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Was 2020 a good year for Ford Ranger?


The Ford Ranger, a popular midsize pickup truck, has long been a favorite among truck enthusiasts for its reliability, performance, and versatility. In 2020, Ford made several updates to the Ranger, aiming to solidify its position in the competitive midsize truck market. But was 2020 truly a standout year for this vehicle? Let’s dive into the details to find out.


Key Updates to the 2020 Ford Ranger


Ford introduced several enhancements to the Ranger lineup in 2020, making it more appealing to a broader audience. Here are some of the notable updates:



  • New FX2 Off-Road Package: This package was designed for drivers who wanted off-road capabilities without opting for a 4x4 drivetrain. It included off-road tires, a front underbody guard, and an off-road-tuned suspension.

  • Advanced Safety Features: The 2020 Ranger came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.

  • Turbocharged Engine Performance: The 2.3L EcoBoost engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered an impressive 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines in its class.

  • Customization Options: Ford offered a variety of trims and packages, allowing buyers to tailor the Ranger to their specific needs, whether for work, adventure, or daily driving.


Performance and Reliability


The 2020 Ford Ranger earned praise for its robust performance and reliability. The turbocharged engine provided excellent towing and hauling capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. Additionally, the Ranger's fuel efficiency was competitive, offering an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for rear-wheel-drive models.


Owners also appreciated the Ranger's durability and low maintenance costs, making it a practical choice for both personal and professional use.


Customer Reception and Market Performance


In 2020, the Ford Ranger saw strong sales figures, reflecting its popularity among consumers. Many buyers were drawn to its combination of power, safety features, and affordability compared to other midsize trucks. However, some critics noted that the interior design and materials felt dated compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado.


Conclusion: A Solid Year for the Ford Ranger


Overall, 2020 was a good year for the Ford Ranger. With its powerful engine, advanced safety features, and versatile customization options, it remained a strong contender in the midsize truck segment. While there were areas for improvement, such as interior refinement, the Ranger continued to deliver on its promise of reliability and performance, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts and practical buyers alike.


Frequently Asked Questions

What years did the Ford Ranger have transmission problems?


In very early-build examples of the Ranger (from 2011 and 2012) there was a problem with the gearbox output-shaft speed sensor that could cause the transmission to shift back to first gear with a distinct clunk.



What generation of Ranger is the best?


It should be no surprise that the final year of the third-generation stands out as one of the best years of Ford Ranger production. As a generation endures, manufacturers have the chance to finesse and perfect the manufacturing process, which means any issues that come to light from earlier years can be ironed out.



What year of Ford Ranger to stay away from?


The two major Ford Ranger years to avoid are 1999 and 2001. Other than that, the vehicle has a solid reputation, which has caught attention for several reasons. For decades, they have been around and went down in history as one of Ford's most-loved vehicles.



What is the best engine for the 2020 Ford Ranger?


2.3 Lima and 4.0 ohv are the best ranger engines.



What is the best years to buy a Ford Ranger?


Before diving deep into configurations and trims, here are the overall 5 best used Ford Ranger model years to buy used.

  • 2009 Ford Ranger. The 2009 Ford Ranger stands against the test of time even over a decade later.
  • 2010 Ford Ranger.
  • 2020 Ford Ranger.
  • 2021 Ford Ranger.
  • 2022 Ford Ranger.



Which is better, 2.3 or 2.7 EcoBoost?


The 2.7L engine, with its higher horsepower and torque figures, offers a noticeable boost in acceleration and passing power. It effortlessly tackles steep inclines and rough terrains. On the other hand, the 2.3L engine provides sufficient power for most driving situations and offers better fuel efficiency.



What years did Ford have bad transmissions?


Related Story. The Ford PowerShift transmission in question is found in 2011–2016 Fiesta and 2012–2016 Focus cars.



What is the major issue with the Ford Ranger?


Common engine problems to watch out for with this model Ranger engines include failed EGR coolers, contaminated and even blocked inlet tracts, worn turbochargers, DPF problems and failures, leaking and faulty fuel injectors and coolant leaks.



How many mile will a Ford Ranger last?


250-300,000 miles
When properly maintained, Ranger engines can typically last up to 250-300,000 miles, which is comparable to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado. Engines such as the 4.0L V6 have proven to be particularly durable, with some units reaching over 300,000 miles.



Is the 2020 Ford Ranger a reliable truck?


The 2020 Ford Ranger has now added another accolade to that list, being recognized as one of Consumer Reports' most reliable vehicles once again.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.