2021 Ford Ranger Test Drive: Everything You Need To Know

Hey everyone! Buckle up because we're diving deep into the 2021 Ford Ranger – a truck that's been making waves and turning heads. I recently had the opportunity to take this beast for a spin, and I'm stoked to share my experience, insights, and everything you need to know before you consider getting behind the wheel of this mid-size pickup. We'll cover everything from the performance and handling to the interior comfort, technology features, and of course, the all-important question: Is it worth the hype? Let's get started, shall we?

Ford Ranger 2021: What's New and Exciting?

So, what's the buzz about the 2021 Ford Ranger? Well, for starters, it builds upon the solid foundation laid by previous models, but with some notable updates and enhancements. One of the key aspects of the 2021 model is its continued focus on providing a versatile and capable mid-size pickup truck. Ford has positioned the Ranger to be a strong competitor in a crowded market, going head-to-head with trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon. Let's delve into what makes the 2021 Ranger stand out, shall we?

The 2021 Ford Ranger maintains its robust and rugged exterior design, perfect for both city driving and off-road adventures. You'll find a sturdy body-on-frame construction that contributes to its impressive towing and payload capacities. The Ranger is available in several trims, including the base XL, the mid-level XLT, and the top-tier Lariat, each offering different features and levels of equipment. There's also the off-road-focused Ranger Tremor, which adds a more aggressive stance, upgraded suspension, and other features tailored for tackling rough terrain. The engine remains a reliable and efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers a good balance of power and fuel economy, making the Ranger a practical choice for daily driving as well as weekend excursions.

Inside, the Ranger offers a comfortable and functional cabin. Depending on the trim level, you'll find features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technologies. This suite includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience. One of the appealing aspects of the Ranger is its blend of practicality and technology. It provides a user-friendly interface for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The truck's bed offers various tie-down points and bed liner options, making it versatile for hauling cargo. Additionally, Ford offers a range of accessories for further customization, allowing owners to tailor the Ranger to their specific needs, whether it's for work, recreation, or everyday use. The 2021 Ford Ranger is designed to appeal to a broad audience, from those seeking a reliable work truck to adventure enthusiasts. Ford has paid attention to balancing the Ranger's capabilities with user-friendly features, making it a compelling option in the mid-size truck segment.

Driving Experience: Performance and Handling

Alright, let's talk about the fun part: the driving experience! The 2021 Ford Ranger boasts a surprisingly responsive and enjoyable ride, especially given its truck-like dimensions. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers a solid punch, providing ample power for both city commutes and highway cruising. Acceleration is brisk, and the 10-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job of keeping the engine in its powerband. It shifts smoothly and efficiently, making for a seamless driving experience. I found the Ranger to be quite composed on the road. The steering feels well-weighted and precise, offering good feedback. The suspension does a commendable job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, ensuring a comfortable ride even on less-than-perfect surfaces. The truck feels confident and stable, inspiring a sense of control, whether navigating tight city streets or tackling winding country roads. The Ranger's mid-size dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park, which is a significant advantage in urban environments.

One of the areas where the 2021 Ford Ranger truly shines is its off-road capability. With features like available four-wheel drive, a Terrain Management System (on certain trims), and plenty of ground clearance, the Ranger is ready to take on trails and adventures. The Tremor package elevates the off-road prowess even further, with its upgraded suspension, skid plates, and more aggressive tires. During my test drive, I had the opportunity to take the Ranger on some light off-road trails, and I was impressed by its capabilities. It easily handled uneven terrain, climbed hills, and navigated through various obstacles. The Ranger's electronic locking rear differential (available on some models) further enhances its off-road performance, providing additional traction in challenging situations. The driving experience is enhanced by the technology integrated into the vehicle. The infotainment system is user-friendly, the driver-assistance features work seamlessly, and the overall ergonomics of the cabin are well-designed, making the driving experience enjoyable and intuitive. Overall, the Ford Ranger 2021 strikes a fantastic balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Technology: Comfort and Convenience

Let's move inside the 2021 Ford Ranger and explore the interior. Ford has clearly focused on providing a comfortable and functional cabin, packed with technology to enhance the driving experience. The interior design is practical and well-thought-out, with a focus on durability and user-friendliness. The materials used are of good quality, and the fit and finish are impressive. You'll find comfortable seats, plenty of headroom and legroom, and a generally spacious feel, even in the rear seats of the SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. One of the highlights is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is standard on most trims. This system is easy to use and provides access to a range of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These integration options are seamless, allowing you to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, navigation, and music directly from the touchscreen.

In addition to the infotainment system, the 2021 Ford Ranger offers a host of other technology features that contribute to comfort and convenience. The Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technologies is a standout feature, providing enhanced safety and peace of mind. This suite includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features work seamlessly to help prevent accidents and make long drives more comfortable. The available features vary depending on the trim level. Higher trims, like the Lariat, may include features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium sound system. These enhancements add a touch of luxury to the cabin and elevate the overall driving experience. One thing that stands out is the thoughtful placement of controls and the intuitive layout of the dashboard. Everything is within easy reach, and the overall design feels well-organized. The Ranger’s cabin provides a comfortable and user-friendly environment, and the inclusion of modern technology features enhances the overall driving experience. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a weekend adventure, or using the Ranger for work purposes, you'll appreciate the comfort and convenience of the interior.

