Ford Ranger

The redesigned Ranger may look like the outgoing model, but it is slightly larger, with a screen-filled modern interior, a wider bed, and a generous suite of advanced safety features. There is now just a single body style, the crew cab, offered in two- and four-wheel drive. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine again has 270 hp. The midlevel option is a more powerful 315-hp, 2.7-liter turbocharged V6. The new off-road-focused Raptor has a 405-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. All engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission. The instrument cluster is either the standard 8-inch or the upgraded 12.4-inch display. Likewise, the center infotainment screen is either 10.1-inch or upgraded 12-inch display with the latest Sync 4A system. The standard active safety features include AEB with pedestrian detection. BSW, RCTW, active parking assistance and trailer assistance are available.

Ford has brought back the Ranger name with a redesigned compact truck that combines modern elements with some primitive execution. The Ranger offers the latest entertainment and safety technologies, but its ride is stiff and choppy. Handling is clumsy, and at low speeds, the engine noise is quite pronounced. The 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination makes the Ranger responsive. The optional Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use, but other controls aren't as well designed. It's hard to get in because of the high floor. There are two cab configurations: an extended cab and a crew cab. The FX4 off-road package adds skid plates, upgraded tires, and off-road-tuned suspension. Automatic emergency braking is standard. New for 2021 is the Tremor Off-Road package, which includes a lifted suspension with special off-road shocks and springs, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and other assorted interior and exterior trim bits. There's also a new STX Special Edition package, which includes 18-inch black wheels, an eight-inch touch screen, and the Sync 3 infotainment system.

Perhaps the only truly small truck still available, the dated Ranger (and its twin, the Mazda B4000) is behind the times. The rough 4.0-liter V6 isn't particularly powerful or efficient. Handling is reluctant, and when unloaded, the rear of the truck can step out on bumpy corners or washboard roads. The ride is stiff and snappy. Stopping distances are long. The narrow cabin is noisy inside and has rudimentary levels of comfort and fit and finish. Extended-cab models have two rear jump seats, useless for adults or child seats. The bed is useful-sized. No side air bags or ESC are available, but both are standard for 2010.