2021 Ford Ranger

The Ranger trim lineup starts with the XL. It has 16-inch steel wheels, a manually locking tailgate, and automatic headlights. Step up to the XLT for 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, upgraded trim elements, and LED taillights. The Lariat adds to all this with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and heated and power-adjustable side mirrors. The optional FX4 Off-Road Package adds off-road shocks, all-terrain tires, and a steel bash plate mounted right to the frame, while the Tremor Off-Road Package adds Fox shocks and 32-inch all-terrain tires.

Every Ranger gets power from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine that makes 270 horsepower and generates 310 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission swiftly gets the truck up to speed, and rear-wheel drive comes standard. All-wheel drive is available for all Ranger trims.

When equipped with the optional tow package, the Ranger can pull up to 7,500 pounds and handle a 1,860-pound payload. Even with a full load, this truck remains smooth and composed on the road. The suspension soaks up uneven road surfaces, and if you need to tackle rough terrain, the upgraded suspension and locking rear differential available with the off-road packages allow it to do it with ease.

The Ranger has room for either four or five, depending on the cab. Cloth upholstery comes standard, and even the base trim has air conditioning and power windows. Moving up to the XLT adds dual-zone automatic climate control, rear privacy glass, and carpeting on the floor, and the Lariat is more luxurious with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heat for the front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Power-adjustable front seats are optional for the XLT and come standard with the Lariat.

Technology features in the Ranger start with a 3.5-inch display for the infotainment system, a USB port, and Bluetooth. All trims come standard with a Wi-Fi hot spot for up to 10 devices, and if you have the XLT or Lariat, you'll get an 8-inch touch screen, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, satellite radio, and voice controls. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo is available as part of the 501A Package for the Lariat, and both the Lariat and XLT offer a 110-volt power outlet.

Every 2021 Ranger comes with a forward-collision warning system, a rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety package is optional, adding a lane-keep assist, automatic high beam headlights, a blind-spot monitor, trailer tow monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The XLT offers rear parking sensors as an option, and both the XLT and Lariat offer the Technology Package with front parking sensors and an adaptive cruise control system. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are also available.