What type of vehicle is the Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck.
In markets around the world, the Ranger serves as Ford's versatile mid-size pickup, designed for work tasks, outdoor adventures, and everyday driving. This article explains its classification and key characteristics, including design, powertrains, and global availability.
Vehicle type and design
Key characteristics of the Ranger's design and body construction.
- Midsize pickup truck in the global market segment.
- Body-on-frame construction designed for durability and payload handling.
- Typically offered as a four-door Crew Cab with a cargo bed, with some markets offering two-door or extended cab variants.
- Available in 4x4 and 4x2 configurations with a range of trims, including off-road variants in certain regions.
In short, the Ranger is built to balance daily usability with the practicality of a pickup bed, across different cab configurations and drivetrain options.
Powertrains and performance
Engine and transmission options vary by market but share a focus on turbocharged gasoline and diesel power, with automatic and occasional manual transmissions offered in different regions.
Engine options by market
- Gasoline turbocharged engines, commonly a 2.3-liter EcoBoost in North America, powering mid-size performance with torque and responsiveness.
- Diesel options available in many markets (various displacements) for higher torque and efficiency, especially in Australia, Europe, and Asia.
- Drivetrain choices typically include rear-drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) with selectable modes; many models use a 10-speed automatic transmission, while some markets offer manual options.
- Off-road oriented variants exist in several regions, designed to enhance capability on challenging terrain.
Engine and drivetrain choices reflect regional preferences, balancing on-road refinement with off-road capability.
Markets and positioning
How Ford positions the Ranger across the globe and in North America.
Regional variations in trims and availability
- Global model widely sold outside North America, including Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- North American market: reintroduced in 2019 for the US and Canada after a hiatus, with generations tailored to that audience and updated features.
- Special variants such as the Ranger Raptor exist in select markets, offering higher performance and off-road capability.
- Competitors in the midsize pickup segment include Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 (Triton), and Isuzu D-Max, among others.
Overall, the Ranger serves as Ford's globally focused midsize pickup, with regional variations in spec and availability to suit local demands.
Summary
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck built on a rugged, body-on-frame platform, offered in multiple cab configurations, with gasoline and diesel powertrains and available 4x4 capabilities. Its global footprint means different markets receive different engine options and trims, while the core identity remains a practical, capable pickup for work and recreation.
Is a Ford Ranger considered a pickup truck?
The Ford Ranger is a range of pickup trucks manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company in North and South America under the Ford Ranger nameplate.
What is the Ford Ranger classified as?
Class 1 trucks, the lightest category, have gross vehicle weight ranges from 0 to 6,000 lbs. Examples of Class 1 trucks are the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota.
Is a Ford Ranger a truck or car?
Ford Ranger - A Truck For Work & Play.
What type of car is the Ford Ranger?
size pickup
Mid-size pickup (2019–present)
