Is the Ford Ranger back seat comfortable?
The Ranger’s rear seats in the common SuperCrew configuration are generally comfortable for two adults on everyday drives, with a third passenger feeling the squeeze on longer trips. Overall, the back seat errs on the side of practicality rather than luxury.
This article examines how the Ranger’s rear seating performs across recent model years, focusing on space, cushions, materials, and practical features that affect comfort for passengers in the back on short commutes and longer journeys.
Rear-seat space and seating configuration
Understanding how the Ranger is laid out helps gauge comfort for actual passengers in the back.
- The US-market Ranger is sold with a crew-cab layout (SuperCrew) that seats five, with a dedicated rear bench intended for two adults and occasional third rider.
- Rear legroom is decent for a midsize pickup, making the space usable for adults on daily rides and errands.
- The rear headroom is adequate for most passengers thanks to a tall roofline, though very tall occupants may still feel a pinch on extreme bends or long drives.
- The rear seat typically uses a 60/40-split bench, allowing flexibility when carrying cargo or folding seats for longer items.
Bottom line: The back seat works well for two adults and offers reasonable flexibility for occasional third rider, but three-across comfort diminishes on longer trips.
Seat materials and cushion quality
Materials and cushion design influence how comfortable the rear is over time and across trims.
- Seat cushions tend to balance firmness and support for daily driving, with some trims offering softer or more supportive options depending on upholstery.
- Higher trims often use more comfortable fabrics or leatherette that can feel nicer and grip better, contributing to a more pleasant ride for rear passengers.
- Thigh support and seat depth are generally adequate for average-height adults; taller riders may find the rear cushion depth slightly shallow on longer journeys.
- There isn’t a drastic change in comfort between the latest model years, but seat foam tuning and materials can improve perceived comfort slightly over time.
In summary, cushion feel and material quality vary by trim, with higher-spec interiors typically offering a more plush rear-seat experience for everyday use.
Practical considerations and real-world use
Real-world comfort also depends on ingress/egress, ride characteristics, and how often the space is used for passengers versus cargo.
- Access is generally easy thanks to four-door access and a relatively tall seating position, which makes getting in and out smoother for most riders.
- The middle rear passenger should expect a firmer ride and narrower space due to the center seating position and potential center-console intrusion on some trims.
- Rough road surfaces can amplify any firmness in the seat cushions, affecting comfort for rear passengers on longer highway trips.
- When the rear seats are folded or split for cargo, the space-packing practicality increases, but it reduces rear passenger comfort for that trip.
Bottom line: Everyday use in the back is workable for two adults, with comfort potentially reduced for three across on longer drives or rough roads.
Bottom line
The Ford Ranger’s rear-seat experience is solid for a midsize pickup, especially in the SuperCrew configuration. Two adults typically enjoy comfortable seating, while three across is feasible for shorter trips but less comfortable on longer journeys or for very tall passengers. Trim choice and seating materials can tilt the perception of comfort, so test-fitting passengers with your typical cargo is advisable.
Summary
Overall, the Ranger delivers a practical and reasonably comfortable rear seat for a midsize pickup. It prioritizes usable space and everyday usability over luxury, making it a sensible choice for families or work crews who need to carry two adults regularly and occasionally three, with comfort that will satisfy most daily driving needs.
