Ford wanted to make it clear that the 2024 Ford Ranger was ready for adventure. The previous generation Ford Ranger helped bring the model back to the U.S. market, but it was no secret that the model was not only starting to show its age but that it was missing some of the things that U.S. buyers wanted when Ford quickly adapted it for the U.S. market including the Raptor model (which the rest of the world got.) For dis out to change that, though and the company has not only brought the Raptor to our shores but also given the entire Ranger lineup a massive overhaul for the 2024 model year.
F-Series Cues Define 2024 Iteration Of Ranger
Ford claimed that it designed the 2024 Ford Ranger to be a truly global model from the very beginning, which means that the U.S. was not treated as a late addition this time around. The front fascia gets alot of its swagger from the bigger F-Series lineup, with the C-shaped headlights and the bigger front grille being prominent reminders of this. However, Ford views the Ranger as a middle ground between the urban-focused Maverick and the fore-mentioned F-Series, and that becomes evident in the way that it has engineered some aspects of the truck. Unlike the F-150, the Ranger doesn’t use all-aluminum body panels and instead uses a mix of aluminum and steel panels. It also comes with rugged construction, including the use of hydroformed steel in the front end to improve rigidity.
A fully boxed high-strength steel frame is still in play here, but Ford engineers have made improvements to make it even tougher while also stretching it and the wheelbase two-extra inches to provide more stability and passenger room. The frame and other components have also benefitted from a rigorous testing program, with the company putting prototypes through over 4.6 million miles of testing in an attempt to help it live up to the “Built Ford Tough” moniker.
The Ranger Raptor model embraces the DNA that has defined the F-150 and Bronco Raptor models, with the front fascia featuring a larger front grille with large “FORD” lettering. The fenders feature functional fender vents, while the flared wheel arches are home to 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, with buyers having the option to upgrade them to beadlock wheels. Ford Performance also reinforced the front and rear of the truck further to help it weather the rigors of abuse better.
Ranger Interior Gets More Technology And Luxury
The outgoing Ranger had an interior that was functional and basic, but unfortunately, it sacrificed polish and luxury to do it. The 2024 model attempts to rectify this by infusing the cabin with more technology and comfort. The analog gauges on all models have been pitched, and a fully digital set of instruments is now standard, with buyers getting the choice of an 8 or 12.4-inch cluster Buyers also have a choice of two infotainment systems with base models getting a 10.1-inch system while Lariat and Raptor models get a bigger 12-inch system with SYNC 4A installed along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The seats themselves have been reworked to provide better support and bolstering, with the Ranger Raptor getting thrones that have thicker bolsters and splashes of orange, with the bright hue also being used in select parts of the dashboard and contrast stitching for the door panels and the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
@carlmalek @Ford Motor Company said that the #fordranger is a key player in the #global pickup segment and the #updates that it has in store for #2024 aim to solidify its grip on #sales they include a new #exterior as well as a #revamped interior #fyp #pickup #pickupsoftiktok #ford #fordranger #fordranger4x4 #fordrangers #builtfordtough
The back seats get new storage compartments under the rear seats that can hold work-related items or even small valuables. Two USB charging ports and a wireless phone charging pad are available, and Over The Air updates (OTA) help the Ranger stay up to date on the latest upgrades and software fixes from Ford. An interesting omission here is the lack of a sun or moonroof, with Ford reps at Camp Woodbury claiming that there are no plans to offer one for now. That’s a shame since the feature is becoming more popular with buyers in the mid-size pickup segment.
A Trio Of Engines Are Ready For Any Adventure
Ford also wanted to make sure that it gave buyers plenty of choices when it came to performance, and it has delivered on that promise by adding two new engines to the menu for 2024. The 270-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine continues to be the base engine on all Ranger models, but it’s now complemented by an optional 315-hp, 2.7-liter, turbocharged V6 that’s lifted from the Ford F-150 and Bronco. This engine helps the Ranger have more confidence when towing, but it also has the added benefit of making the truck more fun to drive. The range-topping engine is the 405-hp, 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6, which is only found in the Ranger Raptor. Like the 2.7, it’s also borrowed from the Bronco Raptor, and Ford claims that it can bring the fight against rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
All three engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic, which comes with two different shifter designs. The first is a traditional shifter design that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. However, Lariat 4×4 and Raptor models debut an all-new E-Shifter with a flattened design. The shape is not only meant to maximize the usability of the component, but it also provides the driver with a place to rest their hand while driving. The 2024 Ford Ranger can haul up to 1,805 lbs of gear when properly equipped, while the 7,500 lb towing promises to be class-leading in its own right too.
When Can I Buy One?
When we got our first look at the truck, Ford reps at Camp Woodbury were not ready to talk about pricing, but the company has changed its tune and has unveiled the full pricing ladder for the 2024 Ranger lineup. Base XL models will start at $34,160 (all pricing includes the $1,595 destination fee), while the range-topping Raptor model starts at $56,960. The latter is a pretty good value, with the Ranger Raptor being $30,000 less than the Bronco version and $20,000 less than its bigger F-150-based counterpart. The XLT and Lariat models will continue to be volume-focused models and have pricing that reflects this accordingly. The 2024 Ranger will begin making its way to dealerships this summer, with the Raptor and 2.3-liter equipped models arriving first. The lone exception will be models equipped with the 2.7-liter V6 with those variants making their way to showrooms later this fall.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.