Trucks comes in all shapes and sizes these days. A flavor for every want and need.
For my money, the midsize truck is the Goldilocks size. Not too big. Not too small. Just right.
And my favorite in that category is the 2024 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4X4 XLT. And I’m not alone, Ford is the top-selling pickup manufacturer globally, with distribution in more than 180 markets around the world and over one million units sold.
Ranger comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The pickup seats five adults, thanks to the bench rear seat. With a lined cargo bed that accommodated 80 landscape bricks with room and weight to spare. Also standard is an electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system built for on-demand off-road and low traction capability.
Fully redesigned for the model year, Ranger now offers available advanced towing technology including class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The feature comes with an integrated trailer brake controller and 360-degree camera. It also improves over time with over-the-air updates.
From day trips to multi-day journeys, Ranger is ready to bring gear to wherever the next adventure lies, with a maximum available towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and maximum available payload capacity of 1,805 pounds.
That is possible thanks to new features like an available Integrated Box Side Step, new fold-flat rear seats to easily carry big stuff in the cab, greater width between the wheel wells to flat-carry cargo up to four feet wide, plus in-bed and in-cab outlets provide the ability to power various tools and devices.
Ford has engineered each aspect of the all-new Ranger to meet the uncompromising demands of its adventure-craving customers, including its frame, suspension, powertrains, connectivity, and advanced driver-assist software.
The design of Ranger is defined by unique grilles and front-end appearances for XL, XLT and Lariat models. A signature Ford C-clamp headlight treatment and strong shoulder lines down the sides incorporate bolder wheel arches and give Ranger a sure-footed look. My tester was completed with an “Azure Gray Metallic” coat of enamel and 17-inch polished aluminum sport wheels.
The interior features upgraded materials and textures, improved fit and finish, and more purposeful technology. My favorites included a12-inch center touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC4A system, which puts smart and connected features at your fingertips.
With just a touch, drivers can access dedicated screens for drive modes, off-road data, navigation, music, and other vehicle controls. The center screen is also linked to the available 360-degree camera to help make parking a breeze or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring.
Other creature comforts include wireless phone charging, USB ports, large center console storage bin, and dual-zone climate control. There’s also an available 400-watt power inverter with an outlet in the bed to make running a grill for tailgating, an air compressor for filling tires, or other tools for the trail, a snap. The redesigned tailgate also doubles as a workbench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets.
There are 31 standard or available driver assist features for Ranger, the most available driver assist features in its class. Highlights include adaptive cruise control with stop and do, blind spot monitoring, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping system, passive anti-theft system, electrochromic mirror, cross-traffic alert, and remote start.
The 2024 Ford Ranger is assembled in Wayne, Michigan.
Base Price: $41,490
Price As Driven: $49,614
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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