Ford Ranger 2021 Review

Not everyone needs the capabilities of a full-size pickup, and this is where the midsize truck class comes in. In reality, many of these middle-ground trucks are as big as full-sizers from a decade or so ago but still represent a more efficient, maneuverable and affordable alternative. The Ford Ranger is one of the newer midsize pickups in the U.S., having debuted two years ago after a multi-year hiatus. Unfortunately, Ford used a Ranger design it had been selling in other markets for about a decade instead of coming up with an all-new truck. As a result, the Ranger isn't as compelling as rivals that have undergone more recent redesigns.

At least for 2021, there's some enticement in the form of a new Tremor Off-Road package that adds a lot of all-terrain capabilities and attitude. The package's upgraded suspension gives the Ranger additional clearance and all but eliminates the ride floatiness found in the standard truck. The Tremor is still a ways off from rivaling the off-road performance of a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, but it's a reasonably priced package and delivers real gains.

We like the new Ranger with the Tremor package, but as a whole the truck still comes up a little short. Check out our Expert Rating below to learn why.

Which Ranger does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that is offered as either an extended cab (SuperCab) with a 6-foot bed or a crew cab (SuperCrew) with a 5-foot bed. It is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT and Lariat. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that drives either the rear or all four wheels.

The base Ranger XL is pretty basic, with feature highlights that include:

• 16-inch steel wheels
• Manually locking tailgate
• Air conditioning
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Four-speaker sound system
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

To that, the available 101A package adds:

• Cruise control
• Power mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• A larger central display screen
• Sync 3 infotainment system
• Six-speaker audio system

For more safety features, the available Co-Pilot360 package includes:

• Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

The midtier XLT trim includes all of the above plus:

• Alloy wheels
• Keyless entry
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

The XLT is eligible for additional options too.

The XLT 301A adds convenience items that include:

• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 110-volt household power outlet
• Choice of Sport, Chrome or Black exterior appearance package

The 302A package can be added to the 301A and brings:

• Remote ignition
• Power-folding mirrors
• Manual-sliding rear window
• Power-adjustable and heated front seats

The Technology package requires at least the 301A package, and it adds:

• Front parking sensors
• Navigation system
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)

The top Lariat trim adds most of the XLT's 302A package as well as:

• LED headlights
• Leather upholstery

The Lariat's 501A package adds the Technology package plus:

• Remote ignition
• Automatic wipers
• 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system

New for 2021 is the Tremor Off-Road package. The SuperCrew body and four-wheel drive are prerequisites. It includes:

• Revised suspension and 0.8 inch more ground clearance
• Off-road-specific Fox shocks
• 32-inch all-terrain tires
• Auxiliary switches for user-specified accessories
• Side steps
• Additional recovery hooks
• Underbody protection

Other notable packages for the Ranger include the FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages and the Trailer Tow package.