There are few juggernauts in the automotive landscape like Ford’s truck lineup. With the full-size F-150 leading the pack and the compact Maverick taking the small-car segment by storm, one might forgive Ford for leaving the midsize segment well enough alone. However, the recently redesigned Ford Ranger proves that the Blue Oval takes each of its trucks as seriously as the next. Kelley Blue Book® recently recognized the previous generation 2023 Ranger for having the lowest five-year total cost of ownership in the midsize pickup truck segment when accounting for insurance, maintenance costs, fuel costs, and depreciation – an accolade Ford aims to keep with its recent redesign.

Performance

An unchanged aspect of the redesigned Ranger is the power plants. Most models continue to be powered by the 2.3-liter Ecoboost® turbocharged inline-4 engine. It produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive for a base engine in this category. The power is routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability. The power is sent to the rear wheels on XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels in standard configuration. Ford’s 4x4 system with available electronic shift-on-the-fly capability is available on those trims and standard on the Raptor. EPA city/highway/combined fuel estimates for Rangers with this engine are 21/25/22 on 4x2 models with only a minute drop of 20/24/22 for 4x4 models.

While most competitors use turbocharged 4-cylinder engines across their model lines, the Ranger offers the smooth power of its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6—an engine shared with both the Bronco and F-150. It produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, it is exclusively used with the 4x4 drivetrain. EPA mpg estimates differ only slightly from base-engine 4x4 Rangers with 19/23/20. Because of its all-terrain tires and other off-road hardware, the Raptor is rated at 16/18/17.

The backbone of all Rangers is a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. The front suspension is a short and long arm design with a solid stabilizer bar. In the rear, two-stage linear-rate leaf springs are used on all but the Raptor. The rear shocks and shock mounts have also been moved outboard of the frame rails for improved ride and control. The Raptor features rear coil springs, among other enhancements, such as 2.5-inch Fox live valve shocks at all four corners.

Rangers have a maximum payload capacity of 1,805 pounds and a maximum available towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. To help with the latter, the model line offers available advanced towing technology, including class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist, an integrated trailer brake controller, and a 360-degree camera to make off-roading and trailer backing easier.

Exterior

As part of the new design, all Rangers feature a 4-door crew cab with a five-foot bed. It has a more planted footprint with two more inches of wheelbase and width. The increased width now means a full four feet between the wheel wells in the bed, which enhances the ability to carry standard construction materials such as 4x8 plywood or sheetrock.

An available Integrated Box Side Step behind the rear tires is big enough to fit both feet and help you access your load in the bed. Also available is a 400-watt power inverter with an outlet in the bed to enable the use of power tools, an air compressor, or camping items. The tailgate inner panel features an integrated ruler and clamp pockets to serve as a mobile workbench.

The overall appearance takes advantage of the model’s increased size with a more robust-appearing exterior, as exemplified by the new face front sporting C-clamp-shaped headlights like that of the F-150. All Rangers have improved ground clearance and better approach and departure angles. A newly available feature designed for camping or loading/unloading at night is Zone Lighting, which lights areas near the vehicle and can be controlled through either the in-vehicle touchscreen or the FordPass® App.

Interior

The interior is all new and ready to accommodate significantly more features and technology. Even the base XL features a large 10-inch center infotainment screen. This increases to 12 inches with a vertical format on the Lariat, accompanied by a 12-inch fully digital and configurable driver information display. Flanking the screen are vertical vents with a unique honeycomb pattern. The shift lever is electronic, allowing it to have a lower profile and thus provide easier access to the storage and cupholders around it. The electronic activation enables integration with systems such as the available Active Park Assist, which can help drivers in perpendicular and parallel parking with precision.

All Rangers seat five, and rear seat passengers have over 30 inches of legroom and 55 inches of shoulder room. When not needed, the rear seats are quite versatile. The seatbacks fold flat, creating a solid surface to store items within the security of the cabin. The seat cushions can also tilt upward, revealing additional and hidden storage bins.

Technology

The redesigned Ranger comes with a new batch of standard and available technology. Both the 10- and 12-inch center touchscreens are fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling you to enjoy your favorite smartphone apps in the cabin hands-free. All but the base XL cabins feature a wireless charging pad compatible with all phones using the Qi wireless charging protocol. Available SYNC® and FordPass® Connect enable a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot to help you and your passengers stay connected.

Lariat and Raptor models are equipped with an audio system from the audiophile-loved Bang & Olufsen. The system features ten speakers, including a subwoofer, and the firm’s dedication to clear, accurate sound. Also standard on Lariat and Raptor is the 360-degree camera system. Featuring cameras in the front, back, and under each outside mirror, the system can not only help you park perfectly but also assist off-road by helping you identify obstructions not seen from the cabin.

The 2025 Ford Ranger is equipped with various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, and on 4x4 models, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. By adjusting the throttle response, transmission logic, and traction control functionality, these modes help your ranger perform optimally in any condition and can make you look like a driving hero. In addition, there is the available Ford Trail Control, which is a form of off-road cruise control that will keep trail-appropriate speed and let you relax and enjoy the scenery.

Safety and Driver Assistance

All Rangers come standard with the safety of pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking and the convenience of automatic high beams. Starting on the XLT trim level, you get features from the Ford ProPilot 360 system, including the Blind Spot Information System, which expands to cover a towed trailer when you enter its dimensions into the system. The XLT also features Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Ford’s Lane-keeping system. The Lariat and Raptor add the convenience of adaptive cruise control, which, in addition to keeping a set speed on the open road, can keep a driver-set timed distance from the vehicle ahead in areas with traffic. Traction control, ABS, tire-pressure monitoring system, rearview camera, and full front and side airbags are standard on every Ranger.