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- Highs Beefy turbocharged engine, extensive standard driver-assistance technology.
- Lows Dated and boring interior, only moderate off-road abilities, we're still waiting for the Ranger Raptor.
- Verdict Even though the Ranger isn’t the most popular kid in its class, we still give it props for its value and smooth, capable powertrain.
Overview
In its third year back in the U.S. market, the Ranger has remained a great value, but we’re still eagerly waiting for Ford to bring its high-performance Raptor off-road counterpart to the states. Ford’s mid-size pickup comes in two body styles with two bed lengths, and its trim levels range from the base model XL to the more luxurious Lariat. All Rangers are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and offer a 10-speed automatic transmission; both rear- and four-wheel drive models are available. Unfortunately, there’s no all-out trail-conquering model that matches the Chevy Colorado ZR2; the Ranger does offer the off-road capable FX4 package though, which adds a specially tuned suspension, beefier tires, and a locking rear differential. If you're looking for a pickup that can go anywhere, the Jeep Gladiator would be our suggestion.
What's New for 2021?
The Black appearance package, which adds black 18-inch wheels and grille, now also includes black Ford oval badges and new bedside decals. Four new exterior colors have also been added: Cactus Gray, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, and Velocity Blue.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
If you’re going for value and performance, look to the base, XL extended-cab model, which Ford calls SuperCab. It has all the power and ride quality of the other Rangers, but thanks to its smaller cab, rear-drive configuration, and lower level of standard equipment it’s not as heavy as the XLT and Lariat trims, meaning it’ll get up to speed a little quicker. It comes standard with forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking—things that are only available on the Chevrolet Colorado's and the GMC Canyon's highest trims. Our first choice, however, is the SuperCrew crew-cab body style dressed in the mid-level XLT trim and equipped with four-wheel drive. We'd add the FX4 off-road suspension, a bed liner, and the 302A package that includes heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Pop the hood of the 2021 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
When equipped with the optional tow package, the 2021 Ford Ranger can tow up to 7500 pounds, and when towing, the truck’s power delivery remains smooth and consistent. As for payload, the Ranger is good for up to 1860 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the 2021 Ranger with rear-wheel drive will earn up to 21 mpg city and 26 highway. The all-wheel-drive version has estimates as high as 20 mpg city and 24 highway, but the new Tremor model sees both ratings drop to 19 mpg. We subjected three Rangers to our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. 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
Rangers are available as either an extended cab (SuperCab) or a crew cab (SuperCrew) model. The roomier SuperCrew seats up to five and comes with four full-size doors, while the SuperCab provides seating for four occupants and has two smaller half-doors. As in some other Ford products, the Ranger cabin's design and materials are inconsistent—mostly dull and littered with cheap plastics, but also fitted with small bits of trim that look and feel surprisingly upscale. Both the SuperCab and SuperCrew cabins are comfortable, however, and their controls are user-friendly.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base XL model comes standard with a few infotainment and connectivity features including a four-speaker AM/FM audio system, a single USB port, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices. Upgrade to either the XLT or Lariat model, and you’ll get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and SiriusXM satellite radio. An integrated navigation system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system are both available.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2021 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 Colorado, and the 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
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor 4X4
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
BASE PRICE
$41,400
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
138 in3, 2261 cm3
Power
270 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
310 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 126.8 in
Length: 210.8 in
Width: 73.3 in
Height: 73.2 in
Passenger volume (C/D est): 95 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 4650 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.5 sec
100 mph: 17.6 sec
1/4 mile: 15.0 sec
Top speed: 110 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/19/19 mpg
