The 2021 Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that slots in below the automaker’s full-size F-150 and battles with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
For 2021, the Ranger comes in two body styles: an extended cab with rear-hinged back doors that open to reveal a small area best for storage or pets rather than humans, or a crew-cab version with a conventional four-door arrangement. Extended-cab versions, called “SuperCab” in Ford parlance, use a 6-foot bed, while SuperCrew models shrink to a 5-foot bed.
All Ranger trucks use a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 rated at 270 horsepower, which sends power to the rear or, optionally, all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim level, fuel-economy figures range from 19 to 23 mpg.
In contrast to some rivals, the Ranger lineup in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims includes standard automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights.
2021 Ford Ranger XL (Original starting price when new: $26,015)
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The 2021 Ford Ranger starts at $26,015.
The base version of the Ranger aims primarily at commercial buyers. However, several optional features can make it a blank slate for off-road customization or a comfortable daily driver.
Outside, the base Ranger features unpainted bumpers and 16-inch steel wheels. Its interior features cloth bucket front seats paired with a rear bench seat regardless of body style. Vinyl covers the floor. Equipment includes air conditioning, power-operated windows and locks, a backup camera, a 4-speaker AM/FM radio with Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs, and a Wi-Fi antenna.
Ford’s CoPilot360 suite of crash-avoidance tech is optional, including blind-spot monitors and active lane-control. An additional option package adds cruise control, power-adjustable rearview mirrors, remote keyless entry, and two additional speakers, plus a slightly larger LCD screen for the audio system paired with a voice recognition system for select audio functions.
An STX appearance package adds alloy wheels and color-matched bumpers, while the FX4 Off-Road package includes a locking rear differential, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Buyers can also delete the second-row seats from the SuperCab configuration.
Who is this trim for? The base Ranger is inexpensive for a mid-size pickup, though it’s not exactly lavish. Still, it’s an excellent option for drivers looking for a work truck or a base for building up an off-roader.
2021 Ford Ranger XL includes:
Automatic emergency braking: Sensors detect a potential collision and apply the brakes without driver intervention to prevent impact or mitigate damage.
Wi-Fi antenna: The truck can act as a mobile hotspot for a monthly fee.
Available locking rear differential: A button on the center console activates the differential lock, which can distribute up to 100% of power to a single rear wheel should the vehicle become stuck off-road.
2021 Ford Ranger XLT (Original starting price when new: $28,910)
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The 2021 Ford Ranger XLT starts at $28,910.
The XLT serves as the gateway to far more optional extras. It adds several features optional on the XL, including 17-inch alloy wheels, color-matched bumpers, cruise control, power mirrors, voice recognition, and Ford Co-Pilot 360.
It also comes with carpeting and upgraded cloth seats inside, plus dual-zone automatic climate control. Unlike the base Ranger with its tiny audio screen, the XLT adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
An option package brings parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a household-style power outlet, additional USB ports, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror to the Ranger. A second package includes power-adjustable and heated front seats, a sliding rear window, power-folding side mirrors, and remote start.
The available Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control, forward parking sensors, and a navigation system. The FX4 Off-Road package is also available on the XLT. Buyers can step up to the Tremor Off-Road Package that adds a lifted suspension with sophisticated Fox dampers, unique springs, and 32-inch alloy wheels, plus many cosmetic tweaks inside and out.
Who is this trim for? The Ranger XLT offers a broad array of standard and optional features, making it the most popular choice for most shoppers.
2021 Ford Ranger XLT includes:
8.0-Inch Touchscreen With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: This larger screen features smartphone mirroring for select navigation, communication, and entertainment apps.
Available Technology Package: Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front at highway speeds.
Available Tremor Off-Road Package: With its wide, high-riding stance, the Tremor looks beefy — and its Fox shocks and all-terrain tires help it perform better off-road.
2021 Ford Ranger Lariat (Original starting price when new: $34,105)
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The 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat starts at $34,105.
The range-topping version of the Ranger piles on additional niceties, not all of which are visible at first glance.
It wears 18-inch wheels, color-matched door handles, brightwork around the grille and fender vents, and heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Ford fits LED lighting in its bed and behind its headlights for better outward vision.
The Lariat’s seats wear leather, and the truck gains ambient lighting plus dual 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster. Reverse parking sensors, push-button start, and an integrated garage door opener round out visible changes. At the same time, Ford also adds more sound deadening behind the rear seat to provide a quiet ride.
An option package adds Bang & Olufsen speakers, rain-sensing wipers, and remote start, plus the contents of the Technology package.
Like the XLT, the Lariat comes with both FX4 and Tremor off-road packages when fitted with 4-wheel drive. Additional appearance packages can also dress the exterior up with either more chrome or blacked-out trim.
Who is this trim for? If you want leather seats in your Ranger, the Lariat is the only way to do it. But if you’re looking at a well-equipped XLT, the Lariat may only be a small jump.
2021 Ford Ranger Lariat includes:
LED Headlights — Not only do LED headlights provide a whiter output than conventional halogens, but they also tend to be brighter.
Push-Button Start — Keep the key in your pocket or bag for convenience.
Additional Sound Deadening — A quiet vehicle isn’t just pleasant; it can reduce fatigue on a longer drive and allow for clearer conversations over Bluetooth.
