Read our expert 2025 Ford Ranger review covering performance, pricing, features, specs, fuel economy, warranty details, and photos of this midsize pickup truck.

2025-2026 Ford Ranger

2026 Ford Ranger XLT Sport

Ford
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MSRP: $32,980 – $47,365

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Overview

The 2025 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck with seating for five. It offers two turbocharged EcoBoost engines: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 270 hp and a 2.7-liter V6 delivering 315 hp. Both connect to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.

The three available trims are XL, XLT, and Lariat. This Ranger fits buyers who want smooth on-road manners, families who need weekday practicality with weekend capability, and work-focused owners who value competitive towing strength.

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 Ranger carries over largely unchanged after its 2024 redesign. Ford removes Cactus Gray, Hot Pepper Red, and Iconic Silver from the color palette. Ruby Red Metallic, Desert Sand, and Marsh Gray join the lineup.

A new Black Appearance package adds a gloss-black grille, 18-inch black wheels, black mirror caps, and blacked-out badging. All other features remain the same.

Exterior

The Ranger adopts styling cues from the F-150, creating a clear family resemblance. It measures 210.6 inches in length, making it larger than the prior generation. Up front, a bold grille with horizontal bars sits between LED headlights. Strong character lines run along the sides.

The five-foot bed provides 43.5 cu-ft of cargo space. Standard 17-inch steel wheels upgrade to alloy wheels in larger sizes on XLT and Lariat trims. Sport, Chrome, Black, and STX appearance packages give buyers room to tailor the look.

Interior

The cabin presents a modern layout with upgraded materials throughout. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, while XLT and Lariat trims offer a 12-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital gauge cluster replaces traditional analog instruments. The dashboard features textured trim and honeycomb-style vents.

The Ranger seats five adults. XL models use vinyl upholstery. XLT trims add cloth seating. Lariat models include leather-trimmed seats with power adjustment. Storage space includes a hidden upper glovebox and large door pockets.

The Lariat features a B&O Sound System with 10 speakers. Other features include wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats. Ford Co-Pilot360 includes forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Additional driver-assist technology includes adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

Price Range and Best Value Trim

Trim LevelPrice
Base Trim: XL 2WD$33,350
Top Trim: Lariat 4WD$47,365
Best value: XLT 4WD$39,495

The 2025 Ford Ranger’s price spans from $33,350 to $47,365. The XLT 4WD strikes the most practical balance of equipment and capability.

Key Specs

Powertrain Options

ConfigurationEngineHorsepowerTorqueTransmission
XL/XLT/Lariat2.3L Turbo I4270 hp310 lb-ft10-speed automatic
XLT/Lariat (optional)2.7L Twin-Turbo V6315 hp400 lb-ft10-speed automatic

Performance

Metric2.3L I42.7L V6
Towing Capacity7,500 lbs7,500 lbs
Payload Capacity1,763-1,767 lbs1,513 lbs
Ground Clearance9.3 inches9.3 inches

Both engines tow up to 7,500 lbs. The four-cylinder delivers the highest payload rating at 1,767 lbs. Ground clearance measures 9.3 inches across configurations.

Fuel Economy (EPA)

ConfigurationCityHighwayCombined
2.3L I4 RWD21 mpg26 mpg23 mpg
2.3L I4 4WD19 mpg26 mpg22 mpg
2.7L V6 4WD19 mpg23 mpg20 mpg

However, the Ranger often falls short of claims, and the V6 only manages about 20 mpg on the highway at 75 mph.

Warranty

Coverage TypeDuration
Basic Warranty3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty5 years / Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance5 years / 60,000 miles

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Refined on-road ride and handling
  • 7,500-pound towing capacity with both engines
  • Modern cabin with quality materials
  • 12-inch touchscreen on offer

Cons:

  • No extended cab or long bed configurations
  • Numb steering feel
  • Less standard power than GM rivals
  • No complimentary maintenance

Verdict

The Ford Ranger delivers solid midsize capability with a composed driving character. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 270 hp, and RWD models achieve up to 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 generates 315 hp and earns ratings of 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Both engines tow up to 7,500 lbs, matching key competitors. Payload peaks at 1,767 lbs with the four-cylinder. The five-foot bed measures 43.5 cu-ft.

On pavement, the Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck feels composed and comfortable. The suspension absorbs road imperfections effectively. Steering lacks feedback. Inside, materials feel solid, and the 12-inch touchscreen displays information clearly with intuitive controls. Wireless smartphone integration improves day-to-day usability. Storage areas, including the hidden upper glovebox, add practicality. The Lariat’s B&O system delivers strong audio clarity.

Compared with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the Ranger emphasizes ride refinement over higher standard output. The Toyota Tacoma offers a hybrid option that the Ranger does not provide. For drivers who prioritize daily comfort alongside genuine weekend capability, this midsize truck makes a strong case.

2025-2026 Ford Ranger

Ford

Competitors

  • Chevrolet Colorado
  • GMC Canyon
  • Toyota Tacoma
    Nissan Frontier

About the author

Cobus F. Potgieter

Reviews and Features Editor

Cobus F. Potgieter is a Reviews and Features Editor at Autoblog covering new car reviews, and technology and historical features. He moved to motoring media full time in 2021 after a career as a public relations practitioner and joined The Arena Group in June 2025.