2021 Ford Ranger

Ford grants the entire 2021 Ranger line a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine that comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain produces up to 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which can be sent to either the rear- or four-wheel drivetrain available to the Ranger pickup truck. Performance-wise, the engine's been set up to deliver its torque down low, which makes for mighty off-the-line acceleration, strong off-road potential, and impressive towing. Every model is rated for a 7,500-pound towing capacity.

Ford is venerated in the USA for its diverse range of esteemed pickup trucks, the brand's F-150 line having been some of the best-selling cars for a really long time. The Ranger pickup wasn't designed for the American market, however, and its few but noteworthy shortcomings make this obvious. The rather unergonomic cabin and lack of in-cabin storage solutions are perhaps the main indicators, with the odd locations of some buttons revealing the compromises made when converting a once right-hand-drive vehicle to a left-hand-drive one. There are also many hard plastics utilized throughout and the cupholders are far from big enough.

With the fourth-generation Ranger, however, Ford has applied the many necessary alterations it requires to be a truly appreciated American pickup. The 2.3-liter turbo-four is an exceptional engine and works well with the Ranger's purposed structure. It comes with a good array of comforts and conveniences and modern tech, and, in terms of safety, the NHTSA gives a top-notch safety rating. This is complemented by the IIHS's impressive remarks in its review of the 2021 Ford Ranger. Americans have praised the Ranger for its reliability, too, so while it may not be one of the best-selling pickup trucks, it certainly won't disappoint any keen buyer.

All three models of the Ford Ranger come equipped with the same powertrain, so you don't get any choice in terms of performance but you do get to choose the drivetrain, body, and cargo bed configuration, and features. If you're looking to do some off-roading or live in a state that has tricky roads at times, then we'd suggest the 4x4 drivetrain. The XL model with the SuperCrew 4-door configuration is a great choice for the added passenger room it provides in the cabin and the extra cargo space in the bed. We'd also recommend opting in the STX Special Edition Package, which adds a good selection of the desirable features found in the higher-spec models, including the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and Fords SYNC3 user interface. It also adorns the Ranger XL in the STX Appearance Package and 18-inch alloy wheels. In this guise and with these packages, the price of the 2021 Ford Ranger pickup truck will come in at an attractive $31,320.