The Ford Ranger pickup truck will make its much-awaited return to American roads this year after a seven-year absence.
According to Ford's official website, the mid-size pickup truck has a starting price of $25,395 for a rear-wheel drive, extended-cab XL model variant, the lowest of the three trim levels. The base XL model also includes the SuperCab and a 6-foot pickup bed.
The Ford Ranger has an XLT version, which starts at $29,035, while the top-of-the-line Lariat model has a price tag of $33,305. The XLT version features alloy wheels, six-speaker audio system, 4.2-inch display screen, fog lights, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Ford's new CoPilot360. This latest feature also provides driver aids, which includes automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.
The top-of-the-line Lariat adds LED headlights, leather front seats, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, among other features. Ford offers two variants when it comes to cab style. The SuperCab features small backward-opening rear doors. Customers can also opt for a longer SuperCrew, which has four conventional doors, but they have to shell out an additional $2,175 to $2,220. Customers can also choose between a rear- or four-wheel drive.
Ranger's Price Could Exceed $40,000
The Ranger's price could exceed $40,000 if a customer opts to beef up his ride with off-road equipment, active-safety features, and towing-prep equipment. All the versions are equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder powerplant that is harnessed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, competition such as General Motors, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota offer V6s to their own models. General Motors also has a four-cylinder turbodiesel that can compete with the Ford Ranger's powerplant. Among the rivals that Ford Ranger could face in the United States are the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma.
Prospective buyers can place their order now with dealers, but the new model will be rolled out late this year or early next year. In the coming months, the official engine specifications, EPA fuel economy, and other important details such as payload and towing data will be revealed.
Will Ford Sell Ranger Raptor In The US?
It also remains to be seen if Ford will give in to the demand of Ranger enthusiasts for a Ranger Raptor version to be available in the United States. Ford has a Ranger Raptor model being sold in Thailand, where the model comes with a new twin-turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. The engine delivers 210 horsepower and 368 pound-foot of torque with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
In an interview with Australian publication Drive, Ford Performance chief vehicle engineer Jamal Hameedi said the Raptor will be a hit in the United States but only with a gasoline engine. Earlier, Ford released a Raptor version of the F-150.
