{"id":32421,"date":"2024-03-19T11:04:21","date_gmt":"2024-03-19T15:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=32421"},"modified":"2024-03-19T11:04:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T15:04:21","slug":"payne-behind-the-wheel-of-the-handsome-remade-ford-ranger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/payne-behind-the-wheel-of-the-handsome-remade-ford-ranger","title":{"rendered":"Payne: Behind the wheel of the handsome, remade Ford Ranger"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Salt Lake City, Utah<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 The midsize pickup wars are back with a vengeance. Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma have all raised the bar by recently introducing all-new models.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">But no pickup war is complete without Ford. Big Blue. The King of Trucks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The 2024 Ford Ranger has answered the bell and it is the most stylish, high-tech, smooth-riding and expensive mid-size Ford pickup yet. It brings more powertrains, more models (including \u2014 drool \u2014 a Raptor beast), more clever tricks like corner-bumper steps and all-digital displays. Ford left the segment in 2011, committing resources to build aluminum-bodied, full-sized F-150s. When it returned eight loooong years later, its entry was rushed, plastic, not fully baked.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/03\/18\/PDTN\/73021232007-ford-ranger-xl-tfr-34-grass.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Ford Ranger comes standard with rear-wheel-drive and a 4&#215;4 option for better grip off-road. <\/em><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The 2024 Ranger feels like the mid-sizer Ford wanted to build for the last decade. It\u2019s a proper bridge between the popular, starter-kit Maverick and the F-150 patriarch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Full-size pickups like F-150 are the Swiss Army knives of the automotive world, and Ranger\u2019s big brother has dominated the class for over 40 years. Full-sizers tow your boat up north, transport the basketball team, haul mulch, chew trails and carry hunting dogs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">But I prefer midsize pickup trucks. Call them micro-Swiss Army knives.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Maybe it\u2019s because they fit in my garage. Or because they only take up one space in the parking lot. Or can get through tight spaces at Holly Oaks ORV park.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I tore up a winding road through the Wasatch Mountains here, the Ranger ensuring confidence as I navigated roads with guardrail-less vertical drops. \u201cThe Ranger is the best-driving pickup I\u2019ve ever had,\u201d says my friend Jim of his 2019 model.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The \u201924 adds 2 inches of wheelbase and 2 inches of track width to make the pickup even more sure-footed. But that length isn\u2019t all about handling. While competitors have shrunk their engine choices to 4-bangers to satisfy government emissions nannies, Ranger (via shrewd product management that collects emissions credits with Lightning EVs and Maverick hybrids) is giving customers want they want: more engines.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/03\/18\/PDTN\/73021242007-ford-ranger-xl-trr-34-road.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Ranger is quiet and easy to drive on-road.\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Ranger is quiet and easy to drive on-road.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>The 2024 Ford Ranger is quiet and easy to drive on-road. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With two more inches of wheelbase to play with, the Ranger can now stuff in a longitudinal, 2.7-liter V-6 right out of big brother F-150, a major upgrade for the \u201824 model year. And that\u2019s even before you get to the 3.0-liter turbo-V-6 that the top-drawer, $57K Ranger Raptor shares with the $91K Bronco Raptor. The rowdy Ranger Raptor is a whole \u2018nother chapter, so I\u2019ll review that separately in Thursday\u2019s Drive section.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">Michigan Politics<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Washington and Lansing, red and blue, we&#8217;ve got your government covered.<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\">\n<p><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The 2.7-liter V-6 will come later this year, but, in the meantime, the base 2.3-liter 4-cylinder mill (shared with the entry-level Mustang) provides plenty of punch. I nailed it up Wasatch\u2019s steep slopes, its twin rear pipes letting out a growl.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">While engine options expand, others narrow. In contrast to segment sales leader Toyota Tacoma, Ford has opted to offer Ranger in one, four-door cab size (SuperCrew), one box size (five-foot), one transmission (10-speed automatic, no manual). Want more choices? Check out the Maverick and F-150.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Designers have translated Ranger\u2019s larger dimensions into more sophisticated styling. Like F-150, Ranger gets a bold, horizontal face graphic that bisects the grille and headlights, forming a C-clamp headlight. We are family. Combined with a sculpted, rear tailgate, the design conveys a more planted Ranger \u2014 versus the last-gen model that always looked like it was on tippy-toe.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ranger learns from little brother, too. Wee Maverick is generous at managing interior space, and Ranger adds clever touches like better forward console storage, cubby space below the glovebox, and fold-flat rear seats so you can more easily store, say, suitcases or shopping boxes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Unfortunately, rear seat room didn\u2019t benefit from the wheelbase extension: interior measurements remain the same. That means a tight fit for six-footers, but \u2014 thanks to useful scalloping in the back of the front seats \u2014 my knees breathe easier.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford even took ergonomic lessons from \u2014 gasp! \u2014 General Motors and now options corner steps so you can more easily access the bed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/03\/18\/PDTN\/73021227007-ford-ranger-cornerbedstep.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Ranger options a corner bed step.