Review: 2024 Ford Ranger XLT - Is Ford's Mid-Size Truck the Best?

I spend a week with the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT to see what this next-generation of the Ranger is like to live with and how it compares to its competitors. Overall, it’s a very likable mid-size truck with good power, a smooth ride for a mid-size truck and one of the nicest interiors in the segment. But it’s not the cheapest in the segment, nor is it the most powerful, but if it fits what you’re looking for, it could be the best mid-size truck out there. Which would you pick, Ranger, Tacoma, Colorado or Frontier? Thanks to Ford for providing this 2024 Ranger to review!

Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
3:15 Interior
10:11 Initial impressions
12:39 Acceleration
14:55 Handling and ride
17:29 Towing and payload ratings
18:31 Highway driving and safety tech
20:21 Fuel economy
22:35 Pricing and competitor comparisons
29:10 Final thoughts

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[imnotusingmyrealname]

4:29 That screen setup is just an eyesore. Ananlog gauges are so much nicer.

[ChadHargis]

Everything you said about the Frontier is EXACTLY why I bought a Frontier. I picked up a loaded SV 4x4 one year old for $30k. It is as old school as you can get. A reliable proven platform.

[blackedout.fan]

KEY IGNITION FOR THE THANK YOU FORD FOR KEY :)

[christopherclark]

Your reviews are always very good and I think you’re one of the best auto reviewers. Keep it up, we enjoy the videos

[im_an_alvani]

Call me crazy but I dig the switchblade key and analog gauges. Great review!

[thatoneotherotherguy]

Most full-size buyers would be better served by a midsize like this. Great, practical truck. It does annoy me that the domestic brands gave up on cabs other than crew cab though. I applaud Nissan and Toyota for keeping them around. Not everyone buys a truck to have tons of 4-5 passenger space at the expense of bed space; for many, the truck part of the truck is the primary concern.

[c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

Great review! It was nice to hear the details about the 2.7L V6 compared to the 2.3L inline 4. Very cool. 😎

[nintendoatarikiller]

I'm surprised we got a next gen ranger at all. Great to see Ford showing the mid-size truck segment some love! The tablet is the PERFECT size to watch cocomelon in 4K

[pporogk]

It's really a shame they did not make a quad cab long bed version. Looks have improved but I see no reason to upgrade from my 2020 Ranger supercab with the longer bed.

[ninjasarereal]

U da best, Matt! Just wanted to clarify (as i just ordered same truck) mine was built last week & shipping from ford to my local dealer next week… the 12 inch screen is Not standard on xl or xlt they are standard 10 inch. unless it is on lariat & above. U must pay $1, 045.00 for 301A higher pkg as additional in price to get the 12 inch in xlt. Btw, everyone biotches bout key, but the key folds so same fob in size. Personally, i get tired of installing kill switches in all my vehicles like i have in my ZL1 & Saleen Mustang & Mach 1. Push button start are soo easy to open & steal. Technology has made thieves lazy. So if they have to hot wire it they rather leave it 😂. Also, not crazy bout 10 speed my Mach 1 had major issues shifting on the correct shift points do to software programming.

[ryanhori]

Without a doubt the ranger is the best mid size truck. I highly recommend the lariat trim level.

[jag]

Hopefully theyll do a v6 with rwd configuration. I cant wait when the aftermarket comes out with a lowering kit.

[imnotusingmyrealname]

The GM 2.7L 4-cylinder is a very gnarly engine. The sound is just horrible.

[georgedoolittle]

Still not driving the Brand unlike Maverick and newly redesigned Ford Explorer to include the Ranger Brand actually not just Ford although certainly there is that. Both Explorer and Ranger need hybrid drive power trains as the Maverick now has and the F150 now has as well. Amazing the profit margins on these machines but compared to Honda Ridgeline not sure US customers are taken in by what Detroit is pushing at the moment Ford Maverick only exception to that😊😊 great review 😊😊

[naveenthemachine]

They did a great job. I’d put this and the frontier as the best mainly because of their v6

[rong.]

They need to offer the B&O premium sound system in the XLT Ranger like Ford does in the F150 XLT.

[ry]

Gm twins have ventilated seats as optional equipment

[ethanstrubberg]

Colorado and canyon also offer cooled seats!

[pjbarney]

one of the most obvious shortcomings... that blue oval on the grill and tailgate.... 40+ years now and there are only 3 fords you could give me, 2 of which I would have fun for a week and sell!

[clemnewton]

The one big thing is has a v6 along with Nissan frontier is you can get it Nissan only has v6 ford has both 4 and v6 the rest only have 4 cylinder some people want a v6 as a option Toyota no v6 chevy no gmc no even Silverado has no v6 options which is a mistake all trucks should have a v6 as options you pay $$$$ for 4 cylinder no way get a v6