Is it Better with a V6? | 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat 4x4 Review

Nile's driven a couple new generation Ford Rangers recently, but this one comes with the 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6. Does it make this mid-size truck better? We find out!

This week on TestDrive Nile goes over the next-to-no changes the 2025 Ford Ranger gets moving into the new model year, but focuses specifically on the new 2.7L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine option added late in 2024. This is the same engine found on the F-150 and Bronco, and offers more power for customers for approximately $2,200 CAD or $2,100 USD. The larger engine does not change the tow rating, still at a maximum of 7,500 lbs with the advanced towing package.

Nile gets on with the Test Drive portion of his review to discuss his fuel economy test results, how they compare to the 2.3L 4 cylinder engine, and how they compare to the naturally aspirated V6 engine found in the Nissan Frontier her drove a couple months back.

[BradleyHahn-dd]

I just purchased a 2024 Ranger Lariat with the 2.7 V6. 800 miles on it. Absolutely love the truck- wonderfully comfortable and great throttle response. No rattles and very nice sound system. The touch screen is nice with the right amount of hard controls. Mileage on trips in cold weather is running around 22 mpg doing 65-70 mph. Also love the console safe.

[championhairpuller]

I've had the 2.7L on my 2015 F150 with absolutely no issues. I'd buy the Ranger 2.7L for sure.

[heymoe]

Just bought a '25 Ranger XLT 2.7 L 4x4 in Desert Sand color...used the Ford Employee Pricing so happy with the price and after 1000 miles...I really love this truck.

[JM-fkhh]

I have a 2020 F150 with the 2.7, great engine, no problems, I would get the 2.7 in the Ranger.

[Bob-Savage]

Got my build date yesterday. I went with a Lariat V6 with blackout option. Should see it by early May.

[scottandrews]

Yes, the V6 and 4 cyl MAY be RATED to tow the sane weight *although I don't see how that can be *, but REGARDLESS, your towing EXPERIENCE will be WORLDS better with the V6. 90 lb-ft and all those extra horses 🐎 -- night and day difference!!

[jamesleasure]

New subscriber here. I really like your style and approach. I guess I'm old-school: I like the chrome bits. And the 2.3 4-cyl would be great for me. I just wish Ford offered the 4-auto on XLT and Lariat, not just the Raptor.

[dorfonconcrete]

Can you get retractable running boards... can't seem to find this answer... thanks in advance

[mikeburton]

Thanks for the review. The mid size truck market has been dominated by Toyota for a long time but the new offerings from Ford and General Motors are compelling. From what I can see there will be more players in this market in the next year. A truck that can tow and haul and fit in a typical garage has to be a popular choice.

[darylburks]

Nice presentation! Say, got a favor to ask. I notice at one point you drove by a house up for sale.
Wondering if you could drive back and pick up a flier with all the details on it for me? 😉👍

[abell]

I have the 2.3 in the 2024 FX4 and it suits me just fine.

[gibber]

Good review. I'm a bigger guy like you and frankly would like to know how comfortable this Ranger is. One of the reasons I got an f150 back in the day was because it was so damn comfortable for someone my size. Now I'm looking for a new vehicle and was going to default to another F150, but since this is cheaper I am wondering if it's something that could work for me. You looked a little cramped in there so I was wondering your thoughts on long trips and even daily driving.

[dwaynemann]

I got mine with 2.7 it is only 1 mpg difference the power is just right.

[joescott]

Someone this man's size needs to get a f150 I'd think to be comfortable.

[charles]

As someone who lives near the top of the mountain on an island, but works in town on the waterfront weekdays, having the extra power to navigate up and down the mountain day in and day out makes all the difference. Ford was right to create multiple engine options for the ranger and I'm certain the sales numbers will bear it out. Given my particular context, a 4 cylinder is not an option I would consider.

[MasonForrest-qbpk]

I have 2019 ranger XLT tremor with 2.3L and I love it personally, but I also don’t tow anything with it so I personally would be ok with not upgrading motor size. If you oil change it frequently the eco boost motor should last.

It’s great on gas over other trucks in the mid size that I have own. My 2006 Z71 Colorado used to drink gas, I believe that had 3.5L 5 cylinder engine.

[lettuce]

I don’t know why people want a engine cover all it does is trap heat all you do is check the oil and that’s it and then close the hood it’s like people want a dash that’s soft to the touch so you touch the dash and it’s soft so what do you do after that I would rather have a dash that is not going to crack which will probably happen with those soft dashes

[rtnivyi]

That Ranger use the 10r80 or r60 gearbox ?

[johnp.]

Do you think this is better than honda ridgeline

[robbergeron]

I want to tow a 26 foot 5000 lb travel trailer. I want the V6.