Live Thread: 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat FX4 4x4

The smallest truck Ford would sell you before it introduced the Maverick a few years ago? That’s right, the Ranger.

Now, however, in 2024, the Ranger lives in between the smaller Maverick and full-size F-150.

Size-wise, the Ranger measures 210.6 inches long and 86.7 inches wide. That’s roughly 11 inches longer and 14 inches wider than the Maverick (199.7 inches long, 72.6 inches wide). In comparison to the F-150, the Ranger is anywhere from 39 to 17 inches shorter, depending on configuration, and 9 inches narrower (250.3-227.7 inches long, 95.7 inches wide).

Aside from the Raptor model, buyers have a choice of three trims: XL, XLT or Lariat. All three come standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four–rated at 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque–though a more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6–good for 315 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque–is optional on the XLT and Lariat.

The Ranger we have to test out is a 4x4 Lariat model fitted with the V6 engine, which, according to Ford, carries an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for a combined 20 mpg.

Our Ranger also comes equipped with the FX4 Off-Road Package that adds features like off-road tires, electronic locking rear differential, off-road-tuned shocks, Trail Control and underside shielding for the engine, transfer case and fuel tank.

MSRP for the Ranger starts at $32,820 for a 4x2 XL and tops out at $47,265 for a 4x4 Lariat. (For those curious, the Ranger Raptor–putting out 405 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque–has a starting price of $55,720.)

Questions? Comments? Drop them below, and follow along as we review this 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat FX4 4x4 in real time.

Comments

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/19/24 4:30 p.m.

Hot take: Is this the right-sized truck for most people? It carries stuff, it tows stuff, it fits in a normal parking spot.

Let’s compare specs against a 2000 Ford F-150 Extended Cab 4x4.

New Ranger: 210.6 inches long and 4415 pounds.

Old F-150: 225.9 inches long and 4229 pounds.

Both are rated to 7500 pounds.

Close enough?

The Ranger might be smaller than today’s full-size trucks, but the interior is roomy–plenty wide when two people are up front.

The big thing, at least for me: I can easily drive and park it. I don’t need to plan my approach like the Icon of the Seas cruise ship.

More to come but would also like to hear from the rest of you regarding the size of this. Too small, too big or just right?

Colin Wood Associate Editor
11/19/24 4:55 p.m.

And here's how the Ranger compares to its contemporaries:

Ford Ranger:
- Length: 210.6 inches
- Width: 86.7 inches
Toyota Tacoma (XtraCab/Double Cab):
- Length: 213 inches/213 inches
- Width: 77.9 inches/77.9 inches
Honda Ridgeline:
- Length: 210.1 inches
- Width: 78.6 inches
Nissan Frontier (King Cab/Crew Cab SWB/Crew Cab LWB):
- Length: 210.2 inches/126 inches/139.8 inches
- Width: 73 inches/73 inches/73 inches
Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon:
- Length: 213 inches/217.9 inches
- Width: 74.3 inches/84.4 inches

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/19/24 4:58 p.m.

I was following a Hyundai pickup the other day and thinking I wouldn’t mind some more seat time with that one.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/19/24 4:59 p.m.

Although, to be honest, I’d so drive a 1978-’87 El Camino.

Chris Tropea Associate Editor
11/19/24 5:02 p.m.

I did not spend time in the Ranger but saw it at the Speedway this weekend when David had it there. It is a really good looking truck buy wow have mid-size pickups gotten big.

gearheadE30 Dork
11/19/24 5:25 p.m.

86.7" wide? is that a typo?

wearymicrobe PowerDork
11/19/24 5:50 p.m.

gearheadE30 said:
86.7" wide? is that a typo?

77.8 is the number I have heard. The Raptor is 86.7 inches wide though I think

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/19/24 7:36 p.m.

Ford lists 86.7 inches wide with mirror open, 79.0 inches with them folded back, 75.5 inches excluding mirrors.

stanger_mussle (Supported by GRM undergarments) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
11/19/24 7:50 p.m.

I bet it's pretty sporty with the 2.7L. The 2.3L is no slouch but the 2.7L has 90 more ft lbs of torque.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/19/24 8:25 p.m.

The Ranger is kind of everything I wish the Jeep Gladiator was. It’s roomy, practical, peppier and easier to park. The top doesn’t come off, but I’m okay with that.