Is the new Ford Ranger body-on-frame?
Yes. The new Ford Ranger continues to use a body-on-frame construction rather than a unibody design.
Ford’s midsize pickup has long depended on a traditional steel ladder-frame chassis. The latest generation, which aligns with the global Ranger lineup and shares components with the Bronco, maintains that fundamental approach to improve durability, towing capability, and off-road performance.
Construction basics
The Ranger’s structure is anchored by a steel ladder frame that supports the body and drivetrain, with crossmembers and frame rails designed to withstand heavy use in towing and off-road conditions. This is the defining trait that differentiates it from unibody pickups.
Chassis fundamentals
- Steel ladder-frame architecture common to traditional pickups
- Shared with the Ford Bronco and global Ranger models
- Designed to accommodate rugged suspensions and off-road drivetrains
- Optimized for towing, payload, and durability in harsh conditions
In short, the Ranger’s chassis remains a conventional, body-on-frame design that aligns with its intended roles as a capable workhorse and off-road companion.
Platform context and market positioning
Ford positions the Ranger in the same family as the Bronco, using a global Ranger platform that preserves body-on-frame construction across regions. This contrasts with Ford’s unibody Maverick, which targets a different segment and uses a lighter unibody design. The choice reflects Ford’s emphasis on ruggedness and load capacity in midsize pickups.
Platform scope
- Global Ranger/T6 platform as the basis for most current Ranger variants
- Bronco-derived engineering and durability characteristics
- Distinct from the unibody Maverick, which targets different buyers
The result is a midsize truck that keeps traditional durability cues—frame strength, body integrity, and the ability to endure on- and off-road use—without switching to a unibody layout.
What this means for buyers
Prospective Ranger buyers can expect typical advantages of body-on-frame construction, including strong towing and payload ratings, robust off-road capability, and easier field repairs when needed. However, the ride may be less car-like than unibody rivals, and interior packaging can be less efficient in tight urban environments.
Buying implications
- Higher towing and payload potential compared to some unibody rivals
- Enhanced off-road durability and performance with rugged suspension options
- Greater repairability and aftermarket support for frame-related components
- Potential trade-offs in ride comfort and interior packaging
Overall, for buyers seeking a regular-cab/crew-cab midsize truck that can handle work, recreation, and rough terrain, the Ranger’s body-on-frame design remains a defining and strategic asset.
Summary
The new Ford Ranger is still built on a body-on-frame chassis, sharing its ladder-frame architecture with the Bronco and the global Ranger lineup. This construction choice underpins its durability, towing, and off-road credentials, while placing it in contrast with Ford’s unibody Maverick. As Ford continues to market the Ranger around the world, the traditional frame remains a core element of its identity as a rugged midsize pickup.
