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The 2020 Ford Ranger gets a new off-road-focused package, some new inspiring colors, and continues to push innovation in the mid-size pickup truck segment.
What’s New for the 2020 Ford Ranger?
For 2020, the Ford Ranger gets a new package that can be added to any trim level so long as the truck is equipped with rear-wheel drive. It’s called the FX2 Package and it adds a tad more off-road capability to an otherwise largely road-bound pickup. In addition, Ford has discontinued two colors (Hot Pepper Red and Ingot Silver) but added 3 new ones (Rapid Red, Race Red, and Iconic Silver)
2020 Ford Ranger – media.ford.com | Shop 2020 Ford Ranger on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Outstanding drivetrain
Great seating position
Class-leading towing capacity
Underwhelming interior
A bit pricey for a mid-size truck
Lackluster safety equipment
We want a Ranger Raptor
2020 Ranger Specs
- 270 horsepower from base engine
- 310 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 7,500 lb towing capacity
- Ford Sync 3 is great
- Standard forward collision mitigation
- Very basic warranty coverage
2020 Ford Ranger Powertrain
We bet that most people would think the 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to be too small for the platform. They’d be wrong though and that’s clear from the moment you put the pedal down. The 2020 Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck is downright spry. It’s happy to accelerate even when there’s a large swath of assorted gear in the bed. In addition, the Ranger is pretty happy to corner as well and that’s wild considering how tall this truck is (more on that shortly).
The twin-scroll turbocharger really is fantastic when paired to the 10-speed automatic, which doesn’t have any trouble picking a gear and sticking with it until the redline is reached. It doesn’t jostle about in traffic either. It’s very charming. For those who want more power, Ford offers a factory-backed ECU tune that comes with a few performance goodies and a bump to 310 horsepower.
Steering feedback could be better as it can be quite numb on center and only when pushed does the Ranger start to communicate clearly what’s really happening at the tires. Nevertheless, the brakes are great and inspire confidence. Around town, the Ford Ranger will remind you of what it was like to drive a truck before they turned into the giant beasts they are today. It’s easy to see out of and it’s nimble enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re atop an elephant as other people in cars that are more gazelle-like dart around you.
Towing & Payload
Despite having what many would consider a small engine, the 2020 Ford Ranger’s towing capacity is large and in charge of 7,500 pounds when equipped with the factory tow package. That’s above both the Toyota Tacoma (6,800 pounds) and both of GM’s offering in the Colorado and Canyon (7,000 pounds). Payload capacity sits at 1,860 pounds, which is also great for the segment.
2020 Ford Ranger Fuel Economy & MPG
Fuel economy for the 2020 Ford Ranger is pretty good overall. Its competitors can’t really beat its best score of 23 mpg combined when in RWD form. Adding the optional 4WD to the Ranger drops its combined rating just one notch to 22 mpg. Another benefit is that, despite being turbocharged, it only requires 87 octane as opposed to others that may need 91 octane.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
While the USA has only had the Ranger back since 2019, it’s actually been sold around the world for quite a lot longer. That’s no more plainly seen than it is inside. The materials are especially old-school with one example being the ignition. First, there’s no push-button start no matter how much you spend on this truck. Second, the gap between the ignition cylinder and the steering column is so big that the key can get stuck in there if you miss the actual keyway.
Beyond fit and finish details like that, the 2020 Ford Ranger isn’t bad. In fact, we really like the seating. The position of the seating is outstanding, especially compared to a truck like the Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the Ranger’s seats are supportive and comfortable for long trips. One note to buyers, if you plan to carry people in the back, the SuperCab shouldn’t be on your list of considerations, as it’s simply too small back there for adults.
If there’s anything to complain about, it’s the fact that the suspension isn’t really very road-friendly. It’s unsettled fairly easily and doesn’t like rough roads at all. Much of what the tires feel on the ground ends up inside the cabin.
One other important note. If you’re a shorter person, the bed is a bit high off of the ground. Even the base Ranger XL is pretty tall, so loading and unloading could be more laborious than imagined. Still, we appreciate the added ground clearance and the towing capability is nothing to sneer at.
Entertainment & Technology
If at all possible, avoid the base 2020 Ford Ranger as its small infotainment screen looks as dated as anything in the business. The larger 8-inch touchscreen unit offers more functionality and will likely stand the test of time better. Ford’s Sync 3 system is one of the best in the business. This one is no different as it’s lightning quick and features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Sadly, Ford has chosen to locate some HVAC controls like vent direction inside the touchscreen. It can take four button presses to go from Android Auto to changing your vent direction. That’s quite a lot of time where your eyes can’t be on the road. Still, for most things, technology in the Ranger is average or slightly above.
Safety Features
The 2020 Ford Ranger only offers middle-level safety. The NHTSA gave it a four-star crash test rating and the IIHS didn’t rank it as a Top Safety Pick. In addition, the only advanced safety feature that’s standard across the lineup is forward collision mitigation. Everything else costs extra putting it behind rivals like the Toyota Tacoma.
2020 Ford Ranger Trims & Pricing
XL – $25,305
As a base pickup truck, the 2020 Ford Ranger XL is all about getting the job done. Every Ranger comes with a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic. All Rangers are rear-wheel drive, but can be equipped with four-wheel-drive. The XL also gets 16-inch wheels, automatic headlights, A/C, a 4.2-inch infotainment system mated to four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Packages are what matter most for the Ranger. The XL can add both a Co-Pilot 360 safety package and a 101A package. The Co-Pilot360 adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and cross-traffic alert. The 101A Package adds two more speakers (for a total of six), power mirrors, cruise control, and a larger driver information display. Rear-wheel drive Rangers regardless of trim can add the new FX2 package which adds off-road monotube shocks, an electronically locking differential, and all-terrain tires. Four-wheel drive Rangers can select the FX4 package which also adds skid plates to the FX2 goodies.
Finally, for those in need, Ford offers an $895 Power Pack option that you won’t find mentioned in too many places. It offers a K&N intake, a Pro Cal 4 Calibration tool, and according to Ford, a new, factory-warranty-backed, ECU tune that boosts performance to at least 310 horsepower.
XLT – $29,655
At the XLT level things get a whole lot nicer inside. The infotainment system gets brought into the 21st century with an 8-inch touchscreen unit that utilizes Sync 3. In addition, it has dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, alloy wheels, a 110-volt power outlet, and rear parking sensors. It also gets everything in the Co-Pilot 360 package and the 101A package. Finally, it has three optional packages to choose from.
First is the 301A that adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The 302A package adds power-adjustable rear seats, a sliding rear window, and remote start to the 301A package. Finally, a technology package adds adaptive cruise control, integrated navigation, and front parking sensors.
Lariat – $32,500
Go for the Ranger Lariat and buyers will find LED headlights and leather seating in addition to the features found in the XLTs 302A package. A single package, the 501A, is available to the Lariat and offers a premium audio system from Bang & Olufsen with ten speakers and automatic wipers.
Warranties
The warranty on the 2020 Ford Ranger is as average as it gets. No complimentary maintenance is offered, but the limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty stretches to 5 years or 60,000 miles.
What we think
2020 Ford Ranger – media.ford.com | Shop 2020 Ford Ranger on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Ford Ranger feels a bit overpriced and outdated in some respects, but there’s a deeper truth to it. For buyers who want what it offers, outstanding towing, great interior space (SuperCrew), and a powerful drivetrain, the Ranger is tough to beat.
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