Coming courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency, the fuel economy ratings for the 2024 model year Ford Ranger are out. Considering the similarities between this generation of the Ranger and the 2019 to 2023 models, it shouldn't come as a surprise that pickups equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 return the very same 22 miles per gallon (10.7 liters per 100 kilometers) on the combined test cycle.
The 22-mpg estimate is shared between two- and four-wheel-drive trucks. However, 4WD results in worse ratings for city and highway driving. As opposed to 21 (11.2) and 25 (9.4) with rear-wheel drive, going 4WD means 20 (11.8) and 24 (9.8).
Previously a forbidden fruit in the United States of America, the Ranger Raptor – which is due to reach dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2024 – gets 17 miles per gallon. Those who prefer the metric system should read that as 13.9 liters per 100 kilometers, which is pretty good for the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 in a body-on-frame pickup truck.
Twinned with the 2.7-liter version of the sixer, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost is a member of the Nano engine family. At press time, the Dearborn-based automaker uses this powerplant in the Ranger-based Bronco, unibody Explorer, as well as the Lincoln Aviator.
Not exactly a shocker, the Bronco Raptor isn't as frugal as the Ranger Raptor at 15 miles per gallon (15.7 liters per 100 kilometers) in the EPA's combined test cycle. The Explorer is rated between 21 and 20 (11.2 and 11.8), whereas the Lincoln Aviator offers between 23 and 19 (10.2 and 12.4).
Photo: Ford
Manufactured at the same facility where Ford makes the Bronco, the redesigned Ranger carries a base price of $32,565 for the XL 4x2. Unlike the 2023 model, the 2024 comes only as a crew cab. Four-wheel drive hikes up the sticker price to $36,210.
The XL comes with a plethora of standard kit, including the STX Appearance Package, reflector-style headlamps with LEDs, 17-inch alloys instead of steelies, all-terrain rubber boots, remote keyless entry and a remote-locking tailgate, as well as 8.0 inches of digital instrument cluster display. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system runs SYNC 4A.
Starting at $36,005, the XLT levels up to a wireless phone charging pad, in-bed power and LED lighting, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, and Sport Appearance Package with slightly fancier 17-inch wheels than the XL. The Lariat comes with quite a few more stuff, but the most interesting thing about the Lariat is the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. Unfortunately, the EPA has yet to release fuel economy ratings for it.
$55,365 may be top dollar for a midsizer, but the Ranger Raptor isn't your usual mid-size pickup truck. From the class-exclusive Fox shocks with Live Valve Technology to the Watts linkage out back, locking front and rear axles, the aforementioned 3.0-liter EcoBoost sixer, and the available beadlock wheels, the Ranger Raptor is one seriously capable truck.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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