\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Ford Ranger options a corner bed step. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Ranger options a corner bed step.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford has always been a leader on tech, and the 2024 Ranger gets to share in the big-screen fun had by Mustang Mach-E and F-150. The base XL model comes with digital screens while XLT, Lariat and Raptor models option a 12-inch center screen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Options, options, options. Jeez, pickup trucks are becoming like Porsche sports cars.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">My XLT had separate option packages for its black Sport trim, adaptive cruise control, four-wheel-drive system, 17-inch wheels, tow hook, screen and sliding rear window. Well, at least the steering wheel comes standard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">All that nickel \u2018n\u2019 diming added up to $825-a-month lease or $49,265 in cash \u2014 a whopping 15 grand over the base price, which itself is six grand higher than the outgoing, $28,895, 2023 model. And my XLT still had a standard turn-key ignition starter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Sure, the old, two-door base model is gone and electronics have been significantly upgraded \u2013 but a $27k Honda Civic Sport will deliver a suite of standard push-button start, adaptive cruise control and wireless smartphone app connectivity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Like performance sports cars, like performance pickups. Watch your wallet.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/03\/18\/PDTN\/73021224007-ford-ranger-cabin.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The interior of the 2024 Ford Ranger is upgraded with digital screens - and an optional, 12-inch center tablet.\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The interior of the 2024 Ford Ranger is upgraded with digital screens - and an optional, 12-inch center tablet.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The interior of the 2024 Ford Ranger is upgraded with digital screens &#8211; and an optional, 12-inch center tablet. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">In a Utah field softened up by months of heavy snow, my tester sank into the soil. As I grunted around in rear-wheel drive, the Ranger sank further into the soil. 4&#215;4 to the rescue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I punched 4H on the console-mounted mode dial, and the Ranger hooked up all four wheels, delivering 400 pound-feet of torque to the grippy all-terrain tires. Suddenly, Ranger was as sure-footed as if on asphalt and I explored more deeply into the soggy terrain. I could have dialed up the grip further by engaging 4-low and a rear locker (you guessed it, another option package).<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">A FX4 package will add further underbody armor and Lariat, of course, options goodies like leather seats and an exterior chrome package. But my XLT Sport tester is the sweet spot once loaded with essential safety features and 12-inch screen.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/03\/18\/PDTN\/73021229007-ford-ranger-engine.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Ranger offers a range of engines from standard, 2.3-liter turbo-4 (pictured) to a 2.7-liter turbo-V6 to a 3.0-liter turbo-V6 in the Raptor.\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Ranger offers a range of engines from standard, 2.3-liter turbo-4 (pictured) to a 2.7-liter turbo-V6 to a 3.0-liter turbo-V6 in the Raptor.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Ford Ranger offers a range of engines from standard, 2.3-liter turbo-4 (pictured) to a 2.7-liter turbo-V6 to a 3.0-liter turbo-V6 in the Raptor. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">A decade ago, I couldn\u2019t sit in Mustang cloth seats for more than two hours without suffering discomfort. In the Ranger I could have gone for hours in the agreeable cloth buckets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I zipped back down the mountains on I-210 towards Salt Lake at 75 mph in adaptive cruise control. Utah\u2019s highways can be curvy affairs through the canyons, and I passed an F-150 on my way. Sharing good looks, vertical digital screens and interior comfort (as well as V-6 engines and Raptor models), the two Fords made a nice pair of Swiss Army knives.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2024 Ford Ranger<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear and four-wheel-drive, four-door pickup truck<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $34,265, including $1,595 destination charge ($49,250, 2.3-liter, 4&#215;4 XLT as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder; 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 (available summer 2024)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 270 horsepower, 310 pound-feet torque (4-cylinder); 315 horsepower, 400 pound-feet torque (V-6)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: 10-speed automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 6.5 seconds (est.); Payload, 1,711-1,805 pounds; Towing, 7,500 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 4,415 pounds (4&#215;4 as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA est. 21 MPG city\/25 highway\/22 combined (RWD, 2.3L); 20 MPG city\/24 highway\/22 combined (4&#215;4, 2.3L)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: More engine options; major exterior\/interior upgrades<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Rear seat still tight; gets pricey<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4 stars<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Salt Lake City, Utah\u00a0\u2014 The midsize pickup wars are back with a vengeance. Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma have all raised the bar by recently introducing all-new models. But no pickup war is complete without Ford. Big Blue. The King of Trucks. The 2024 Ford Ranger has answered the bell and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32421"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32421"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32421\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32422,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32421\/revisions\/32422"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32421"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32421"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}