Ford has announced the return of the Ranger midsize truck to the U.S. market. Discontinued seven years ago, the Ranger is back with updated features and a renewed focus on appealing to a broad range of buyers.
I owned a 1991 Ford Ranger in college, and it started my long-running affection for Ford trucks. It had a four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission that simply wouldn’t quit. I bought it in Tucson and drove it through several years living in Seattle. Although it was two-wheel drive, it handled trips to the slopes at Alpental and beyond with surprising agility. I was sorry to part with it, but I stuck with Ford and later owned a 1970 Bronco and two F-150s (2001 and 2008). After enjoying time in a GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado, I’ve been tempted to return to a midsize truck, but the F-150 has a way of pulling me back. From the Ranger’s initial specs, it looks positioned to sell well and push Chevrolet and Toyota to raise their game.
The new Ranger comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While diesel isn’t offered at launch, that could change down the road. Trim levels mirror the F-150 lineup, and a crew cab option makes the Ranger a practical choice for families. Ford appears to be targeting younger urban buyers who want a truck that’s versatile enough for outdoor activities, easy to park in tighter spaces, and efficient on fuel.
For buyers seeking off-road capability, the FX4 package brings a suite of enhancements tuned for rougher terrain, though it’s not positioned as a Raptor-level performance truck. A Raptor-style Ranger would certainly excite off-road enthusiasts, and many would welcome such an addition to the lineup.
Inside, the Ranger offers upscale touches and modern technology that compete with higher-end Ford models. Infotainment, driver-assist features, and interior comfort options bring the truck in line with current consumer expectations for connected, comfortable driving experiences.
Production is scheduled to begin later this year, so deliveries will likely be nearly a year away. Given the popularity of accessories for trucks like the Colorado, it’s reasonable to expect the aftermarket to quickly develop overland, off-road, and lifestyle gear for the Ranger as well.
The Toyota Tacoma has long dominated the midsize truck segment, but with Ford and Chevrolet ramping up competitive offerings, buyers can expect stronger choices and more innovation across the category.