3 Things the 2024 Ford Ranger Gets Right
The 2024 Ford Ranger is finally here, and there are some pretty major changes to this midsize truck. If you’ve been waiting for a new Ranger with a V6 engine, that is now here. And for those looking for an off-road truck, the new Ford Ranger Raptor might scratch that itch. These things might make this midsize pickup a winner.
Does the 2024 Ford Ranger have a V6?
The 2024 Ranger pickup truck does have a V6 engine. The base engine of this midsize truck is still the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-foot of torque. But if you want a pickup with a V6, you can opt for a 2.7-liter V6 that makes 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is also found in the F-150 and the Bronco, and personally, I’m glad the Blue Oval is giving the new Ranger the power of six cylinders. It’s not like the 2.3-liter engine is underpowered, but a lot of folks do prefer a V6 engine in their midsize trucks.
The Ranger Raptor is here
After years of not having a Ford Ranger Raptor here in the States, that is finally changing. This high-flying midsize truck has been available on the global market for some time, but we were left out. Now, the 2024 Ranger Raptor joins ranks with the F-150 Raptor and the Bronco Raptor.
It features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. And that powerplant offers 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and I’ve got to imagine it takes driving the Ranger to the next level.
Also notable are the front and rear locking differentials and 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain K03 tires. The 10.7-inch ground clearance and 33-degree approach angle might not be as good as some other midsize trucks. But the Ranger Raptor does boast a 26.4-degree departure angle.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is wider and more aggressive than the standard Ranger. But it’s not quite wide enough to warrant the marker lights that are found on the F-150 Lightning.
The interior of this midsize truck is improved
When Ford reintroduced the Ranger in 2019, we actually got the previous generation of this pickup. On the global market, folks were able to get a newer version. With the new version of this midsize truck, you can expect a better interior. And unless you’re planning on spending $60k for a Ranger Raptor, that might be the most meaningful change to this pickup.
It now comes with larger infotainment screens, an optional 360-degree camera, and Ford’s Zone Lighting system. According to Car and Driver, storage space has also been improved. The rear seats have fairly spacious storage space underneath. You can also fold the rear seats flat if you need to haul gear in your cabin.
Overall, it seems like the 2024 Ford Ranger is the Ranger that we’ve been waiting for. It might not be available with a diesel engine or manual transmission in the States, but most folks buy new trucks with automatic transmissions anyway.
