2021 Ford Ranger Mobile Auto Canada Overview

Overview

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.

Ford’s mid-size pickup comes in two body styles with two bed lengths, and its trim levels range from the base model XL to the more luxurious Lariat. All Rangers are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and offer a 10-speed automatic transmission; both rear- and four-wheel drive models are available. The Ranger does offer the off-road capable FX4 package though, which adds a specially tuned suspension, beefier tires, and a locking rear differential.

What does the 2021 Ford Ranger offer?

A Tremor off-road package filtered down from the Super Duty into the 2021 Ranger for even more off-road prowess, but Ford kept this year’s truck relatively untouched. Hardly a seismic shift.

The Black appearance package, which adds black 18-inch wheels and grille, now also includes black Ford oval badges and new bedside decals. Four new exterior colors have also been added: Cactus Gray, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, and Velocity Blue.

2021 Ranger is still powered by a 2.3-liter turbo-4 that makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque shipped through a 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, although four-wheel drive is equipped on many trucks. The combination can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, and tackle just about any terrain we’ve thrown at it.

Ford sells the Ranger in extended- and crew-cab versions with a 6-foot or 5-foot box, respectively. Crew-cab versions are more popular, and for good reasons—it’s the most comfortable for more than two and the most practical.

Exterior

Ford assimilated the Ranger into its pickup lineup with a wide grille and big “RANGER” moniker branded into the nose, but the rest of the truck walks alone.

2021 Ranger skips the slab sides of the F-150 and Super Duty trucks with just a few simple curves. The Ranger visually rises toward the tail end, where the others flatline like a Kansas horizon. There are small flourishes to gather: stamps in the hood, a few creases around the wheel arches, and a brand in the back.

There’s also something uniquely luxurious about traveling with a 74.7-cubic foot “trunk.” Travelers need never triage their luggage. Might you like to have it where we’re going? Then bring it along. That said, this bed does no tricks. It’s not composite, there’s no clever bed extender, no cargo divider like you can get with the RamBox, no hidden storage, no 12- or 110-volt power outlets, and it has a conventional one-piece flop-down tailgate—albeit with remote release and locking and a spring-assist to raise

Interior

The base XL makes do with the ancient-looking, single-color 2.3″ information screen between the analog gauges that provides basic trip computer information, but on optioned-up or higher trim trucks, there’s the modern, multi-color 4.2″ screen that has more available information and features. The top-of-the-line Lariat gets a dual 4.2″ instrument cluster with an analog speedometer in between.

Likewise, the XL gets the basic Ford Sync infotainment system with a 4.2-inch screen controlled by surrounding buttons. It’s not very good. The XLT and Lariat Sync 3 system improves things considerably with an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Sync 3 is generally an acceptable tech interface. Graphics are crisp and easily deciphered, and the controls within menus make sense.

Safety

By modern standards, there isn’t a lot of standard safety equipment beyond government-mandated items like stability control, front airbags and a rearview camera. While there are side curtain airbags, there are no seat-mounted side airbags up front.

Standard on XLT and Lariat, and optional on the base XL, is the Ford Co-Pilot360 package that includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-sport and rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assist. The optional Technology package adds adaptive cruise control.

The government gave the Ranger SuperCrew four stars out of five for overall crash protection, along with four-star frontal, five-star side and three-star rollover ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the SuperCrew its top rating of “Good” in all crash tests but one: the small overlap front passenger side test where it got an “Acceptable” rating. We wouldn’t stay up at night worrying about that. Its standard forward collision mitigation system received a top “Superior” score for vehicle-to-vehicle accidents and second-best “Advanced” for vehicle-to-pedestrian.

Trim Levels

XL (SuperCab or SuperCrew)

Standard Features

• Axle, Front – Independent Front Suspension
• Electronic-Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) with Neutral Towing Capability
• Electronic Power-Assist Steering (EPAS)
• Engine Block Heater
• Fully Boxed Steel Frame
• Electronic 10-Speed Transmission with Tow/Haul Mode
• Auto Start-Stop Technology
• 17″ Silver-Painted Aluminum Wheel
• 255/65R17 BSW All-Terrain Tires
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (Includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support)
• Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Compatibility
• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®)
• Curve Control
• Rear View Camera with Backup-Assist Grid
• Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes

Optional Packages

• Bed Utility Package
• Ford Co-Pilot360™
• STX Appearance Package
• STX Special Edition Package
• FX4 Off-Road Package
• Trailer Tow Package

XLT (SuperCab or SuperCrew)
Standard Features

• LT265/70R17 All-Terrain Tires
• 17″ Silver-Painted Aluminum Wheel
• Dual-Zone Electronic Climate Control
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Tow Coverage
• Automatic High Beams
• Lane-Keeping System
• Remote Keyless Entry System with Remote Tailgate Lock
• Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm
• Speakers – 6 Audio Speakers
• 8″ LCD Touchscreen in Centre Stack with Swiping and Pinch-to-Zoom Capabilities

Optional Packages

• Black Appearance Package
• Bed Utility Package
• Tremor Off-Road Package
• XLT Sport Appearance Package
• XTR Package
• Technology Package
• FX4 Off-Road Package
• Trailer Tow Package

Lariat (SuperCab or SuperCrew)

• 18″ Machined Aluminum Wheel with Stealth Grey Pockets
• 265/60R18 BSW All-Terrain Tires
• Rear View Mirror, Auto-Dimming
• Reverse Sensing System
• Leather Steering Wheel
• 110-Volt AC Outlet
• 8-Way Power Driver and 6-Way Power Passenger Seats, Heated with Power Lumbar
• LED Cargo Light, Integrated with Centre High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)
• LED Headlamps and Taillamps
• LED Fog Lamps
• Power Locking Tailgate

Optional Packages

• Black Appearance Package
• Bed Utility Package
• Tremor Off-Road Package
• LARIAT Chrome Appearance Package
• LARIAT Sport Appearance Package
• Technology Package
• FX4 Off-Road Package
• Trailer Tow Package