Is the Ford Ranger a Good Truck?

Many Ford drivers were surprised when the Ranger disappeared from Ford’s North American lineup in 2012. However, in 2019, the Ranger resurfaced as a midsize pickup truck with a comfortable interior, a powerful engine, and excellent towing capacity. In the last couple of years, the Ford Ranger has become one of the most popular vehicles in America. If you are thinking about buying a Ford Ranger, there are several crucial factors to consider, from fuel efficiency to integrated tech. Understanding the features, pros, and cons of the Ford Ranger can help you decide whether it’s the right truck for you.

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Pros of the Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger 2021 delivers on every front, vastly improving on previous years’ models. Here are just some of the reasons why you might want to buy a Ford Ranger.

1. Powerful Engine

One of the best things about the Ford Ranger is its powerful engine. The Ford Ranger has a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which works smoothly and efficiently, offering 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds. The independent front coil and rear leaf suspension and solid stabilizer bar ensure the vehicle handles well.

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2. Towing Capacity

The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs., enough for transporting jet skis or kayaks to the lake or even towing a small camper trailer. The Ranger’s payload capacity is 1,860 lbs, which means the Ranger can carry nearly a ton of gear for your next adventure.

3. Off-Road Performance

The standard Ford Ranger comes with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available for those who enjoy off-roading. In 2021, Ford has fortified the Ranger with a Tremor package, increasing its off-road capabilities. The Tremor package includes all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, an electronically locking rear differential, and a Terrain Management System, among other features. The Terrain Management System has different modes, including mud/ruts, sand, and grass/gravel/snow, which is useful when off-roading.

4. Comfort

Unlike many pickup trucks, the Ford Ranger doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Thanks to the front and rear gas shocks, the ride quality is fairly smooth on most paved surfaces, and the noise is minimized as much as possible inside the cabin. The well-padded seats are comfortable for long road trips. If you want to make the Ranger extra comfy, the SuperCrew cabin option increases leg space in the back.

If you plan to take your Ford Ranger camping, you need the ultimate protection. Our Ford Ranger camper shell cover provides a durable shield for your Ford Ranger and camper trailer, protecting your truck and camper from harmful UV rays and extreme weather conditions. This fleece-lined, multi-layer cover protects your vehicle’s finish from bird droppings and tree sap while out on the trail.

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Cons of the Ford Ranger

Even though the Ford Ranger is one of the best pickup trucks on the market, some disadvantages may influence your purchasing decision.

1. Not Very Efficient

If you are looking to maximize your mpg, the Ranger isn’t your best option. It’s estimated that the Ford Ranger can drive about 21 or 20 mpg in the city. On the highway, the numbers improve, but it’s still not as efficient as many current SUVs.

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2. Limited Technology on the Base Model

Many of the Ford Ranger’s competitors offer excellent technology on the lower-trim models, such as large touchscreens and smartphone connectivity. For example, one of the Ford Ranger’s competitors, the Toyota Tacoma, comes standard with a 7” touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The entry model for the Ford Ranger doesn’t, and you have to move up from the entry-level trim to improve the car’s technology. The upgraded 2021 Ranger XLT and Ranger Lariat models offer excellent technology, including an adaptive cruise control system and the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology to help you navigate roads and highways safely.

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3. No Alternative Engine

Some people like to choose various engine options when they purchase a car. For example, some people may prefer a diesel engine instead of the standard one or want an engine with a supercharger. The Ford Ranger doesn’t have any extra options and comes with one standard gasoline engine.

Get a High-Quality Truck Cover for Your Ford Ranger

If you decide the Ford Ranger is your next vehicle, protect it from the sun, rain, and snow with a custom or semi-custom cover from CarCovers.com. A high-quality Ford Ranger cover is an excellent investment to keep your pickup truck in perfect condition. Our Platinum Shield offers protection against all the elements with its three-layer construction, and our Black Satin Cover is an extra soft cover for indoor storage to protect against scratches and dust. Explore our website or contact us by live chat for more information on our Ford Ranger truck covers.