2021 Ford Ranger Review

　　

2021 Ford Ranger Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Not everyone needs the capabilities of a full-size pickup, and this is where the midsize truck class comes in. In reality, many of these middle-ground trucks are as big as full-sizers from a decade or so ago but still represent a more efficient, maneuverable and affordable alternative. The Ford Ranger is one of the newer midsize pickups in the U.S., having debuted two years ago after a multi-year hiatus. Unfortunately, Ford used a Ranger design it had been selling in other markets for about a decade instead of coming up with an all-new truck. As a result, the Ranger isn't as compelling as rivals that have undergone more recent redesigns.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Ranger XL 4dr SuperCab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$163/mo  for Ranger XL

　　Ranger XL

　　XL 4dr SuperCab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $25,070 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $27,470 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $28,925 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $31,325 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $29,120 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $31,295 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $32,820 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $34,995 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $33,160 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $35,335 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $36,860 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $39,035 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　At least for 2021, there's some enticement in the form of a new Tremor Off-Road package that adds a lot of all-terrain capabilities and attitude. The package's upgraded suspension gives the Ranger additional clearance and all but eliminates the ride floatiness found in the standard truck. The Tremor is still a ways off from rivaling the off-road performance of a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, but it's a reasonably priced package and delivers real gains.

　　We like the new Ranger with the Tremor package, but as a whole the truck still comes up a little short. Check out our Expert Rating below to learn why.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Ranger drive? The Ranger has one main trick: a stout turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder. It doesn't make the most horsepower in the class, but it's not far off the mark. The result is a gutsy engine that delivers plenty of punch as long as you're in Sport mode. In zzdcar testing, our 4WD crew-cab test truck covered 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is quick for a midsize truck.

　　Beyond that, though, the Ranger stumbles. The 10-speed automatic is great in other Fords, but in the Ranger normal mode is unresponsive and slow to downshift. The steering is too light and numb, the suspension is unsettled in corners with bumps, and the nose dives significantly with sudden braking.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Ranger? Aspects of the Ranger's ride could be a deal-breaker for some. Even mild road undulations generate very springy and bouncy ride motions. This too soft, underdamped feel seems to amplify the size of certain bumps you pass over, and more than one of our passengers actually got queasy.

　　On the other hand, the front seats are nicely shaped, comfortably padded, and able to accommodate a variety of body types. The crew cab's rear seatbacks are a little more upright than we'd like, but they are otherwise acceptable. Wind, tire and road noise is nicely controlled. We found it hard to use the climate system. The four vents cannot be shut off individually, and the system has numerous small control buttons that are hard to distinguish.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Ranger's front seats are roomy and easy to get in and out of. The driver's seat is nicely placed to reach the truck's controls and see over the hood, but some of our drivers found it difficult to find an ideal reclining angle for the seat. The tall bedsides constrain rear visibility.

　　The drawback to the Ranger's interior comes from the irritating switchgear. The controls are grouped well from an overall point of view, but their operation falls short at the end-user level. The total lack of hard infotainment controls and the climate system's many small buttons are two examples.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? We like most of what the Ranger has to offer, especially if you buy an XLT or higher. Those come with multiple USB ports and the Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also standard at this level is the Co-Pilot360 suite of driving aids, which includes forward collision warning, lane keeping assist and a blind-spot monitor.

　　But the touchscreen could stand a few shortcut buttons, and folks without a smartphone and reliable data service will need to opt for the Technology package to get built-in navigation. The Sync 3 system's voice commands work reliably, and they respond to many natural language commands to access music, radio stations and certain navigation functions.

　　

Towing and Storage

6.0/10

　　How are the towing and storage? The Ranger posts strong towing and payload capacities. There are six tie-downs in the bed, and we appreciate how the central locking system includes the tailgate. But the tall bedsides can hamper loading, and the undamped tailgate and steel bed are rather plain offerings.

　　The Ranger comes up short on interior storage. You can't easily store stuff underneath the rear seat, and the fact that it's a one-piece bench makes it impossible to seat three in the rear with a portion of the seat flipped up for cargo. A small center console and door cubbies mean there's not much small-item storage either.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? On paper, the Ranger has the best gasoline fuel economy of the bunch. The EPA says you can expect 22 mpg in combined driving (20 city/24 highway) with 4WD. That's a little bit better than V6-equipped rival trucks. But past experience with other Ford turbocharged engines makes us wonder if this one will deliver that advantage in the real world. Our test truck's best observed tank was 20.9 mpg, but more investigation and seat time are needed.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Ranger a good value? The Ranger can end up getting a little expensive if you want a reasonably well-equipped model. That would be OK if we thought you got a lot in return, but the Ranger's interior, with its mediocre interior quality and dated design, doesn't help its case. Warranty coverage is in line with the rest of the class.

　　

Wildcard

6.0/10

　　The Ranger doesn't necessarily live up to expectations. It posts some good marquee numbers, and it has a powerful engine. But these things can't really mask the fact that this is a hand-me-down truck that was new in 2011 in other world markets.

　　

Which Ranger does zzdcar recommend?

The midrange XLT trim represents our pick in the Ford Ranger lineup. It has the right amount of features for the price compared to the rather spartan XL trim. On top of that, it's also eligible for more convenience and tech options, as well as the new Tremor Off-Road package.

　　

2021 Ford Ranger models

The 2021 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that is offered as either an extended cab (SuperCab) with a 6-foot bed or a crew cab (SuperCrew) with a 5-foot bed. It is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT and Lariat. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that drives either the rear or all four wheels.

　　The base Ranger XL is pretty basic, with feature highlights that include:

　　16-inch steel wheels Manually locking tailgate Air conditioning Auto-dimming rearview mirror Wi-Fi hotspot Four-speaker sound system Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) To that, the available 101A package adds:

　　Cruise control Power mirrors Dual-zone automatic climate control A larger central display screen Sync 3 infotainment system Six-speaker audio systemFor more safety features, the available Co-Pilot360 package includes:

　　Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)The midtier XLT trim includes all of the above plus:

　　Alloy wheels Keyless entry 8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationThe XLT is eligible for additional options too.

　　The XLT 301A adds convenience items that include:

　　Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking) Leather-wrapped steering wheel 110-volt household power outlet Choice of Sport, Chrome or Black exterior appearance packageThe 302A package can be added to the 301A and brings:

　　Remote ignition Power-folding mirrors Manual-sliding rear window Power-adjustable and heated front seatsThe Technology package requires at least the 301A package, and it adds:

　　Front parking sensors Navigation system Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)The top Lariat trim adds most of the XLT's 302A package as well as:

　　LED headlights Leather upholsteryThe Lariat's 501A package adds the Technology package plus:

　　Remote ignition Automatic wipers 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio systemNew for 2021 is the Tremor Off-Road package. The SuperCrew body and four-wheel drive are prerequisites. It includes:

　　Revised suspension and 0.8 inch more ground clearance Off-road-specific Fox shocks 32-inch all-terrain tires Auxiliary switches for user-specified accessories Side steps Additional recovery hooks Underbody protection Other notable packages for the Ranger include the FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages and the Trailer Tow package.

　　

2021 Ranger Highlights

Type: Crew CabSuperCabCrew Cab

　　Trim: XLXLTLariatXL

　　

Base MSRP	$27,470
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	7,500 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles