2024 Ford Ranger: Full Redesign Brings Upgraded Capability And Tech

The current Ford Ranger returned to U.S. showrooms 4 years ago, entering one of the most competitive segments in the industry. While the current Ranger’s specs and overall execution proved sufficient, it didn’t have the interior quality or off-road capability offered by several rivals. The midsize truck sales king, Toyota’s Tacoma, consistently beat the Ranger in total volume, as did Ford’s own compact truck, the Maverick, during its first full year in production.

Ford clearly intends to address these issues with an all-new model hitting showrooms in a few months. The 2024 Ford Ranger will feature a ground-up redesign that includes new drivetrain options, new technology, and new interior and exterior features. And if the new Ford Ranger isn’t capable enough for midsize truck buyers in standard trim, Ford is launching the first Ranger Raptor for the U.S. market (a Raptor version of the outgoing Ranger launched in other markets in 2018).

Even More Powerful Engine Choices

One of the current Ranger’s strengths is its powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which offered 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That engine returns in the 2024 Ranger, but it’s supplemented by a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that delivers 310 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are connected to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, and both are available with an optional electronic, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system. The new Ranger’s maximum tow rating remains an impressive 7,500 pounds, with maximum payload at 1,805 pounds.

If the 2024 Ranger’s performance numbers still aren’t sufficient, the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor almost certainly will be. Powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 405 horsepower and 430 pound feet of torque, the Raptor will be the most powerful midsize truck available. While the Raptor’s engine specs are clearly class leading, its real purpose is aggressive off-road driving, with an advanced suspension, all-terrain tires and comprehensive underbody protection to support go-anywhere adventuring.

More Features and Advanced Technology

The new Ranger chassis starts with a fully boxed high-strength steel frame featuring a wheelbase and track that’s two inches longer and wider. The independent front suspension and live axle, leaf spring rear suspension now mounts the rear shocks outside the frame rails. Ford says the new truck also offers greater ground clearance and better approach and departure angles. Additional features for 2024 include enhanced interior storage capacity, improved interior materials, and an “Integrated Box Side Step” behind the rear tires to stand on when accessing the truck bed.

These hardware revisions are matched by a number of key technology upgrades. Larger displays are common during a redesign, with the 2024 Ranger now offered with a 12.4-inch gauge cluster cluster and 12-inch central touchscreen. But the new truck can also be had with dedicated screens for different driving modes, a 360-degree camera, exterior zone lighting for night work, wireless charging, a 400-watt AC power inverter in the bed, and a standard 4G LTE wifi hotspot for over-the-air updates.

In terms of advanced driver assist technology, the new Ranger is available with radar cruise control, self parking, guidance when backing up to trailer, guidance when backing up with a trailer, and blind spot warning (with or without a trailer).

Ford Ranger Raptor: Designed for Off-Road Adventure

The high-performance Ranger Raptor is further enhanced with reinforced frame rails riding on an aluminum, long-travel suspension featuring advanced Fox front and rear suspension components. The Raptor rides on 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain K03 tires mounted on 17-inch wheels with optional bead locks to allow low tire pressure during aggressive off roading. Skid plates are used under the radiator, engine, transfer case, and fuel tank for added protection. The Raptor’s cabin is distinguished by a sport steering wheel, paddle shifters, heavily bolstered front sport seats, and various trim pieces in Ford’s “Code Orange” performance color.

Coming Soon to a Ford Dealer Near You

The new 2024 Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor will be available for order in late May, with trucks arriving before the end of summer. Both models come in “SuperCrew” (four-door) body style only, with standard rear-wheel drive and 17-inch wheels or optional four-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels. Ranger trim levels include XL, XLT, and Lariat. Ford hasn’t released pricing or fuel efficiency numbers, and the automaker says the larger 2.7-liter V6 in the Ranger won’t be available until late fall 2023. For truck buyers needing less space and capability than the automaker’s top-selling F-150, but more space and capability than its recently-introduced Maverick, the new Ford Ranger could be “just right” — and quite entertaining in Ranger Raptor form.