Did Ford make a 4x4 Ranger?
Yes. Ford has produced four-wheel-drive Ranger pickups in multiple generations and across several markets, and 4x4 variants remain a common option in the current Ranger lineup.
The Ranger’s history spans Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America, with four-wheel-drive configurations frequently offered for off-road capability. This article traces how Ford has delivered 4x4 Rangers, outlines when and where 4x4 versions appeared, and explains the current status as of 2025.
Historical overview of 4x4 availability
Note: This section provides a broad look by generation and market. Availability of 4x4 varied by year and country, but the configuration has been a recurring feature in most Ranger generations.
- First-generation Ranger (1983–1992): 4x4 was available in several international markets as an optional drivetrain on certain body styles.
- Second-generation Ranger (1993–1997/1998 in some regions): 4x4 was widely offered in many markets, often paired with diesel engines and rugged trims.
- Third-generation Ranger (1998–2011; continued in some regions under regional naming): 4x4 remained a common option, especially where off-road use is important.
- Fourth-generation Ranger (2011/2012–present in most markets; US revival from 2019): 4x4 is widely available, with modern systems offering selectable drive modes and, in higher trims, low-range capability; performance variants like the Ranger Raptor use 4x4.
Conclusion: Across these generations, Ford repeatedly offered 4x4 Rangers in many markets, underscoring the model’s off-road versatility and work-truck practicality.
Current status of 4x4 Ranger models
The latest Ranger lineup in many regions typically includes a 4x4 drivetrain as an option on most trims. Buyers can usually choose between a 4x4 setup with a transfer case and low-range gearing and a 4x2 configuration on some trims, depending on market and model year. In off-road-focused variants such as the Ranger Wildtrak, 4x4 is either standard or strongly emphasized; a performance variant carrying the 4x4 philosophy may appear in some markets as well.
- Global availability: 4x4 is commonly offered in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with variations by engine and trim level.
- United States: Since the 2019 revival, Ranger has been offered with 4x4 as an available drivetrain on several trims, alongside 2WD configurations.
- Notable variants: In markets where it is sold, the Ranger Raptor uses a 4x4 system with upgraded suspension and drivetrain tuning; the Wildtrak line emphasizes off-road capability and also uses 4x4.
Conclusion: Today’s Ranger 4x4 offerings continue Ford’s emphasis on off-road capability, with four-wheel drive as a central feature of many trims and markets.
FAQ and context
Is 4x4 Ranger the same as 4WD Ranger?
In common usage, “4x4” and “4WD” refer to four-wheel-drive systems that power all four wheels. In Ford’s Ranger lineup, 4x4 usually denotes a selectable four-wheel-drive system with a transfer case, and often a low-range gearing option for off-road use.
Summary
Ford has a long history of offering four-wheel-drive Ranger pickups across generations and regions. From early 4x4 options in international markets to the modern global lineup with selectable 4x4, Ford has kept off-road capability at the core of the Ranger. If you’re shopping today, expect a 4x4 Ranger in many markets, with 4x2 variants available in some trims or regions depending on local specifications.