Trim Levels and Features: Choosing the Right Ranger

One of the great things about the 2021 Ford Ranger is the variety of trim levels available, ensuring there's a configuration to suit different needs and budgets. Understanding the differences between these trims is crucial to making the right choice. The base model, the XL, is designed as a work truck, offering essential features and functionality. It comes standard with a basic infotainment system, durable cloth seats, and a no-frills interior. The XLT is the mid-level trim, adding features like alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system, and additional convenience features. This trim often strikes a good balance between features and value, making it a popular choice for many buyers. The Lariat is the top-tier trim, offering the most luxurious features and amenities. It includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium sound system, and a host of other upgrades. The Lariat trim adds a touch of luxury to the Ranger and is designed for those who want a more premium driving experience.

In addition to the standard trim levels, the Ford Ranger offers special editions and packages that cater to specific needs. The FX4 off-road package adds features like skid plates, off-road-tuned suspension, and an electronic locking rear differential, making the Ranger even more capable off-road. The Tremor package takes this a step further, with a more aggressive stance, upgraded suspension, and other features specifically designed for tackling rough terrain. The Tremor package is a great choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path. Another important consideration is the cab configuration: the Ranger is available in SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (four-door) configurations. The SuperCrew offers more passenger space in the rear and is ideal if you frequently carry passengers. When choosing a 2021 Ford Ranger, consider your primary use case. If you need a capable work truck, the XL may be sufficient. If you want a balance of features and value, the XLT is a great option. For those seeking luxury and advanced features, the Lariat is the way to go. Consider your off-road needs when deciding whether to add the FX4 or Tremor package. By carefully evaluating your needs and preferences, you can find the perfect Ranger configuration to match your lifestyle.

Fuel Economy and Performance Specs

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty details. The 2021 Ford Ranger is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. The engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for acceleration and towing. This engine delivers strong performance and contributes to the Ranger's versatility.

Fuel economy is an important factor for many buyers, and the 2021 Ford Ranger performs well in this regard. According to EPA estimates, the Ranger achieves 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined for the rear-wheel-drive models. The four-wheel-drive models have slightly lower ratings, with 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. These fuel economy figures are competitive in the mid-size truck segment, making the Ranger a relatively efficient choice. Towing capacity is another key consideration for truck buyers. The Ford Ranger 2021 boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. Payload capacity is also strong, with a maximum of around 1,860 pounds, depending on the configuration. This makes the Ranger a capable choice for hauling various items, from construction materials to recreational equipment. The engine's responsiveness, the transmission's smooth shifting, and the overall balance of power and efficiency make the Ranger a practical choice for a wide range of drivers. When evaluating the 2021 Ford Ranger, consider your specific needs. If you need a truck for heavy-duty towing, make sure to equip the Ranger with the appropriate towing package. By considering your needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision about whether the Ranger is the right truck for you.

Pros and Cons: What I Noticed

Let's break down the 2021 Ford Ranger into a simple pros and cons list to help you get a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a balanced perspective and help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Strong Performance: The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides ample power and responsive acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently.
• Off-Road Capability: The Ranger excels off-road, especially with the FX4 or Tremor packages. It offers a capable performance on different terrains.
• User-Friendly Interior: The cabin is comfortable, well-designed, and packed with useful technology. The infotainment system is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with smartphones.
• Versatile: It offers a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it suitable for both daily driving and weekend adventures.
• Towing and Payload Capacity: It has a strong towing capacity and payload capacity, making it practical for various tasks.
• Variety of Trim Levels: The range of trim levels allows you to find a configuration that fits your needs and budget.

Cons:

• Engine Sound: The engine can sound a bit buzzy under hard acceleration. Some might prefer a more refined engine note.
• Rear Seat Space: The rear seat space in the SuperCab configuration can be tight for adults. If you frequently carry passengers, the SuperCrew configuration is a better choice.
• Fuel Economy: While fuel economy is decent, some competitors offer slightly better figures. However, the Ranger still provides a good balance between power and efficiency.
• Ride Quality: While the ride is generally comfortable, it can feel a bit firm on rough roads.

Final Verdict: Is the 2021 Ford Ranger Worth It?

So, after spending time with the 2021 Ford Ranger, is it worth the investment? The answer is a resounding YES, with a few caveats. The Ranger is a fantastic mid-size truck that offers a compelling blend of performance, capability, and technology. It’s an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers, from those who need a practical work truck to adventure enthusiasts. The Ranger's strengths lie in its versatile performance, user-friendly interior, and strong towing and payload capacities. The available trim levels cater to a variety of needs and budgets, ensuring there's a Ranger configuration for everyone. However, it's not without its drawbacks. The engine sound can be a little unrefined, the rear seat space in the SuperCab can be tight, and the ride can feel firm on rough roads. But overall, the positives significantly outweigh the negatives.

If you're in the market for a mid-size pickup truck, the 2021 Ford Ranger should be at the top of your list. It's a well-rounded vehicle that excels in many areas. I highly recommend taking one for a test drive to experience it firsthand. You won't be disappointed! Ultimately, the 2021 Ford Ranger offers a compelling package and is definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a mid-size pickup truck. It's a solid choice that will provide you with a rewarding driving experience and plenty of versatility. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Happy driving, guys!