The 2024 Ford Ranger is more powerful and capable than its predecessors, and is ready for adventure

Ford Motor Company invited us to test the 2024 Ford Ranger ahead of its formal introduction. To do so, they flew us into Detroit (DTW), fed us and put us up at Ford Ranger School. Shortly after landing, we arrived at Camp Woodbury, eager to be among the first to see the new Midsize 2024 Ford Ranger and the eagerly anticipated Ford Ranger Raptor. For 2024, the Ranger has been redesigned and is prepared to lead the way for those willing to lace up the hiking boots, hop on a bike, hit a trail or even camp by a lake. It’s the perfect truck for those who want to leave the city life behind.

These looks could kill. Well, maybe.
The redesigned Ford Ranger is more muscular and sleeker in appearance, resembling its big brother, the F-150. The Ranger has been designed with the North American consumer in mind. With apologies to Sir Mix-A-Lot, “We like big trucks and we cannot lie.”

More Power equals more capabilities
The 2024 Ford Ranger will offer two engine variants: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque, or a 2.7 Liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 316 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft of torque. Both are paired with a 10-speed automatic select-shift transmission or available shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system built for on-demand off-roading and other low-traction capability.

To power your weekend adventures, the 2024 Ford Ranger was tested in harsh climates in Australia, to brutal testing conditions in North America, and cold temperature testing in New Zealand.

More than the competition
Thanks to more power under the hood, the new Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,805 pounds. Ford offers available Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing a trailer as easy as turning a knob. No more fights when checking the brake lights as the truck offers Trailer light confirmation and Trailer Navigation.

Choices 
The new Ranger will come in four different trim levels. These range from base XL, XLT, Lariat, and the mighty Raptor. Each trim level includes a unique grill and front-end treatment. Each model starts with a bar grille flowing into C-Clamp  headlights, functional fender vents, sculpted doors, and available side steps beneath the rear fender which can support up to 300 pounds of weight.

Wider Hips 
The Ford Ranger sports new wider hips. The wheelbase and track have both grown by two inches to provide more bed space and improved stability. The rear shock mounts have been moved outboard of the frame rails for improved ride and control. All trim models have improved 9-inch ground clearance. It remains agile enough to navigate tight corners on and off the trail.

A familiar Ranger-stamped tailgate opens to reveal a useful bed, which now accommodates 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood thanks to the truck’s extra bed width. The cab will be offered exclusively as a four-door crew cab. This redesigned model will only be available in a 5-foot box. Oh, one other thing: The Ranger Supercab is a thing of the past.

More tech, more storage, and unique features 
The 2024 Ford Ranger has improved the second-row storage with under-seat rear cargo bins and large in-cabin storage bins to stash more stuff. The XLT and higher models include 12v and 120v outlets in the back of the bed. Connecting your Dometic (Cq) cooler is now easier than ever. A new zone lighting system is included and is ideal for camping, as it can illuminate four zones around the vehicle’s exterior and be controlled from inside the cabin. Overlanders will enjoy the ability to see around the campsite after sunset.

The Ranger’s cabin is spacious and sports a more modern look with an 8-inch or 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch or 12.1-inch infotainment system, which features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and 4G connectivity.

The display screen shows an assortment of camera views and a dedicated off-road display. Speaking of off-road, the Ranger can be equipped with locking rear differential and trail control system. Basically, it is off-road cruise control that keeps you moving at slow speeds so you can focus on steering.

The 2024 redesigned Ford Ranger is engineered for epic adventures and arrives at dealerships in late summer.

OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure