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2020 Ford Ranger review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ford Ranger highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Strong turbocharged engine
  • Impressive towing capacity
  • User-friendly infotainment system

Cons

  • Bumpy ride
  • Cramped cargo space
  • Limited advanced driver-assistance features

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 18 highway, 18 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year
Mileage

A tough and adventurous midsize truck

If you need a midsize pickup that can withstand tough conditions and look good crisscrossing dirt roads and gravel paths, set your sights on the Ford Ranger. Re-introduced to the North American market in 2019, this truck gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, with its turbocharged gasoline engine and fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. With three trim levels overflowing with driver-assist features and two body styles to fit your crew, the Ford Ranger is a rugged and capable choice for work and play.

All Ford Ranger years

What is new for the 2020 Ford Ranger?

  • Shaker Sound System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The XLT trim now comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The XL trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2020 Ford Ranger trims

Curious how Ford Ranger trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

XL:

  • Includes 16-inch silver steel wheels

  • Halogen headlamps

  • Cloth upholstery

  • AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth® connectivity and four speakers

  • Vinyl steering wheel with audio controls

  • View all Ford Ranger XLs in stock

XLT:

  • Adds 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels

  • Halogen fog lamps

  • Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control

  • SYNC 3 with an eight-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen

  • Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility

  • View all Ford Ranger XLTs in stock

Lariat: 

  • Adds 18-inch machined aluminum wheels

  • Leather front seats and leather-trimmed rear seats

  • Heated eight-way power front seats

  • Forward and reverse sensing systems

  • Push-button start

  • View all Ford Ranger Lariats in stock

Ford Ranger photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Ford Ranger

1. Rugged construction

Ford Ranger Review: Trunk Cargo | CarMax

If you need a midsize pickup that you can put through the wringer, the 2020 Ford Ranger can take a beating. Every Ranger sits on a fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame with six rugged cross-members that work together with the steel front bumper and a frame-mounted rear tow bar to provide a solid foundation for on- and off-road adventures. A double-wishbone front suspension with rugged coil springs and front monotube shocks optimize the pickup's ride and handling, while rear parabolic leaf springs absorb weight on the rear axle. The result is a truck that has all the toughness you need to take it on outdoor explorations.

2. Robust turbocharged performance

Ford Ranger Review: Engine | CarMax

All 2020 Ford Rangers run off a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that makes 270 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. It connects to a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission that enhances gear progressions and delivers smooth, quick shifting. The engine also features Ford's Auto Start-Stop technology, which helps the pickup return an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when equipped with 2WD.

 Even with the 2.3L four-cylinder, towing performance is strong. When properly equipped, the 2020 Ranger with the 2.3L engine can pull an estimated 7,500 lbs. and carry an estimated max payload capacity of 1,860 lbs.

3. Driver-focused technologies

Ford Ranger Review: Tech Dash | CarMax

The 2020 Ford Ranger matches its rugged personality with smart technology that inspires confidence when behind the wheel. XLT and Lariat trims come standard with a SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, as well as two smart-charging USB ports to keep your devices juiced up for long journeys. Ford Co-Pilot 360™ Technology also adds key driving aids to the 2020 Ranger, like a forward-collision warning system with an automatic emergency braking system on XL and higher trims, or lane-keeping assistance and a blind-spot monitoring system on XLT and Lariat trims. If you want built-in navigation with voice recognition, a Technology package is also optional on XLT and higher trims in 2020.

4. Comfortable cabin

Ford Ranger Review: Front Seats | CarMax

Roomy and comfortable, the 2020 Ranger is a nice way to travel. SuperCrew models offer seating for five passengers with a three-passenger rear bench, which comes in handy if you need to bring kids or crew along for the ride. In the floor, a covered under-seat storage area is the perfect spot to store tools or personal belongings out of sight, plus there are ample cupholders throughout the cabin. XL and XLT trims come standard with cloth upholstery or there is optional vinyl upholstery for easy clean-up after a day on dusty trails. For extra luxury, the Lariat adds leather upholstery and eight-way power heated front seats.

5. Plenty of package options

Ford Ranger Review: Backseats | CarMax

The 2020 Ford Ranger offers various packages that enhance the pickup's rugged good looks, like an available Chrome Package that adds chrome bumpers, halogen fog lamps, and black front tow hooks, or the STX Package with 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels and STX pickup box decals. There are also off-road packages to up the 2020 Ranger's capability on tough terrain, including FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages. Both add-ons feature off-road-tuned suspensions and other enhancements designed to let you slice through sand dunes and challenge rocky conditions without breaking a sweat.

2020 Ford Ranger video review

In this video, Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds reviews the 2020 Ford Ranger XLT to see how it stacks up against these competitors and helps you decide if a used Ranger is the right truck for you. Ryan goes over everything you need to know about the midsize 2020 Ranger pickup, highlights the different trims available, and talks about what he likes and dislikes about it. Is this used Ford Ranger the best midsize truck for the money? We answer this question and more in our review of the 2020 Ford Ranger.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 Ford Ranger, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Chevrolet Colorado

2020 Chevrolet Colorado

If you're craving diesel performance in a midsize package, the Chevrolet Colorado strikes a good balance. Optional on LT, Z71, and ZR2 trim levels is a Duramax® 2.8L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that pummels the pavement to make 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, towing capacity is an estimated 7,700 lbs. with the turbodiesel on 2017–2019 models, which is plenty of muscle to pull your equipment. With an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway with the 2.8L diesel engine, the Colorado matches its towing capacity with less time spent at the pump.

View our photos, specs, and expertise of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

7 customer reviews
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Ranger an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Ranger 4th out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger features and specs

Lariat 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sync System
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.3L

Horsepower

270

Torque (ft-lbs)

310

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18

Wheelbase

126.8"

Overall length

210.8"

Width

77.8"

Height

71.1"

Leg room

F 43.1"/R 34.5"

Head room

F 41"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P265/60SR18

Rear tires

P265/60SR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Ford Ranger FAQ

More about the 2020 Ford Ranger

Available colors

  • Iconic Silver

  • Lightning Blue

  • Magnetic

  • Oxford White

  • Race Red

  • Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (XLT and Lariat trims; available with STX Package)

  • Saber

  • Shadow Black

  • White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat (Lariat trim; available with STX Package)

Interior details

  • SuperCrew models offer 43.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the bed area; SuperCab models feature 51.8 cubic feet of volume.

  • SuperCab models seat four passengers; SuperCrew models seat five passengers.

  • SYNC 3 with eight-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen (XLT and higher trims)

  • Locking glove box (all trims)

  • Leather front seating and leather-trimmed rear seating (Lariat trim)

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