What is the ride quality of the 2021 Ford Ranger?
The 2021 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that has gained popularity for its versatility, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities. However, when it comes to ride quality, opinions can vary depending on the driving conditions and personal preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the ride quality of the 2021 Ford Ranger in detail, considering its suspension, handling, and overall comfort.
Suspension and Comfort
The 2021 Ford Ranger is equipped with a suspension system designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions. Its front suspension features an independent double-wishbone setup with coil springs, while the rear suspension uses a traditional leaf spring design. This combination provides a balance between durability and comfort, but it does have its limitations:
- On-road comfort: The Ranger performs well on smooth highways, offering a stable and composed ride. However, on uneven or bumpy roads, the leaf spring rear suspension can feel stiff, leading to a slightly jarring experience for passengers.
- Off-road capability: The suspension shines in off-road scenarios, absorbing shocks from rough terrain effectively. This makes the Ranger a great choice for adventurers who frequently tackle trails or unpaved roads.
Overall, the suspension system is a compromise between ruggedness and comfort, leaning slightly towards durability for off-road use.
Handling and Stability
The 2021 Ford Ranger offers responsive handling for a midsize truck, thanks to its well-tuned steering system. Here are some key points about its handling:
- Cornering: The Ranger handles corners with confidence, though it’s important to remember that it’s still a truck, so body roll is more noticeable compared to a sedan or SUV.
- Highway stability: At highway speeds, the Ranger feels stable and planted, making it a reliable choice for long-distance drives.
- Off-road maneuverability: The Ranger’s handling is particularly impressive off-road, where its steering precision and suspension tuning allow for controlled navigation over obstacles.
While the handling is generally good, drivers should be aware that the ride can feel firm, especially when the truck is unloaded.
Cabin Noise and Comfort
Ride quality isn’t just about suspension and handling—it also involves cabin comfort and noise levels. The 2021 Ford Ranger offers a reasonably quiet cabin, but there are some factors to consider:
- Engine noise: The turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides plenty of power, but it can be slightly noisy under heavy acceleration.
- Road noise: On highways, road noise is minimal, but on rougher surfaces, some tire noise may be noticeable.
- Seating comfort: The seats are supportive and comfortable for short and medium-length trips, though some drivers may find them less cushioned for extended journeys.
In general, the cabin provides a pleasant environment for most driving scenarios, though it may not match the refinement of some competitors in the midsize truck segment.
Conclusion
The ride quality of the 2021 Ford Ranger is a mix of strengths and compromises. It excels in off-road conditions and provides stable handling on highways, but its firm suspension and occasional cabin noise may not appeal to everyone. If you’re looking for a midsize truck that balances rugged capability with decent comfort, the Ranger is a solid choice. However, if a plush, car-like ride is your priority, you may want to explore other options in the segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ford in trouble in 2024?
The truth is, Ford's stock declined 18% in 2024 because it has a lot of problems it needs to fix. It needs to continue improving quality until leading the industry in recalls is a distant painful memory. It also needs to continue developing EVs, matching supply and demand, while bringing costs down significantly.
How to make a Ford Ranger ride smoother?
Installing new leaf springs is one of the most effective ways to improve your truck's ride quality. Leaf springs can wear out over time, losing their ability to cushion your ride properly. Upgrading to new leaf springs can give a truck a smoother ride by providing optimal weight distribution and shock absorption.
How many miles will a 2021 Ford Ranger last?
300,000 miles
Many Rangers were retired at around 250,000 miles due to the rising cost of repairs, but if you're willing to stick to it, this truck can reach up to 300,000 miles. On a related note, many owners from the Ford Ranger subreddit have shared their high-mileage trucks with over 200,000 miles.
What is the recall on the 2021 Ford Ranger?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats. Additionally, the child seat may not attach properly to the lower-rear anchors.
What suspension gives the smoothest ride?
Air Suspension. Air suspension utilizes air springs instead of traditional coil or leaf springs. It allows for adjustable ride height and stiffness, providing a customizable and smooth ride. Air suspension can adapt to varying road conditions and load weights, ensuring optimal comfort and stability.
Are there any problems with the 2021 Ford Ranger?
Common problems found on the 2021 Ford Ranger include a fuel smell in the cabin, excessive noise from the shocks, along with premature brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to some other small trucks on the market, leading to average repair bills as the Ranger ages.
Is the Ford Ranger a comfortable ride?
Perhaps the best way to put it with the Ford Ranger is that it feels like an F-150, but smaller. There's a high-quality interior, comfortable ride, and excellent driver assist features, all of which make this midsize pickup truck easy to live with.…
Is the Ford Ranger comfortable to drive?
Perhaps the best way to put it with the Ford Ranger is that it feels like an F-150, but smaller. There's a high-quality interior, comfortable ride, and excellent driver assist features, all of which make this midsize pickup truck easy to live with.…
What are the weaknesses of a 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.
What are the best years for a Ford Ranger to avoid?
The Ford Ranger has long been a trusted companion for drivers who need a reliable, versatile truck. However, not all model years are created equal. The 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2019 Ford Rangers stand out as years to avoid due to their significant reliability issues.
