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Have you seen the new Ford Ranger? It looks great and brings the heat with tons of more options, power, and off-roading capabilities. It’s difficult not to be excited about the refreshed Toyota Tacoma Fighter. But the 2024 Ford Ranger might be missing a work truck trim. 

Is the 2024 Ford Ranger affordable? 

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor off-roading in sand
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor | Ford

The 2024 Ford Ranger has an MSRP of $34,600 for the entry-level XL trim. This price might seem high at first, but you get tons of bells and whistles to beef up its value. Although, those looking for a basic work truck might prefer to save without all the fancy tech. 

The 2023 Ford Ranger XL starts at $31,460, which still feels high. The new basic model costs roughly $3,140 more. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts at $27,250, and the 2023 Chevy Colorado begins at $31,600. 

Both models start with the same old 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, The truck still tows up to 7,500 lbs and can carry a payload of up to 1,805 lbs. 

With the 2023 model, you get 16-inch steel wheels, a manually locking tailgate, a 3.5-inch display screen, air conditioning, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, one USB hub, and a four-speaker audio system. 

The 2024 Ranger has a standard 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster, 10.1-inch infotainment screen, two USB ports, a standard household outlet, alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a modern control layout, and more upscale interior materials. 

But the Ranger has standard RWD, so you will need to add 4×4. You might also want to add some of the advanced trailering tech and the optional 360-degree camera. 

Is the 2024 Ranger a good work truck? 

When properly equipped, the 2024 Ford Ranger is well-suited to be a robust, capable, and comfortable work truck. We’re still waiting for the official pricing to be released to determine how much adding 4×4 and optional packages will cost. 

Upgrade to the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine for 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It improves your speed and provides more torque for off-roading but doesn’t enhance the towing capacity. 

The Ford Ranger Raptor has a standard 4×4 and the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that cranks out 405 and 430 lb-ft of torque. But its towing capacity is reduced to 5,510 lbs. It can carry a payload of up to 1,411 lbs. 

You’ll find new storage bins under the rear seats, and they fold flat to create a level load floor. There is more storage for gears and tools than before. Also, the wider track and side steps make it easier to access the truck bed. 

Is the new Ranger comfortable? 

2024 Ford Ranger interior with the dash board
2024 Ford Ranger interior | Ford

The 2024 Ford Ranger is more comfortable for off-roading, working, and daily commutes. The wheelbase was extended by two inches to provide a smoother ride over the pavement. The wider track provides a little extra space as well. 

But the rear passengers have a little less room than before. Let the taller adults sit in the front. Also, the new seats are well-padded and more supportive. The climate control system is more robust, with physical controls that are easy to use. 

So, the new Ranger is more expensive, with more cargo space and enhanced comfort. The tech is modern and useful. But the standard engine is the same as the outgoing model’s, passenger space is limited, and there’s no barebones work truck model. 

You can order the 2024 Ranger at the end of May, and that’s when the pricing might be fully released to see how much getting a Ranger for work will really cost.