When shopping for a new truck, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one will work best for you. Is a truck going to work better than an SUV? Is your budget going to allow you access to certain features? And the questions don't end there. You also have to decide what size truck is right for your family and the types of tasks for which you'll be using it.
If you're doing heavy-duty hauling, a full-size pickup truck with an extended cab like the F-150 offers is likely your best bet. It would probably make sense for a family with kids to go with a midsize SUV or CUV (crossover utility vehicle). But if you're looking for something to take you on that weekend adventure to the mountains, a smaller and more agile model like the Ford Ranger might be the right choice. It isn't your ordinary compact pickup truck. It's a midsize pickup with a lot of luxury and style. And because of its versatility, it's going to be right at home no matter the size of the task that you need it to do.
| Specs | 2022 Ford Ranger XL | 2022 Ford F-150 XL |
| Starting MSRP | $25,715 | $30,495 |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 21 city / 26 hwy mpg | 19 city / 24 hwy mpg |
| Standard Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 |
| Horsepower | 270 horsepower | 290 horsepower |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 7,500lbs | 5,000lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,818lbs | 1,985lbs |
The F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been popular in the midsize truck market for years. It's a favorite of contractors and families who need a versatile vehicle to handle jobs and weekend outings. In 2015, Ford made a few key changes to keep up with changing times. The new version is based on the same platform as the Ford Super Duty truck and shares many design elements. It's taller but wider than its predecessor and has more cargo space than ever.
Like the F-150, the Ranger is a midsize pickup truck with enough room to seat five adults comfortably. Unlike the F-150, though, it's only offered in a 4WD body style. When the Ranger was first released, it was a BR (big truck) model known for its length and load capacity that could easily handle the 40-inch tires that it originally came with. But when Ford redesigned the Ranger platform in 2016, they made some important changes.
The Ranger is powered by a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500lbs. It has an 8-speed automatic transmission and a standard tow hitch for hauling up to 10,000lb of gear. The Ranger also features a 4x4 system standard on the 4WD models but is only available as an option on the regular two-wheel drive model.
The F-150 is powered by a 3.5L 5-cylinder engine rated at 310 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000lbs. It has a 6-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4x4 system. Other features of the F-150 include adjustable air suspension, 18-inch wheels, dual rear exhaust tips and LED lighting. The Ranger has a more traditional body style and is available with a standard 4x4 system, 15-inch wheels and a 3.2L 6-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower.
The exterior of the F-150 is a bit more muscular looking thanks to the larger wheels and tires, lower fender flares, and side steps. It comes standard with a split tailgate which makes loading or unloading your gear easier. The Ranger also offers a split tailgate, but it's only available on the 4WD version.
The interior of the F-150 boasts luxurious leather seats. It also has power-adjustable pedals and power-adjustable door mirrors with memory functions. The Ranger comes standard with cloth seats, a 6-way manual driver's seat and a single-touch power door lock.
Both the F-150 and Ranger have been designed with safety in mind. The F-150 comes standard with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and side seat belts for both driver and front passenger. It also has a backup camera with paring audible alerts, hill start assist, automatic brakes, auto headlamps and daytime running lights. The Ranger comes standard with six airbags, including instrument panel side airbags. It also has stability and traction control, a front-side impacts airbag and a rear seat-side-impact airbag. Both vehicles come standard with a rearview camera.
Regarding safety ratings, the F-150 received 5 out of 5 stars in the front crash test and 4 out of 5 stars for side impact. The IIHS gave the F-150 their Top Safety Pick+ award but only gave the Ranger their basic Top Safety Pick award (with optional headlights). Other awards for the Ranger include IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA five-star rating, IIHS Good overall score, NHTSA four-star rating and IIHS Great Seats, Great in the Snow award.
Whether you're looking for a full-sized truck or a smaller one, it's important to consider just what you need your truck for before deciding which model to get. Choosing the Ranger over the F-150 doesn't mean you will get a lesser vehicle. It's still loaded with powerful performance and the ability to haul up to 10,000lbs. Of gear that will be right at home on those long weekend adventures and family excursions.