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The 2021 Ford Ranger equipped with the Tremor package crawling over rocks

Skip the Ford Ranger and Choose One of These Stronger Alternatives Instead

The Ford Ranger makes for a great value if you’re not looking to break the bank when buying a new midsize pickup truck. The problem, however, is that the Ford Ranger can only tow a maximum of 7,500-pounds when properly equipped. While that does give the Ranger the best towing capacity for its class, for …

The Ford Ranger makes for a great value if you’re not looking to break the bank when buying a new midsize pickup truck. The problem, however, is that the Ford Ranger can only tow a maximum of 7,500-pounds when properly equipped. While that does give the Ranger the best towing capacity for its class, for some pickup shoppers, that’s not nearly enough towing power. Fortunately, there are several full-size alternatives to the Ford Ranger that are worth your consideration. Let’s take a look.

The 2021 Ford Ranger equipped with the Tremor package crawling over rocks
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor | Ford

The Ford F-150 is a brawny alternative to the Ford Ranger

If you’re in the market for a pickup that’s able to tow a reasonably hefty amount, you really can’t go wrong with the Ford F-150. Unlike the Ford Ranger, which is only able to tow a maximum of 7,500-pounds, this year’s new F-150 is a full-size pickup that’s capable of towing up to 14,000-pounds when properly equipped. There’s really no denying that that’s a huge difference when compared to the Ranger. 

But that’s not the only reason to choose the Ford F-150 over this year’s Ranger. This year’s new Ford F-150 is also available as a hybrid model. Powered by a class-exclusive 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, the Ford F-150 Hybrid boasts 430-hp to its name. It’s also strong enough to tow a maximum of 12,700-pounds. Meaning, if you’re after a fuel-efficient alternative to the Ford Ranger that can also tow more than this year’s model? Then you’re going to want to check out the Ford F-150.

Choose the Ram 1500 as an alternative to the Ford Ranger

Now, the Ram 1500 may be more expensive than the new Ford Ranger. However, it is a full-size truck and boasts the ability to tow up to 12,750-pounds when equipped with its available 5.7L HEMI V8 engine featuring class-exclusive eTorque Mild Hybrid Technology. But that’s not the only engine that this year’s new Ram 1500 can be had with. In fact, this year’s model offers multiple engine options to choose from.

Take, for instance, the Ram 1500’s available 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which is capable of towing up to 11,610-pounds. Or, the Ram 1500’s available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine boasts a diesel towing capacity of 12,560-pounds. Further consider that the Ram 1500 is available with a long list of sought-after interior amenities, and you really can’t go wrong when considering the Ram 1500 as a full-size alternative to the Ford Ranger.

The Toyota Tundra is a reliable alternative to the Ford Ranger

Much like the Ram 1500, the Toyota Tundra is going to be more expensive than a new Ford Ranger. However, the Tundra is a full-size truck and can tow significantly more than the Ranger. In fact, when properly equipped, you can expect this year’s new Toyota Tundra to tow an impressive 10,200-pounds. Compare that to the Ranger’s max towing capacity and that figure is pretty impressive.

That’s not all the Tundra has going for it, though. According to Consumer Reports, this year’s Tundra is also significantly more reliable than the Ford Ranger. While Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Ford Ranger a two out of five predicted reliability rating, the Tundra earned itself a four out of five predicted reliability rating.

There are plenty of full-size alternatives to the Ford Ranger worth considering

Say none of these full-size trucks do it for you. If that’s the case, not to worry. There are plenty of alternatives to the Ford Ranger that are worth checking out. In fact, these are just a small selection of them.

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