2020 Ford Ranger review
Ford Ranger highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Strong turbocharged engine
- Impressive towing capacity
- User-friendly infotainment system
Cons
- Bumpy ride
- Cramped cargo space
- Limited advanced driver-assistance features
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 18 highway, 18 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
A tough and adventurous midsize truck
If you need a midsize pickup that can withstand tough conditions and look good crisscrossing dirt roads and gravel paths, set your sights on the Ford Ranger. Re-introduced to the North American market in 2019, this truck gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, with its turbocharged gasoline engine and fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame. With three trim levels overflowing with driver-assist features and two body styles to fit your crew, the Ford Ranger is a rugged and capable choice for work and play.
All Ford Ranger years
What is new for the 2020 Ford Ranger?
- Shaker Sound System features are now available as options on select trims.
- The XLT trim now comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The XL trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
2020 Ford Ranger trims
XL:
Includes 16-inch silver steel wheels
Halogen headlamps
Cloth upholstery
AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth® connectivity and four speakers
Vinyl steering wheel with audio controls
XLT:
Adds 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels
Halogen fog lamps
Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
SYNC 3 with an eight-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen
Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility
Lariat:
Adds 18-inch machined aluminum wheels
Leather front seats and leather-trimmed rear seats
Heated eight-way power front seats
Forward and reverse sensing systems
Push-button start
Ford Ranger photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Ford Ranger
1. Rugged construction
If you need a midsize pickup that you can put through the wringer, the 2020 Ford Ranger can take a beating. Every Ranger sits on a fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame with six rugged cross-members that work together with the steel front bumper and a frame-mounted rear tow bar to provide a solid foundation for on- and off-road adventures. A double-wishbone front suspension with rugged coil springs and front monotube shocks optimize the pickup's ride and handling, while rear parabolic leaf springs absorb weight on the rear axle. The result is a truck that has all the toughness you need to take it on outdoor explorations.
2. Robust turbocharged performance
All 2020 Ford Rangers run off a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that makes 270 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. It connects to a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission that enhances gear progressions and delivers smooth, quick shifting. The engine also features Ford's Auto Start-Stop technology, which helps the pickup return an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when equipped with 2WD.
3. Driver-focused technologies
The 2020 Ford Ranger matches its rugged personality with smart technology that inspires confidence when behind the wheel. XLT and Lariat trims come standard with a SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, as well as two smart-charging USB ports to keep your devices juiced up for long journeys. Ford Co-Pilot 360™ Technology also adds key driving aids to the 2020 Ranger, like a forward-collision warning system with an automatic emergency braking system on XL and higher trims, or lane-keeping assistance and a blind-spot monitoring system on XLT and Lariat trims. If you want built-in navigation with voice recognition, a Technology package is also optional on XLT and higher trims in 2020.
4. Comfortable cabin
Roomy and comfortable, the 2020 Ranger is a nice way to travel. SuperCrew models offer seating for five passengers with a three-passenger rear bench, which comes in handy if you need to bring kids or crew along for the ride. In the floor, a covered under-seat storage area is the perfect spot to store tools or personal belongings out of sight, plus there are ample cupholders throughout the cabin. XL and XLT trims come standard with cloth upholstery or there is optional vinyl upholstery for easy clean-up after a day on dusty trails. For extra luxury, the Lariat adds leather upholstery and eight-way power heated front seats.
5. Plenty of package options
The 2020 Ford Ranger offers various packages that enhance the pickup's rugged good looks, like an available Chrome Package that adds chrome bumpers, halogen fog lamps, and black front tow hooks, or the STX Package with 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels and STX pickup box decals. There are also off-road packages to up the 2020 Ranger's capability on tough terrain, including FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages. Both add-ons feature off-road-tuned suspensions and other enhancements designed to let you slice through sand dunes and challenge rocky conditions without breaking a sweat.
2020 Ford Ranger video review
In this video, Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds reviews the 2020 Ford Ranger XLT to see how it stacks up against these competitors and helps you decide if a used Ranger is the right truck for you. Ryan goes over everything you need to know about the midsize 2020 Ranger pickup, highlights the different trims available, and talks about what he likes and dislikes about it. Is this used Ford Ranger the best midsize truck for the money? We answer this question and more in our review of the 2020 Ford Ranger.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Ford Ranger, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
If you're craving diesel performance in a midsize package, the Chevrolet Colorado strikes a good balance. Optional on LT, Z71, and ZR2 trim levels is a Duramax® 2.8L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that pummels the pavement to make 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, towing capacity is an estimated 7,700 lbs. with the turbodiesel on 2017–2019 models, which is plenty of muscle to pull your equipment. With an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway with the 2.8L diesel engine, the Colorado matches its towing capacity with less time spent at the pump.
View our photos, specs, and expertise of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado.
2020 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup offering three cab styles (Regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew) and a trio of box lengths (5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8 feet). Models come standard with a 3.3L V6 engine, but stepping up to the turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine unleashes an estimated towing capacity of 13,200 lbs. when properly equipped.
View our features, specs, and expertise of the 2020 Ford F-150.
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Are you an outdoor enthusiast with a thirst for off-road thrills? The Toyota Tacoma shares the same zest for adventure, especially the off-road-capable TRD Pro trim. Offered with a crew cab and a shorter bed with standard 4WD, the Tacoma TRD Pro runs off a 3.5L V6 that generates 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque (2017–2019 models). Designed to conquer hills and rugged territory, this model also comes equipped with TRD-tuned front springs with a one-inch lift and special Fox internal bypass shocks. Whether traversing over rock beds or slicing through sand dunes, the Tacoma TRD Pro sports a rugged appearance.
View our photos, specs, and expertise of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Ranger an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Ranger 4th out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford RangerFord Ranger features and specs
Lariat 2WD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sync System
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Navigation System
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.3L
Horsepower
270
Torque (ft-lbs)
310
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18
Wheelbase
126.8"
Overall length
210.8"
Width
77.8"
Height
71.1"
Leg room
F 43.1"/R 34.5"
Head room
F 41"/R 38.3"
Front tires
P265/60SR18
Rear tires
P265/60SR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Ford Ranger FAQ
First, the good: Its turbocharged engine is not lacking for power, and it provides a satisfying punch when you need it. Its accompanying 10-speed automatic transmission can be lethargic when it comes time to shift, but in general it pairs well with the engine for a smooth delivery.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Ranger experience is not so sunny. Its steering feels inconsistent—responsive in some corners but vague and numb in others. There are other midsize trucks that offer greater confidence on the road. The truck also exhibits more body roll, or leaning, when going around turns for a pickup of this size. And when you drive over bumps in the road, the Ranger's suspension is more rough than many competitors. Overall, the Ranger will do fine for tough work, and it feels more comfortable and composed when towing or hauling. But in typical everyday driving, it lags behind rivals.
More about the 2020 Ford Ranger
Available colors
Iconic Silver
Lightning Blue
Magnetic
Oxford White
Race Red
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (XLT and Lariat trims; available with STX Package)
Saber
Shadow Black
White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat (Lariat trim; available with STX Package)
Interior details
SuperCrew models offer 43.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the bed area; SuperCab models feature 51.8 cubic feet of volume.
SuperCab models seat four passengers; SuperCrew models seat five passengers.
SYNC 3 with eight-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen (XLT and higher trims)
Locking glove box (all trims)
Leather front seating and leather-trimmed rear seating (Lariat trim)
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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