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- Highs Turbo engine offers smooth power delivery, driver-assistance tech that is optional on rivals is standard on the base Ranger.
- Lows Cabin design is basic and underwhelming, suspension can feel underdamped, rivals outclass the Ranger's braking performance.
- Verdict Although it falls short of being an overall leader in its class, the Ranger impresses with its enviable powertrain.
Overview
The Ranger is a tough customer when you need it to be and a smooth operator when it matters most. Its engine offers refined power delivery while providing the muscular towing and payload capabilities that make trucks a must-have for some buyers. Trim levels range from the stripped-down XL to the spruced-up Lariat, and there are two body styles and two bed lengths to consider. If you choose the lean, lightweight XL trim, you'll enjoy a pickup offering acceleration that's among the quickest in its segment. Base models come equipped with active safety features that competing models reserve solely for top-dog trim levels.
What's New for 2020?
For 2020, a new FX2 package joins the lineup. It's available only on rear-drive Rangers, and it's geared toward those who like traveling beyond the paved path. It includes special body-side decals and performance upgrades such as off-road tires, an electronic-locking rear differential, and a suspension that's specially tuned for trail-busting. Additionally, the Ranger now offers a pickup box extender as an accessory, and three new exterior colors have been added: Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, and Race Red. Ford has dropped Ingot Silver and Hot Pepper Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat from the color lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
If performance and value matter most to you, you'll be happiest with the base-model Ford Ranger XL. It's less hefty than the other trims, and this translates into tangible benefits when it comes to acceleration and ride quality. The XL is quicker and smoother than its heavier, more lavishly equipped siblings in the Ranger lineup. The Ranger XL is equipped with forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. With some rivals, these features are available only on the most expensive trims, and the fact that they're standard on the Ranger's affordable base model speaks to the truck's value proposition.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Pop the hood of the 2020 Ford Ranger, and you'll be greeted by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. There's enough muscle there to make the Ranger XLT we tested reasonably swift, and output is silky. Things get even more impressive with the lighter Ranger XL, which surprised us with its speed and agility when we put it through its paces at the track. With all Ranger trucks, a 10-speed automatic rules the roost, and it provides shifts that are smooth and quick. Rear-drive models offer 8.4 inches of ground clearance, while four-wheel-drive versions offer 8.9 inches. The Ranger is available with a Terrain Management System that tweaks things like engine responsiveness and transmission gearing to optimize the truck's performance on various types of terrain. Four selectable drive modes are offered: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The 2020 Ranger can tow up to 7500 pounds when outfitted with an optional tow package. The truck's engine remains poised and impressive even when pulling a heavy trailer. As far as payload capacity goes, the Ranger can handle up to 1860 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't yet released fuel economy ratings for the 2020 Ranger, but we expect the numbers will be identical to those seen in the 2019 model. That Ranger achieves EPA-rated gas mileage of up to 21/26 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel drive and 20/24 mpg with four-wheel drive. We subjected three Rangers to our 200-mile highway fuel-economy testing. Two of these were crew-cab four-wheel-drive models, and they achieved 16 mpg and 15 mpg combined after some fairly aggressive driving. The third version was rear-wheel drive, and it achieved 25 mpg in highway testing.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Ranger's cabin design is a bit mediocre and uninspired, and this is especially apparent in the unadorned base trim. On the plus side, the cabin's controls are easy to identify and use. The Ranger is available with either an extended cab (SuperCab) or a crew cab (SuperCrew).The family-friendly SuperCrew seats five and comes with four full-size doors, while the SuperCab provides seating for four and has two smaller half-doors. Both cab styles offer lots of room for adults in both rows and provide wide door openings for easy ingress and egress.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base-model Ranger is leanly equipped. A four-speaker AM/FM audio system is standard, along with a single USB port and a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices. The XLT and Lariat trims add features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with swipe capability. The options list includes an integrated navigation system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2020 Ford Ranger earned four out of a possible five stars overall. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did not name the Ranger a Top Safety Pick. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford provides the Ranger with a competitive warranty. Unlike the Toyota Tacoma, the Chevrolet Colorado, and the GMC Canyon, the Ranger isn't available with complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
