The next generation US market Ford Ranger she has arrived. The 2024 model marks the first comprehensive update from the first midsize Ranger launched rolled off the line in the US in 2018, and that model was also new only to us; the rest of the world figured it out way back in 2011. And while it hasn’t been that long ago, this new Rangers it was also delayed on this side. The base truck debuted way back in 2021 and the global Raptor was shown over a year ago. The Ranger crossed the pond virtually unchanged, but our Raptor gets a little more punch than the global version – better to keep up with its little brother, the Bronchus.
New twists
The outgoing American Ranger was offered with only one engine. That 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder returns with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, but this time it’s joined by an available upgrade: a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 pushing 315 hp and 400 lb-ft. This is in addition to the tuned 3.0 liter unit offered in the Raptor, which we will detail below. Both engines will be coupled to by Ford 10-speed automatic transmission and available with 4 wheel drive with optional shift on the fly. The interior has also received an overhaul. At its heart is a new infotainment system, available with two screens: 10.1 or 12 inches. It is powered by Ford 4A Sync.
Same fundamentals
The 2024 Ranger has grown slightly, but it is general the imprint remains more or less the same. SuperCrew remains the sole body style and only one bed length (6′) is offered. The V6 may sound appealing for heavier work, but it’s actually the 2.3-liter engine that gives you the most trailers. A 4×2 paired with the Trailer Tow package gives you 1,805 pounds of total payload capacity (down 100 pounds from ’23) and 7,500 pounds of towing (carry-over). The four and six cylinders diesel the options offered abroad did not pass the trip.
Raptor
The Ranger Raptor isn’t new, but its availability in the US market is. Ours is a little spicier than what is offered abroad. While not quite as punchy as the 418-horsepower Bronco Raptor, it’s a respectable (or best-in-class, as Ford would say) 405 horsepower, and 430 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with standard 4WD with two-speed transfer case, BFGoodrich KO3 33-inch, beefed up chassis, front and rear electronic locking differentials, updated Ride Modes, Fox Live Valve shocks and Watts-link rear suspension, it’s fit to rule its (again Ford’s words) class of one.
Ford’s boast is not without foundation. The midsize pickup segment has been heating up in recent years, but only Ford has truly dared to turn up the wick. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon/Mojave and GM’s crawl-ready ZR2 and AT4X are certainly fun in their own ways, but neither of them have a twin-turbo six throbbing under its sheet metal. The Raptor gets 10.7 inches of ground clearance and offers approach, departure and breakover angles of 33, 26.4 and 24.2 degrees, respectively. This capability comes at a cost, however, as the Raptor’s maximum payload capacity drops to just 1,411 lbs and max trailer at £5,510. Not bad for a rabid little runabout.
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