The return of the Ford Ranger to North America was a major event for Ford, as it was a pickup truck that everyone had been eagerly waiting for. Needless to say, we weren't disappointed—the American automaker definitely delivered. Since then, Ford has significantly improved and expanded the Ranger lineup, making it one of the most desirable midsize trucks on the market.
The Ford Ranger is a modern truck that checks all the right boxes. Thanks to its size, it can easily replace a full-size pickup, an SUV, or even a car. It's a vehicle that doesn't lack anything when it comes to technology and comfort. Its recent redesign has made it even more appealing from a visual standpoint.
Trims and Pricing
The 2025 Ford Ranger offers a solid lineup, starting with the XL model at $44,365. This version is less equipped and more focused on functionality, but it's still well-appointed enough that it doesn't feel like a base model. Next is the XLT at $48,725, which is by far the most popular variant. The Ranger Lariat follows with a starting price of $57,090, offering a more upscale finish. Finally, the Ranger Raptor sits at the top of the range with a starting price of $80,715.
Category and Competition
The Ford Ranger belongs to the midsize pickup category, a segment that targets a broad and diverse audience. It stands out from its rivals thanks to its advanced technologies, proven powertrains, and distinctive styling.
Competitors: Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma.
Design and Technology
Ford made the right move by adopting a more European design for the Ranger when it returned to the market in 2019. Today, the model features a more muscular and boxy look while still retaining its dynamic silhouette. The combination results in a pickup that turns heads wherever it goes.
The cabin is modern and packed with cutting-edge tech, including a digital dashboard. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the vertical screen layout, but that's my only real criticism of this American truck. The rest of the interior is spacious and very comfortable, and I have to say I love the driving position. The Ranger's infotainment system is smooth and easy to use. As for the driver-assistance technologies, they are effective without being intrusive.
Performance
The 2025 Ford Ranger offers three mechanical options, starting with a 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4 drivetrain. This setup averages 11L/100 km in fuel consumption.
Next up is the 2.7-litre V6, which delivers 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, with an average fuel consumption of around 11.5L/100 km. Finally, if you opt for the Raptor version, you'll get a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Except for the Raptor, all other Ranger models can tow up to 7,500 pounds.
Weak Points
Strong Points
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The Ranger is a capable, fun-to-drive truck with an impressive range of versions.
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It's a proven model when it comes to reliability and durability.
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The Raptor's performance is very impressive.
Signature Element
The Ford Ranger offers a rare sense of balance and is one of the few vehicles that can truly meet the needs of most people.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Ranger is an excellent truck and, in my opinion, the perfect middle ground. The only issue is that it lives in a world that tends to favor extremes, making it less popular than the Maverick or the F-150.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
