2024 Ford Ranger Arrives In America With Ruggedly Good Looks, New 315 HP EcoBoost V6

The 2024 Ranger starts at $34,160 and will arrive at U.S. dealerships late this summer

2023 is the year of the mid-size truck and that's clear once again as Ford has taken the wraps off the redesigned Ranger. Of course, the model doesn't need much of an introduction as the North American variant is virtually identical to the overseas model that was unveiled in 2021.

While it's fashionably late, the US-spec Ranger is dressed for success as it features a more muscular and upscale appearance that incorporates a few cues from the larger F-150. This isn't too surprising as Ford officials told us the truck was designed with Americans in mind from the onset.

Four different trims will be available in North America – including XL, XLT, Lariat and Raptor – and each has a unique grille and front end appearance. That being said, every model has a single bar grille that flows into C-clamp headlights.

More: The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Is 405 HP Of Awesomeness And A Steal At $56,960

Moving down the sides, we can see functional fender vents, sculpted doors, and available side steps. The latter are housed beneath the rear fender and can support up to 300 lbs (136 kg) of weight.

Out back, there are C-clamp taillights and a stylized tailgate with "Ranger" lettering. A dampened tailgate is available and it opens to reveal a far more useful bed, which can now accommodate 4 feet wide sheets of plywood and drywall thanks to the truck's extra width.

However, Ford giveth and Ford taketh away as the 2024 Ranger will be offered exclusively in a SuperCrew configuration. The death of the SuperCab isn't surprising, but it also means the end of the 6 foot bed as the redesigned model is available exclusively with a 5 foot box.

Speaking of the bed, XLT and above trims have 12V and 120V outlets in back. The latter provides up to 400 watts of power and it can be used to charge tools on jobsites. On the topic of putting the truck to work, the tailgate functions as a workbench and has two clamp points as well as an integrated ruler.

The model also offers a spray-on bed liner, bed lights, and a new Zone Lighting system. The latter is ideal for camping or working at night as owners will be able to illuminate up to four different zones around the exterior of the vehicle.

A Modern And More Tech Focused Interior

One of the Ranger's weakest points was the interior as it already felt dated when the truck returned to America in 2018. The old cabin has thankfully been banished to the history books as the redesigned model sports a far more modern interior that features an 8- or 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 10.1- or 12-inch infotainment system.

Speaking of the infotainment system, it features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, 4G connectivity, and support for over-the-air updates. It can also show an assortment of camera views as well as a dedicated off-road display.

While Ford embraced screens, the company was smart enough to include a physical volume controller and buttons for the climate control system. They’re joined by a drive mode selector, a wireless smartphone charger, and easy to access USB ports. Buyers will also find HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a B&O premium audio system.

The Ranger offers two different shifters as the Lariat has a "short-throw e-shifter," which is much more compact than what you’ll find in the XL and XLT. Ford officials said the e-shifter was necessary to incorporate some of the truck's advanced driver assistance systems.

Speaking of which, the Ranger offers Forward Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. The latter is notable for factoring in the length of a trailer you’re towing as long as you program that information in before hand.

The Ranger also offers Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, Reverse Braking Assist, and Active Park Assist 2.0. Other highlights include automatic high beam headlights, Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and Speed Sign Recognition. While BlueCruise isn't available, the combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering should make highway travel fairly relaxing.

Getting back to the interior, it's plasticky but Ford added padded surfaces at key touch points. There's also more visual interest in the cabin as the XLT we checked out had two-tone cloth seats with contrast stitching. The seats also featured a geometric pattern, which was echoed on the door panels.

The latter is a cool touch and it's not the only one as the air vents have distinctive grilles, which naturally draw attention. They’re joined by gloss black and metallic accents as well as a slightly odd texture on the dashboard.

The front seats are spacious, but things are noticeably tighter in back. Two adults can fit into the second-row, but this 6’2" scribe found legroom was limited and felt less generous than the 38.3 inches (973 mm) would suggest. On the bright side, there's ample headroom as well as USB and 120V outlets.

Speaking of the second-row, it features underseat storage as well as fold-flat rear seatbacks. The latter makes it easy to haul large items you don't want to store in the bed.

A Familiar Four-Cylinder And An All-New 2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6

Under the hood, customers will find a familiar 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that develops 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. That's the same output as its predecessor and the engine is once again paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while four-wheel drive is optional.

It's not all déjà vu as the Ranger will also be offered with the Bronco's 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which produces 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. That's a significant boost and it easily beats the 3.6-liter V6 in the Jeep Gladiator as well as the 3.8-liter V6 in the Nissan Frontier. However, it's a mixed bag compared to GM's turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that produces up to 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque.

While a good engine lineup is always welcome, the frame is the backbone of a truck. In the case of the Ranger, you’ll find a fully boxed high-strength steel one that has been torture tested and proven globally.

The truck features a new front end structure, which allows for more room in the engine compartment as well as improved air flow. The front axle has also been moved forward and the truck's wheelbase grows by 1.9 inches (48 mm), while the track climbs by 2.4 inches (61 mm). Those aren't the only changes as the rear shocks and shock mounts have been moved outboard of the frame rails for improved ride and control. The truck also promises to have improved stability and better off-road capability.

Speaking of the latter, the truck boasts 9.3 inches (236 mm) of ground clearance with rear-wheel drive and 10.4 inches (264 mm) with four-wheel drive. Those are improvements of 0.9 and 1.5 inches (23 and 38 mm), respectively. Buyers will also find improved approach and departure angles of 29.2° and 25.8°.

On the topic of off-roading, the truck can be equipped with a locking rear differential and a Trail Control system. The latter is effectively off-road cruise control as it keeps you moving at a slow and steady speed so you can focus on steering.

New Tech And A 7,500 Pound Towing Capacity

Towing is important to truck owners and this is where the mid-sizer shines as it can tow up to 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) when properly equipped. While that figure carries over from its predecessor, the latest truck offers an integrated trailer brake controller from the factory.

There's also a lot of trailering toys including Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing a trailer as easy as turning a knob. Buyers will also find a trailer light check function and Trailer Navigation. The latter feature debuted on the Super Duty and is a brilliant addition as it gives directions while factoring in the length and weight of your trailer. This promises to make towing in unfamiliar areas far less stressful as the navigation system will avoid tight turns, low bridges, and other obstacles – all based on your specific trailer.

Last but not least, the truck's maximum payload capacity has climbed to 1,805 lbs (819 kg). That's a slight increase of 35 lbs (16 kg), but it bests the Chevrolet Colorado by a good margin.

Starts At $34,160 And Arrives Late This Summer

The 2024 Ranger starts at $34,160 including a $1,595 destination and delivery fee. That effectively splits the difference between the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, which begin at $30,695 and $38,395 respectively. It's also impossible to ignore the $40,570 Jeep Gladiator and the Nissan Frontier, which starts at $32,005 in a crew cab configuration.

The North American Ranger will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant and orders will open later this month. Deliveries are slated to begin late this summer, although fans will have to wait until fall for the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6.