How many miles can you get out of a Ford Ranger?

Across common Ranger configurations, a full tank yields about 340–470 miles, depending on engine and drivetrain, with highway driving typically at the higher end. The Ranger generally uses an 18.0-gallon fuel tank. This article explains how those figures are calculated and what factors affect real-world range.

Fuel economy and tank size you can rely on

Key numbers you need to estimate range are the fuel tank capacity and EPA fuel-economy estimates for your setup. Most recent Ford Rangers use an 18.0-gallon tank. The EPA ratings vary by engine and drivetrain; below are typical ranges for common configurations.

Before we list typical ranges, note that real-world results depend on many variables such as tire size, payload, terrain, and driving style.

Using EPA estimates, here are typical per-tank ranges for two common configurations.



• 
  2WD with the 2.3L EcoBoost: EPA estimates are about 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with a combined around 23 mpg. Per-tank range (18 gallons): roughly 378 miles in city driving, 468 miles on the highway, about 414 miles combined.
  


• 
  4WD with the 2.3L EcoBoost: EPA estimates are about 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, with a combined around 21 mpg. Per-tank range (18 gallons): roughly 342 miles city, 432 miles highway, about 378 miles combined.
  

In summary, the two widely seen configurations yield ranges in the mid-300s to mid-380s miles per tank in typical conditions, with highway driving pushing toward the upper end.

Real-world range can vary due to year, trim, tire size, and whether the vehicle is carrying load or towing a trailer. Always check the EPA sticker on your specific Ranger for exact figures.

What else affects your range

Several factors can push your actual miles per tank above or below the EPA estimates. Understanding these helps manage expectations and plan trips.

Key factors that influence range in practice include:



• Payload and towing: Heavier loads increase fuel consumption and reduce range.


• Terrain and elevation: Hills, mountains, and frequent stop-and-go driving lower efficiency.


• Tire size and pressure: Larger or under-inflated tires raise rolling resistance and lower mpg.


• Weather and climate: Cold weather and high humidity can reduce fuel economy.


• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving significantly reduce range.

Conclusion: Your real-world range will usually be lower than the best-case EPA highway numbers, especially in demanding conditions or when the Ranger is loaded for work.

Tips to maximize range

If you want to stretch the miles you get from a tank, try these practical steps.

Practical steps to improve efficiency and extend range include:



• Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure.


• Use cruise control on highways when safe and appropriate.


• Lighten the load and minimize unnecessary accessories that add drag.


• Avoid excessive idling and plan trips to minimize stop-and-go driving.


• Schedule regular maintenance (air filters, spark plugs, sensors) to keep the engine running efficiently.

Conclusion: Small, consistent driving habits and routine maintenance can meaningfully increase your per-tank range over time.

Summary

For most recent Ford Rangers, a full 18-gallon tank typically yields around 340–470 miles depending on configuration and driving conditions. The two common setups—2WD with the 2.3L EcoBoost and 4WD with the same engine—offer different EPA-based ranges, but highway driving generally delivers the best mileage. Real-world range is influenced by payload, terrain, weather, and driving style, so use the EPA figures as a baseline and adjust for your daily use. By maintaining proper tire pressure, lightening loads, and driving efficiently, you can maximize the miles per tank over time.

How many miles is too much for a used Ford Ranger?

Consider trucks under 100,000 miles for gas engines and 200,000 for diesel. Ideally, aim for under 60,000 miles to minimize maintenance concerns. Always check the truck's overall condition and maintenance history for the best value. Lucky for you, used Ford trucks are renowned for their longevity.

Can a Ford last 300,000 miles?

With proper care, a Ford truck can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. That's equal to 15 to 20 years of regular use. Some high-mileage Ford trucks have even passed the 400,000-mile mark, especially those with consistent maintenance and responsible driving.

What year to stay away from Ford Ranger?

The Ford Ranger years to avoid include the 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2019 models due to common problems like transmission issues, engine troubles, and electrical faults. Other years to approach with caution are 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2020, which may have specific issues such as timing chain problems or first-model-year bugs.
 
This video discusses the Ford Ranger's issues to avoid: 59sEveryman DriverYouTube · Oct 18, 2019
Key years to avoid and their common problems

• 1999: Frequently cited as one of the worst models, with issues including engine gauge problems, transmission and engine failures, and electrical and suspension issues. 
• 2001: Noted for transmission problems, rough shifting, and a flashing overdrive light. It also had numerous recalls. 
• 2002–2006: This period had spotty reliability and included models with timing chain problems (especially the 4.0-liter engine), automatic transmission durability issues, and front suspension wear. The 2002 and 2004 models are specifically mentioned for engine and transmission issues. 
• 2019: This first-model-year for the new generation had issues like rough or shuddering gear shifts and costly transmission problems. Other reported problems include poorly fitting rear doors and flaking paint. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems in used Ford Rangers: 54sCars.co.zaYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
Other years to be cautious of

• 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2011: These years have also been flagged for various problems, including engine and transmission faults. 
• 2020: Has been cited as a year to avoid due to first-model-year bugs that were later addressed, such as transmission and build quality concerns. 

What is the average mileage life of a Ford Ranger?

A Ford Ranger can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, which can translate to 15–20 years of service. Some engines, particularly the 4.0L V6 or 3.0L V6 models, are known for their longevity and can exceed 300,000 miles, while newer models can also reach high mileage with consistent care. The lifespan is heavily dependent on regular maintenance, driving conditions, and avoiding major issues like rust.
 
Factors influencing lifespan

• Regular maintenance: Following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule is crucial for longevity. 
• Engine type: Certain engines, like the 4.0L or 3.0L V6, have a proven track record of lasting longer than others. 
• Rust and corrosion: Environmental factors, such as road salt in wet climates, can cause rust that prematurely damages the frame and body. 
• Driving habits: Driving style and the type of work the truck performs can impact its lifespan. 
• Transmission: The transmission should generally last at least 100,000 miles, but proper care is essential to avoid early failure. 

How to maximize your Ranger's lifespan

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Change the oil, fluids, and filters according to the owner's manual. 
• Address rust promptly: Inspect the truck for rust regularly and take steps to prevent it, such as using a rust-proofing coating. 
• Keep up with major components: Be aware of scheduled maintenance for parts like timing chains on specific engines and replace them as needed to prevent catastrophic engine failure. 
• Drive mindfully: Avoid aggressive driving and be mindful of overheating, which can cause issues like cracked cylinder heads on some engines.