Are Ford Rangers hard on gas?

The Ford Ranger is generally not considered unduly fuel-hungry for a midsize pickup. With its 2.3L EcoBoost gasoline engine and available two-wheel drive, it offers competitive fuel economy for the class, though 4×4 capability, payload, and towing will reduce efficiency.

How the Ranger’s powertrain affects fuel economy

To understand why mileage varies, it helps to know what powers the Ranger and how it’s equipped. The current US market Ranger uses a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power output is around 270 horsepower with substantial torque, and fuel economy depends on whether you choose 2WD or 4WD, as well as how you drive and what you carry or tow.

Engine, transmission, and drivetrain basics

The 2.3L EcoBoost is designed to deliver reasonable efficiency for a pickup while still providing strong everyday performance. A 10-speed automatic helps optimize gearing for highway cruising and load handling. Choosing 4×4 adds drivetrain components that improve off-road capability but typically lowers highway fuel economy by a few miles per gallon compared with 2WD models.

EPA fuel economy figures and what they mean for you

EPA estimates give a baseline for comparing Ranger configurations, but real-world results vary based on driving style, terrain, and other factors. The figures below reflect typical ranges reported for current Ranger models in the United States. Always check the window sticker or fueleconomy.gov for the exact numbers on your specific build.

• Two-wheel drive (2.3L EcoBoost, 2WD): approximately 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined


• Four-wheel drive (4×4, 2.3L EcoBoost): approximately 20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined

These EPA estimates indicate that the Ranger is relatively efficient for its class, with 2WD models delivering better highway efficiency and 4×4 versions consuming more fuel, particularly in city driving or when transmitting power to all four wheels in challenging conditions.

Real-world driving and factors that influence mpg

In everyday use, several variables have a meaningful impact on fuel economy. The following list highlights the most important ones you’ll encounter with a Ranger in typical open-road and city driving.

• Driving style and speed: Smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and avoiding prolonged idling help maximize mileage; aggressive driving lowers it, especially at highway speeds.


• Payload and towing: Carrying heavy loads or towing near the truck’s limits increases engine load and reduces mpg, often noticeably when towing on hills or at highway speeds.


• Drivetrain choice: 4×4 and off-road drive modes consume more fuel than 2WD, due to weight, friction, and wheelspin in tougher terrain.


• Tire type and inflation: Underinflated tires or aggressive tread patterns raise rolling resistance and lower mpg; maintaining proper tire pressure helps.


• Maintenance and condition: Regular oil changes, clean air filters, proper spark plug gaps, and using the recommended fuel grade help maintain efficiency.


• Weather and terrain: Cold weather, headwinds, and steep grades can reduce mpg compared with moderate climates and flat highways.

In practice, most drivers using the Ranger for daily commuting and light-duty tasks will see mpg within the EPA ranges, with real-world results leaning toward the lower end when towing, off-roading, or carrying heavy cargo.

Tips to maximize fuel economy in a Ranger

To get the most mpg out of a Ranger, consider the following practical steps. These are common-sense practices that can yield measurable gains without sacrificing capability.

• Drive conservatively: Accelerate gradually, anticipate traffic, and use steady speeds on highways.


• Lighten the load: Remove unnecessary cargo and only tow what you truly need; use proper hitching and weight distribution.


• Maintain optimal tire pressure: Check tires monthly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for highway driving.


• Schedule regular maintenance: Follow Ford’s service schedule, replace filters and spark plugs as needed, and keep fluids fresh.


• Plan efficient routes: Combine trips, avoid excessive idling, and use cruise control when appropriate on highways.


• Consider aerodynamics and accessories: Remove roof racks or cargo crossbars when not in use; consider aerodynamic investments like good-quality mud flaps or bed covers that reduce drag.

Adopting these practices can help you approach the Ranger’s EPA numbers in ordinary use, especially on longer highway drives.

Summary

Overall, the Ford Ranger offers competitive fuel economy for a midsize pickup, especially in 2WD form. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers solid highway efficiency, while 4×4 capability and towing reduce mpg modestly. Real-world mileage depends on configuration, payload, and driving habits. For precise numbers tailored to a specific build, consult the EPA ratings for your model year and check fueleconomy.gov or Ford’s official specifications.

Are Ford Rangers cheap on gas?

How efficient is a 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4x4 SuperCrew? The 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4x4 SuperCrew has a 68 L fuel tank and requires Unleaded. Natural Resources Canada estimates that the 2026 Ford Ranger will use about 12.2 L/100 km when you drive in the city and 9.0 L/100 km for highway driving.

Do Fords take a lot of gas?

Ford Fuel Efficiency: Ford offers a diverse range of fuel-efficient vehicles across its lineup. The Maverick Hybrid leads with 42 MPG in the city, while the Escape Hybrid provides excellent fuel economy for an SUV. The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid combines capability with efficiency at 25 MPG combined.

Are Ford Rangers good on fuel?

Ford Rangers are not considered exceptionally gas-efficient, but they offer reasonable fuel economy for a mid-size truck, with newer models achieving around 20-22 MPG combined, depending on the configuration. The two-wheel-drive (2WD) models are the most fuel-efficient, while four-wheel-drive (4WD) models have slightly lower ratings. Fuel economy is affected by factors like the engine size, drivetrain, and driving style. 
Factors affecting Ford Ranger fuel economy

• Drivetrain: 2WD models are more fuel-efficient than 4WD models. 
• Engine: Newer Rangers with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine get about 22 MPG combined. Models with the larger 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine have a lower combined rating of around 20 MPG. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive driving, high speeds, and towing will significantly decrease fuel economy. 
• Tires: Off-road tires can reduce MPG compared to standard tires. 
• Driving conditions: City driving is less fuel-efficient than highway driving. In real-world conditions, you may see figures close to the EPA estimates, but they can vary. 

How to maximize fuel economy

• Drive smoothly: Avoid hard acceleration and braking. 
• Maintain proper tire pressure and service: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and the vehicle is well-maintained. 
• Remove unnecessary weight: Reduce the amount of extra weight in the truck bed. 
• Consider a bed cover: Installing a bed cover can improve aerodynamics and gain a small amount of MPG on the highway. 

What is the most common problem with Ford Rangers?

The most common problem with Ford Rangers is transmission issues, including rough shifts, hesitation, and loss of power. Other frequent problems include engine misfires, stalling, oil leaks, and issues with the A/C blend door, especially in certain model years.
 
Powertrain problems 
This video explains several problems with Ford Ranger engines, including overheating and oil leaks: 59sFuel ForceYouTube · Oct 13, 2025

• Transmission: Many owners report rough or delayed shifting, hesitation, and power loss. Newer models with the 10-speed transmission have been particularly noted for these issues. 
• Engine: Misfires, hesitation, and stalling are frequently reported, sometimes caused by issues like exhaust valve recession or failing sensors. 
• Oil leaks: Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil pan gaskets can lead to low oil levels and premature engine wear. 

Other common issues

• A/C blend door: The blend door actuator is a common failure point that can cause the A/C to blow cold on one side and hot on the other. The fix is often expensive as it requires removing the dashboard. 
• Steering: Some models have reported clicking or clunking noises while steering. 
• Brakes: "Spongy" brakes are a recurring complaint on some models. 

Potential solutions

• Transmission: A custom tune or software update may help improve shifting performance on some models. 
• Engine: Replacing sensors or addressing the underlying cause of misfires and stalls is necessary. Regularly changing engine oil is critical to prevent damage from leaks. 
• A/C: For blend door issues, replacing the actuator and door assembly is the most permanent fix. While costly, there are updated parts available to prevent future failure.