Ford invited a group of automotive journalists to go to camp recently. Camp Woodbury, in Dexter, MI, was the location for “Ranger Camp” and the reveal of the 2024 Ford Ranger, along with the first-ever Ranger Raptor to come to the US.

What is it? 

The 2024 Ford Ranger has been redesigned from the ground up. It will start at $34,160, while the Ranger Raptor will be priced starting at $56,960. The midsized pickups will go on sale this summer and come with more powertrain options, as the Blue Oval adds a 2.7 L turbocharged V6 and a turbocharged 3.0 V6, along with a significant collection of design, technology, comfort, convenience, and practical upgrades to the popular truck. 

Even so, it retains its spot between the full-sized F-150 and the compact Maverick. The five-seater is available in SuperCrew cab style only and in XL, XLT, Lariat trims, plus the Raptor. Ford calls it all-terrain capable and says some of the benefits include easy maneuverability in general, good ‘garageability,’ easy fits in city parking decks, and easy parking in general while keeping its maneuverability on tight trails. 

A bit of history

Ford’s Ranger departed the US market in 2011 when many buyers were gravitating towards bigger trucks. It returned in 2018 as a ‘19 model that shared its platform and a lot of its hardware with Rangers built and sold in international locations, such as Australia. The truck is a global product with many stamps in its passport, as it is built at five plants around the globe and is number-two in the global midsize pickup truck market, with sales that have grown by more than 112 percent. It’s number-one in 18 countries and is the best-selling Ford truck globally.

2024 Ford Ranger: The important bits 

The ‘next-gen’ 2024 Ford Ranger base model will get the 2.3-liter Eco-boost turbocharged inline-four found in the base Bronco. Here, it produces 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 will be available in the fall with 315 horsepower and 400 pounds of torque. The Raptor’s version of the V6 will deliver 405 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. All will be shifted through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Base Rangers are available with 2WD or 4WD, while the Raptor is only available as a 4×4. Payload ratings for 2WD versions are 1,805 pounds, 4WD models can carry 1,711 pounds, and Raptor is set up for 1,411 pounds. The truck is rated to tow up to 7,500 pounds, depending on the model.

Notable is the new sheet metal and the pickup’s smart looks. It is slightly shorter overall, with a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track that enables a wider suspension track with several benefits—the bed can now stash a standard four-foot-wide sheet of plywood between the wheel wells and engineers were able to move the shocks at the back outward, which will give improved ride control on the road. A 400-watt inverter and an outlet in the bed to power up electronics while working, camping, or tailgating are available.

It has a longer front end and looks more cab-forward, with enhanced wheel wells and wheels tucked outward for better handling and an improved approach angle. New is a box-side step on both sides of the rear bed. Underneath is a new high-strength boxed steel frame with a long-arm suspension set-up in the front and leaf springs at the rear. Raptors get long-arm front suspension with forged aluminum control arms and rear coil springs connected to a pair of trailing arms with a watts link that controls the back. Fox live valve shocks are also onboard to give extra support and damping for aggressive operating.

The updated cab has a standard 8-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch infotainment screen. available is a 12.4-inch cluster and a 12-inch infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The rear bench seat flips down for a flat storage area, and underneath, there are two stowage cubbies. An impressive collection of safety features includes blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and active park assist.

Ranger Raptor Rules

The Ranger Raptor has full-time four-wheel-drive, locking rear differentials, and trail control. It has a 12-inch digital display that looks like an iPad, an available 360-degree camera, over-the-air updates, off-road screens, and a ten-speaker B&O sound system. Pro Trailer backup assist is available that can stow up to ten trailer profiles and provides trailer reverse guidance and trailer brake controller.

The Ranger Raptor will be built in at Ford’s assembly plant in Michigan, and Ford says it will be “nimble and fit with a sporty character, ” allowing owners to go farther afield off the beaten path. It will have active exhaust with quiet mode, lockers front and rear, paddles for shifting, and provide 3.5 inches more track width and 1.5 inches more travel. Underneath will be a bash plate in the front, running boards on the sides, and 33-inch BFGoodrich K03 beadlock capable wheels.

Why buy it, and who it will appeal to? 

Ford says that Ranger has been built to fill the white space between F-Series trucks and the Maverick with capability between these pickups for towing and off-road performance. It will be advertised to appeal to “many that don’t know that they need a truck.” It’s also for customers who want to balance work and recreation that are self-reliant and adaptable, seek challenges, take pride in being fully prepared, and value the journey. Many are looking to carry the right tools and equipment and push the potential of their ride.