2021 Ford Ranger

The Ranger lineup starts with the XL. It has 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, and a manually locking tailgate. The XLT adds 16-inch alloy wheels and the option for keyless entry and power-adjustable mirrors. A step up to the Lariat adds LED headlights, LED taillights, and it comes standard with keyless entry. The Lariat also adds heated and power-adjustable side mirrors. For the 2021 model year, Ford added the Tremor Off-Road Package for the Ranger. It comes with an upgraded suspension that adds 0.8 inches of ground clearance, off-road Fox shocks. 32-inch all-terrain tires, sidestep skid plates, and tow hooks.

Every 2021 Ranger gets power from a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. It puts out 270 horsepower and delivers 310 pound-feet of torque. Ford gives it a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, but you can opt for a four-wheel-drive system with 4Hi and 4Lo settings.

The 2.3-liter engine is plenty for the Ranger. It provides quick and efficient acceleration and propels it easily through town and up and down the highway. When equipped with the tow package, this pickup can tow up to 7,500 pounds, which is excellent for its class. It can also handle up to 1,860 pounds of gear in the bed.

The Ranger has room for four or five people depending on the cab. The driver will appreciate the high seating position and comfortable seat, and rear-seat passengers in both cabs have room to spread out. Some cabin features that either come standard or as part of a package include dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and ambient lighting. Stepping up from the base gets you more tech features, including the 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo. A 110-volt power outlet comes in the XLT with the 301A package, and if you add the Technology Package, it comes with navigation. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo is an upgrade for the Lariat with the 501A package.

All of the 2021 Ranger models come with a forward collision warning and mitigation system. Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features is optional for the XL and comes standard with the XLT and Lariat. It has a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert along with lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, which uses steering inputs to make sure you stay in your lane. You can add rear parking sensors to the XLT with the 301A package and get adaptive cruise control and front parking sensors with the Technology package. Bumping up to the Lariat makes these added safety features standard.