The four trim choices for the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger are XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor. The first three get a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine making 270 hp and 315 lb.-ft. of torque, but they’re eligible for a more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with an output of 315 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The Raptor is the most potent of the bunch, receiving a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that grabs attention with its 405 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque.
Each of those powerplants is linked to Ford’s class-exclusive 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional. The Raptor stands out with its specialized on-demand 4WD system that’s designed for off-road and low-traction environments.
Most trims can tow up to 7,500 pounds, except for the Raptor, which maxes out its towing capacity at 5,510 lb. Meanwhile, the all-new Ranger’s payload limit can be as high as 1,805 lb. with the combination of FWD and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine (that limit changes to 1,711 lb. with 4WD). With the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, Rangers can carry up to 1,542 lb., whereas the rugged Raptor’s payload caps at 1,411 lb.
The XL is a remarkably well-appointed base trim, coming with automatic LED reflector headlights, fog lights, a pair of front tow hooks (4WD only), remote keyless entry, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, two USB ports (Type A and C), and a rear bench seat with hidden underfloor storage. On top of that, it receives a power-locking tailgate with a built-in work bench that includes a ruler and clamp pockets, along with a cargo box with six tie-down points. The XLT provides LED fog lights, power-folding side mirrors, remote start, a wireless phone charger, Ford’s signature Terrain Management System, a 400-watt inverter for powering a variety of external electronics, and a 120V outlet. A new box side-step that’s large enough to fit both feet is optional.
The Lariat raises the stakes with Intelligent Access proximity keyless entry, projector-type LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, zone lighting, heated side mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, push-button start, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener. This trim’s comfort factor also rises with standard leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated and power-adjustable front seats with driver’s position memory. The box sidestep remains an option.
The Raptor builds upon the Lariat with 10.7 inches of ground clearance and an assortment of off-road enhancements: two rear tow hooks, heavy-duty bash plates, an electronic-locking rear differential, Fox live valve shocks with four-corner internal bypasses, a Watts-link rear suspension, and a specialized Terrain Management System with modes called Baja, Rock Crawl, and Off-Road.
The redesigned Ranger offers a host of helpful driving aids to reduce the likelihood of a collision. The XL includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams, whereas the XLT gains the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, trailer coverage, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors). For the utmost driver confidence, the Lariat and Raptor are given front parking sensors, an automatic parking system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.
Ford’s sophisticated SYNC 4A infotainment system comes standard in the ’24 Raptor. In the XL, it consists of a 10-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system. SiriusXM satellite radio is added at the XLT level, while the Lariat and Raptor move up to a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and integrated navigation.
Ford presents an array of optional bundles for those who want to add to their Ranger’s standard equipment. The XLT qualifies for the High Equipment Group Package, supplying heated power-adjustable front seats, a power-sliding rear window, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 12-inch touchscreen. It can also be ordered with the Technology Package to provide adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, active parking assist, and integrated navigation.
The XLT and Lariat are both eligible for the Advanced Towing Package, which delivers the brand’s proprietary Trailer Brake Controller, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Reverse Parking Aid with Trailer Guidance. Those two trims can also be ordered with the FX4 Off-Road Package to implement all-terrain tires, an electronic-locking rear differential, off-road shocks, a set of skid plates, and Trail Control, Ford’s exclusive off-road cruise control system.
