Ken Ganley Ford Parma

New 2021 Ford Ranger Review

The new 2021 Ford Ranger is here better than before. We review Cleveland’s favorite midsize truck that offers so much. The 2021 Ford Ranger is available in two body configurations: the compact SuperCab and the full-sized SuperCrew. 

The SuperCab’s compact design allows for a larger load bay while still offering seating for four with two mini-doors serving the rear of the cab. The SuperCrew cab space is much larger, with two full doors serving the back while still maintaining a decent-sized load bay. 

Chassis are available in both long-and short-wheelbase configurations, meaning that the options cover every contingency and requirement you could have. For 2021, the entire range is powered by Ford’s 2.3-liter-turbocharged inline-four diesel-pushing 270HP with a healthy torque output of 310 lb-ft. 

Drive on all models is through a 10-speed-automatic transmission and delivered via the rear wheels. This doesn’t mean that the Ranger only comes in the two-wheel option, though. A four-wheel-drive configuration is also available for those more rugged uses. 

Ford’s Terrain Management System allows you to set your Ranger up perfectly for the surface it’s being driven on, whether it’s gravel, tar, mud, or sand. The rear-drive model rises 8.4 inches clear of the ground unloaded, while the 4WD option clears by 8.9 inches.

There’s something for every purpose in the Ford Ranger, from ordinary family usage all the way through to the tougher stuff. 

Trim levels

The new Ford Ranger is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. 

The basic XL model offers both cloth or vinyl seat options, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports. Auto emergency braking and collision warning are also standard on the XL.

The 2021 Ford Ranger XLT offers automatic dual-climate control, rear cross-traffic alarm, blind spot and lane departure warnings, and lane-keep assist. Onboard entertainment is provided via an 8-inch-touchscreen with USB, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, all through a six-way speaker system.

Top-of-the-range Lariat has all the XLT features, plus leather upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats, and park distance control at both ends. This means comfort and ease of control, whatever the situation you happen to be in. 

Cruise control, navigation, remote start, and differential lock are just some of the features available as optional extras for all models. In addition, the Tremor package comes with uprated suspension, better entry and departure angles, and a front bash plate with higher ground clearance due to uprated shocks.


2021 Ford Ranger Review


Towing and payload capacity

The Ford Ranger’s towing capacity is up to 3,500 lb as a standard. Upgrading the towing package will increase that to 7,500 lb, pulling power. The SuperCab will haul up to 1,860 lb, while the slightly smaller load bay in the SuperCrew will still easily accommodate 1,770 lb. The new Ranger combines a rugged workhorse with a comfortable ride.

Driving the 2021 Ranger is akin to driving a car. The 10-speed-automatic transmission makes effortless gear changes, while the suspension cushions the occupants from the terrain’s imperfections regardless of where you’re at. 

Power from the 2.3-liter-turbocharged engine is available on-demand with no perceptible turbo-lag, and with fuel consumption from as low as-26 MPG, the Ranger is less thirsty than most of its rivals, which makes for savings at the pump. 

With a factory-backed power train warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, you can rest assured that your 2021 Ranger will keep you on the road. The Ranger has a four-star safety rating to give you peace of mind while you’re behind the wheel.

The 2021 Ford Ranger has been named as the most affordable pickup in its class by Kelley Bluebook’s review. No stranger to accolades, the Ranger was also voted as International Pickup Truck of the Year in 2020, and Cars.com voted it as the Most American-built car in the same year.

The 2021 Ford Ranger is set to be a bestseller. Avoid disappointment and book your test drive today.

For full specifications on the 2021 Ford Ranger lineup, visit your Cleveland dealer.