The Ranger returned to the U.S. after an eight-year absence. It serves as an alternative to full-sized pickups for drivers who want a maneuverable truck with off-road ability that can capably haul and tow. The Ranger is distinguished by its strong powertrain and standard automatic emergency braking (AEB). Under its tough, rugged appearance we found a relatively quiet and fuel-efficient machine compromised by a punishing ride, clumsy handling, and a few ill-designed controls.
The Ranger’s price creeps up to full-size territory quite easily, as it can with some competitors.
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine performs with verve, and the 10-speed automatic transmission helps the Ranger respond smartly when drivers demand power. The Ford can move from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, and it gets a relatively good 20 mpg overall. But the engine is unduly noisy at low speeds.
The Ranger handles like a typical pickup truck. It has mushy, imprecise steering and feels clumsy through corners. The greatest shortcoming is its stiff, jumpy ride. And the suspension lets sharp motions transmit through the cabin, tossing passengers around.
The interior is plain and has a low-end feel at this price, and some controls are hard to find or positioned too low. At least the Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to operate, as it is in other Ford models.
Getting in and out is quite a chore because of the tall step-in height. The squishy front seat loses support on even a short drive. The manual recline adjustment makes it difficult for drivers to dial in an ideal seating position. The rear seat is rather upright, and taller passengers have limited legroom.
We are glad that Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 with automatic emergency braking is standard.
Those who are drawn to the Ranger’s looks are likely to overlook its deficiencies. But other than its modern powertrain and infotainment system, the Ranger doesn’t advance the cause for compact pickup trucks.
For those seeking more rear passenger space, bed size, and tow capacity, the Ford F-150 is a better choice—and it gets 19 mpg overall. The Honda Ridgeline is the smart pick for light tasks.