Ford today announced the all-new for 2024 Ranger and news that it will be available in the high-performance Raptor trim level. Although the redesigned Ranger, including its Raptor variation, has been available in overseas markets for some time, we finally are getting it stateside, just not with the diesel engine or manual transmission options.
The new Ranger rides on an upgraded version of the Ford T6 platform, the same as what you’ll find on the Bronco. The Wheelbase has increased by 1.9 inches, but overall length actually shrank by .2” effectively increasing approach angle. Width has been increased by 2.3” inches improving cab space and storage in the short bed, as Ford decided to nix the long bed and extended cab options for the new model year leaving just the single crew cab short bed configuration.
The base model XL (starting at around $34,000) will retain its 2.3L four-cylinder, while the XLT and Lariat will offer the twin-turbo 2.7L V6 from the Bronco and F-150. The V6 is good for 315HP and 400 Ft-lbs of torque, and both engines will feature a 10-speed transmission.
The interior of the new Ranger will feature welcome improvements and upgrades. The size of the base center screen will jump up from 8.0 inches to 10.1, with a large vertically oriented 12.4-inch screen also available and the dash makes the move to digital.
Also available are a 360-degree exterior camera, over-the-air updates, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Ford's Zone Lighting system that lets owners selectively illuminate exterior lighting when parked. Rangers equipped with the FX4 off-road package gain Ford's Trail Control off-road cruise control system, though a locking differential is disappointingly not available unless you opt for the Raptor variant.
Now for the Ranger Raptor. The smallest and newest addition to the Raptor line-up will come with a slightly less powerful version of the 405-HP twin turbo V6 found in the Bronco Raptor. Similarly, the engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that features locking front and rear differentials as well as a low range and 4A all-wheel-drive mode. Even the crawl ratio is the same, at 67.88:1. However, instead of 37-inch tires, the Ranger Raptor opts for 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02s wrapped around 17-inch bead-lock capable wheels. Trackwidth has increased by 3.5” and the enlarged fenders bring up overall width by 4.3” versus the regular Ranger. The highly tuned off-road suspension will feature 2.5” Fox Live Valve Coil-overs & Rear Shocks, while the rear leaf springs found in the normal Ranger will be swapped out for coils. The Ranger Raptor’s starting price will be $58,555, which is higher than the Colorado ZR2, its closest competitor.
