It’s been remarked before that necessity is the mother of all invention. And this is certainly the case with the Ford Ranger. In order to compete with the influx of smaller-sized pickup trucks being produced by several Japanese manufacturers, Ford released the Ranger pickup truck in 1982. Significantly smaller than the F-150, the vehicle soon captured the attention and hearts of the truck-buying public as a vehicle that could handle the rigors of hard work and play and outperform the competition.
This tradition has continued on, interrupted by the wave of changes that occur each and every year in the automotive industry, and the 2024 Ford Ranger promises to deliver on the expectations of the truck-buying public and fulfill the promises of quality that Ford has made in terms of providing the masses with the very best. Today, we’ll focus on the trims and performance aspects that many have come to admire in the Ranger.
Measuring Up Against the Competition
The Ford Ranger comes in three distinctive trims, and for 2024, the all-new Raptor edition is formulated for the rough and tumble world of off-roading. Always highly regarded as a manufacturer to offer drivers more for their money, the low-starting MSRP of the Ford Ranger starts at $32,565. Even after all these years, the Ranger is still one of the most affordable trucks on the marketplace.
2024 marks the beginning of the Ranger’s fifth generation, and in an age where so many other brands are attempting to outdo one another, the Ranger reasserts its dominance as one of the most capable and cost-effective pickup trucks on the market. The aspect of “more for your money” is certainly a fitting one as we begin our examination of the different trims that coincide with the newest Ford Ranger to hit the roads.
The 2024 Ford Ranger XL
The base trim for the 2024 Ford Ranger is the farthest from basic, as you can imagine. Equipped with a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, there’s plenty of kick to experience. Propelling the Ranger forward with the benefit of 270 hp and the capability to generate an impressive 310 lb-ft of torque, it’s also equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission, as are all Ranger offerings for the 2024 model year.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the base trim, and a ground clearance of over eight inches means that you’ll have the ability to avoid whatever obstacles are placed in front of you. For those who rely on towing capacity for work or play, a rating of 7,500 lbs is far better than you’ll find on similar rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma. Outfitting the Ranger with the Trailering Package from Ford will certainly make those treks easier than they’ve been in previous years.
The 2024 Ford Ranger XLT
While still utilizing the same powertrain as the XL trim, the XLT is where refinement and innovation take center stage and become the focus. The performance attributes might be the same, but the XLT comes standard with Ford’s comprehensive suite of safety features that it refers to as Co-Pilot 360. These include such advanced items as Pre-Collision Assist with Automated Emergency Braking, the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Tow Monitoring, and a Lane-Keeping System.
One of the newest features is driver alert, which helps you maintain your focus and readiness when traveling between destinations. The XLT also comes with the latest edition of SYNC 4, Ford’s software system, which receives over-the-air updates to ensure you have the latest and greatest technologies at your fingertips. You’ll also have the benefit of navigation assistance to ensure you don’t get lost and always arrive on time.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat
The Lariat edition of the Ford Ranger is certainly impressive when it comes to building upon the technological attributes of the XLT trim. Not only will you have the benefit of an infotainment screen that stretches out to a foot in length, but also the benefit of Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control, which can adapt your current speed rate based on the traffic patterns that exist at any one time. With the previously mentioned built-in navigation and a high-end stereo system from Bang & Olufsen, with ten speakers and a subwoofer, the Lariat ensures that you’ll have the attributes of luxury right at your fingertips. Comfort is also amplified thanks to dual-zone climate control and leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor
A good manufacturer knows how to provide practical options to the average consumer, generating a large amount of excitement, and if you’re looking to maximize the performance of your Ford Ranger and embark upon travels to parts unknown, the all-new Raptor edition of the Ranger is here to challenge your conception of what the vehicle is capable of.
The first item that sets the Raptor apart from the other variations of the Ranger is its boisterous and beefy powertrain. This offering takes the form of a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, and if that weren’t enough to pique your interest, it propels the Raptor with 405 hp and possesses the ability to generate 430 lb-ft of torque. Sharing a similar setup with the Raptor edition of the Ford Bronco, the Ranger edition sports 33-inch tires and an elevated ground clearance that measures out past ten inches, which is more than the Jeep Gladiator.
The 4WD-exclusive drivetrain perfectly suits the outdoors and makes any terrain accessible. The Raptor also possesses all of the amenities that are present on the Lariat, though its shocks designed by BMX titans Fox ensure a smooth ride even when the ground is uneven. And because the Raptor is meant for those with a penchant for exploring, the SYNC 4 comes with connected navigation and Sirius XM to provide the very best entertainment. Aside from the beefy performance attributes, the two-toned color scheme of the interior matches the excitement and daring of the Raptor’s prowess.
The Ford Ranger and the Path Less Traveled
As we gradually approach the 2024 model year, there’s certainly a lot to be excited about. As they’ve done for over one hundred years, Ford once again demonstrates its ability to have its finger on not just the pulse of consumer needs but technological innovation and engineering. The 2024 Ford Ranger is a virtual masterclass in all of these fields while still proving it can outperform larger trucks with a heftier price tag.
No matter which version of the 2024 Ford Ranger you’re thinking about purchasing, it can easily adapt to any situation that you might find yourself in. Whether it’s the daily commute or convening at a place where the terrain is challenging, there’s a version of the Ranger ideal for you. And with so much to be excited about for the 2024 model year, wait until we get to see what the future has in store. Even after all these years, the Ranger continues to excite our senses and taste for adventure. And why not? Excitement is exactly what Ford has continued to offer their enthusiastic drivers. The 2024 Ford Ranger is ready to take the new model year by storm and dominate the midsize truck segment with its diverse lineup.
