Ford Ranger

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 midrange XLT trim represents our pick in the Ford Ranger lineup. It has the right amount of features for the price compared to the rather spartan XL trim. On top of that, it's also eligible for more convenience and tech options, as well as the new Tremor Off-Road package.

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: