392 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Raptor is mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, and we expect it to come with the same setup in the U.S.
We also know that the Ranger will be available in several trim levels. These include the work-oriented XL, the mid-range XLT, and a more expensive Lariat that comes with all sorts of tech features.
Inside, the cabin of the Ranger will have a contemporary feel. There will be an all-digital gauge display and a range of interior storage solutions. The dashboard will be redesigned to include a hidden upper glovebox, larger door pocket cubbies, and storage under the rear seat.
A 10.1-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen will be standard, and it will run Ford’s Sync 4 system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features will include a wireless charging pad, USB type-A and type-C ports, and a 360-degree camera.
As it has in other markets, the Ranger will come with an active safety suite that includes a slew of advanced driver-assist technologies. These include Advance Trac traction control, Digital Power Brakes, Roll Traction Control, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
The Ranger will also feature dual recovery hooks in the front bumper to help with off-road recovery. Depending on the trim, customers can also choose from two 4WD systems. One of them is an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, while the other will be a full-time four-wheel drive that can tow up to 7500 pounds.
Exterior
The 2024 Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that’s expected to replace the current model in the US market. It will be produced at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI and will compete with the smaller Maverick and larger F-150 models.
The Ranger is available in a variety of body styles and trim levels. There are single cab and double cab models, as well as a Crew Cab that can haul up to six passengers. The Ranger is also available in a luxury Platinum trim and a performance-oriented Ranger Raptor version.
While the American Ranger is based on the global Ranger, there are several differences. First, the frame rails and chassis are adjusted to meet American safety standards. Additionally, bumper steps in the cladding behind the rear wheels are absent on the U.S. variant, but they are included on the global version.
Another key difference between the two is engine options. While the global Ranger can be powered by three different diesel engines, this is not the case with the U.S. Ranger, according to Edmunds.
In addition, the Ranger will be offered with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine that produces up to 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, either RWD or AWD.
On the other hand, the Ranger Raptor is a high-performance off-road version of the standard Ranger that can be had with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 or a 3.5-liter V6. The Raptor also comes with an electronically-adjustable, heated front seat, as well as a variety of other features and technologies designed to help you tackle the dunes in style.
While the interior of a Ranger might not seem as luxurious as other vehicles on the market, it is actually quite nice. It offers a comfortable seating position with plenty of room for cargo, and the seats have an adjustable backrest that can be set to fit your preferences.
Its exterior is surprisingly sporty, too. It’s got a muscular front grille and wide bodywork with a blacked-out appearance package, plus some chrome trim pieces that give it a sporty edge.
Interior
Ford has carved out a very large slice of the market with its F-150 pickups, and it hopes to do the same with its next-generation Ranger. Its redesigned model will be out on sale for 2024 and should right many of the current truck’s flaws, helping it to compete with its midsize competitors.
The Ranger is one of the most popular trucks on the road, with more than 57,000 sold stateside last year and another 34,000 units sold outside the United States. However, it doesn’t sell as well as some of its rivals.
Its exterior styling hasn’t changed a lot, but its body is redesigned to look more aggressive and modern. It’s based on a new platform, which means it should have a stronger chassis and better off-road abilities than the old Ranger.
For the interior, Ford has redesigned the cabin to have a more modern design and feel. The front fascia is reshaped to resemble the larger F-150, and there are plenty of button controls and more storage inside.
The interior will also have a more upscale look thanks to a vertically-oriented touchscreen. It’ll be able to run a large amount of infotainment content and a few physical controls, like the HVAC system.
It’s not yet known what trim levels will be offered, but it could offer a XL with rear-wheel drive or the smaller SuperCab cab. Those two trims should start around $29,000, while a range-topping Lariat with 4-wheel drive and the SuperCrew cab should cost closer to $42K.
In addition to the standard Ranger, Ford will also offer a Raptor version for off-road enthusiasts. That vehicle has already been introduced in Europe, but it was unclear when it would make its way to the U.S.
If we were guessing, the engine bay will be bigger than that of the global Ranger, giving room for hybrid power and a potential turbocharged V6. If that’s true, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raptor in the US next year.
The Ranger isn’t the most powerful off-road truck in its class, but it should have plenty of grunt to tackle any challenge you can throw at it. Its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is a good fit for its weight, and it should deliver plenty of power with its 10-speed automatic transmission.
