How many miles per gallon does a V6 Ranger get?
There is no current V6 option in the Ford Ranger lineup; today’s Rangers use a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and do not offer a V6. For older, used Rangers that did offer a V6, mpg generally fell in the high teens to around 20 mpg combined depending on year and drivetrain.
The Ford Ranger has evolved across generations. A V6 option appeared on earlier Rangers (notably the 4.0-liter V6 used through much of the 1990s and 2000s), while the modern iteration returned in 2019 with turbocharged four-cylinder power. This article breaks down current options, historical mpg ranges for V6 models, and what to expect if you’re shopping used models.
Current Ranger lineup: engine options (no V6)
Before looking at numbers, note that modern Rangers do not offer a V6 engine. The official spec for the U.S. market lists a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder as the sole powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. MPG figures vary slightly by drivetrain configuration.
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 2WD: EPA estimates around 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway; combined typically in the low-to-mid 20s (roughly 23–25 mpg).
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 4x4: EPA estimates around 20 mpg city / 23–25 mpg highway; combined generally around 22–24 mpg.
Before listing the numbers, an overview of the two most common configurations:
Note: Actual mileage varies with payload, bed/cab configuration, tire choice, and driving conditions. Real-world mileage often trails EPA estimates by a few mpg.
Older Ranger generations with a V6
For shoppers considering used Rangers from earlier generations that offered a 4.0-liter V6, mpg tended to be lower, reflecting older technology and emissions standards. Here is a general guide across common configurations.
- 4.0L V6, 2WD: Approximately 16–19 mpg in mixed driving; about 18–21 mpg on the highway depending on year and transmission.
- 4.0L V6, 4x4: Roughly 15–17 mpg in mixed driving; 18–21 mpg highway, with variations by model year and gearing.
These figures vary by model year, vehicle weight, payload, and condition. Used examples may show different results based on maintenance and wear.
Markets outside the United States
In some international markets, the Ranger has offered additional engines, including diesel options. MPG figures for those variants follow local cycles and tests and can differ from U.S. EPA ratings.
Why V6 numbers differ from modern 4-cylinder figures
The older 4.0-liter V6 delivered different torque characteristics, power delivery, and efficiency compared with modern turbocharged four-cylinders. Weight, gearing, and drivetrain layout also influenced fuel economy. Ford’s current Ranger strategy centers on a smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder to balance power with efficiency.
What this means for buyers and drivers
If you want a V6 Ranger, you’re looking at used models from the late 1990s to early 2010s. Today’s Rangers do not offer a V6. For fuel economy, the 2.3L EcoBoost variant with two-wheel drive is typically the most efficient choice, while four-wheel-drive configurations reduce efficiency slightly due to the drivetrain load.
Conclusion and summary
In short, there is no current V6 engine option in the Ford Ranger lineup. Modern mpg figures center on the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, with typical combined mileage in the low-to-mid 20s for 2WD and a bit lower for 4x4 configurations. If you’re evaluating older used Rangers with a 4.0L V6, expect combined mpg generally in the high teens to around 20 mpg, with significant variation by year and spec.
Summary: No current Ranger offers a V6; newer models rely on a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 with efficient mpg in the low-to-mid 20s combined, while older V6-enabled Rangers on the used market typically show higher 17–20 mpg combined depending on configuration.
