Ford Ranger Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space

Written by Richard Aucock
Quick overview
Pros
- Large load bed with decent payload capacity
- Spacious interior with quality finish
- Good to drive, both on and off the road
Cons
- Very similar to the latest Volkswagen Amarok
- Ride can still feel a little jumpy
- Top trim levels can become very expensive
Verdict: Is the Ford Ranger a good pick-up?
“Ford knows its stuff when it comes to pick-ups, being responsible for the legendary American-market F-150. It has channelled this experience into making the new Ranger one of the best trucks on sale.”

The pick-up truck market is an important one, with buyers demanding practicality and dependability above all else. However, comfort and technology are now important considerations as well, meaning pick-up trucks have become more than simple utility vehicles.
Ford found considerable success with the first-generation T6-based Ranger, launched in 2011. It went on to become a global success, even being sold in the United States, the undisputed home of the pick-up truck.
For the latest, second-generation Ranger, Ford has collaborated with Volkswagen. It means the Ranger shares a platform, engine line-up and even a factory with the new Volkswagen Amarok. Despite sharing many components, however, Ford and Volkswagen have each put their own unique spin on the pick-up.
The Ford Ranger comes with an extensive line-up of trim levels, from the utilitarian XL version all the way to the upmarket Platinum. Unlike Volkswagen, Ford offers the Ranger with a choice of single-cab and double-cab layouts.
This means there is likely to be a Ranger version to suit all needs, and every model comes with modern tech such as a reversing camera, digital instrument panel and large central infotainment touchscreen. The Ranger’s cabin feels suitably plush on top-specification models, too.
Other than the high-performance Raptor version, which we will cover separately, the Ford Ranger was initially powered exclusively by diesel engines, and you had a simple choice between 2.0-litre four-cylinder or 3.0 V6 units. A plug-in hybrid model joined the range in mid-2025, combining the 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the old Focus RS and Mustang with an electric motor.
A twin-turbo version of the 2.0 TDI EcoBlue, with a power output of 205PS, is the notable sweet-spot in the range for the balance of performance and cost, and comes with Ford’s excellent 10-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive is standard for all models, as are impressive driving dynamics and relatively refined ride comfort.
Most importantly, every version of the Ranger can carry a payload of more than 1000kg in its large truck bed, making this a very practical truck. A towing capacity of up to 3,500kg adds to its utility, too.
The biggest challenge for the Ford Ranger is whether to choose one over a Volkswagen Amarok. There is little to choose between the duo, but the greater trim line-up, along with the choice of single-cab and double-cab bodies, is an advantage for the Ranger.
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Is the Ford Ranger right for you?
The Ford Ranger has established itself as one of the most popular pick-up trucks around, and the latest model has continued that trend.
It offers the dependability of engines and transmissions from the Ford Transit van, along with a refined interior and generous payload capacity. The new Ranger is also good to drive for a pick-up truck, meaning it covers almost every base as a potential daily-driver.
Keep in mind that this is still a working vehicle underneath the fresh bodywork, however. An equivalent SUV or estate car will be more sophisticated to drive on the road.
The Ford Ranger offers a considerable amount of choice when it comes to trim levels. There is likely to be a version to meet every need, from the utilitarian XL through to the fancy Platinum model (seen here in our photos).
The Wildtrak version looks like the sweet-spot in the line-up, thanks to the addition of dual-zone climate control air-con, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. It also benefits from a larger 12.0-inch infotainment screen, which makes everything easier to operate.
When it comes to engines, the 2.0 TD EcoBlue with 205PS is likely to suit most buyers of the Ford Ranger. Combined with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, it provides enough power to tow and carry effectively, while also being relatively smooth to drive.
What other cars are similar to the Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger is produced in the same factory as the Volkswagen Amarok, along with sharing the same platform and engines. Naturally, this makes the VW the closest alternative to a new Ranger. Each pick-up does have its own unique characteristics, though.
Beyond the Volkswagen Amarok, the Toyota Hilux is a long-established alternative to the Ford Ranger. It boasts an impressive warranty, along with a strong level of performance.
At the cheaper end of the new pick-up truck market, there are the Isuzu D-Max and SsangYong Musso. These can compete with the more utilitarian versions of the Ford Ranger, but they lack the same refinement and technology.
Comfort and design: Ford Ranger interior
“Easy to use, and with a raised driving position for good visibility, the Ford Ranger has taken a noticeable step forward from its predecessor.”

The Ford Ranger is fundamentally very similar to the Volkswagen Amarok, but the blue oval brand has put its own stamp on the interior design.
Although its raised driving position may be the same, Ford has fitted a different dashboard to the Amarok, along with bespoke seats and a new steering wheel. It makes the Ranger feel distinct from the Volkswagen alternative.
It all works well, and leaves the Ranger feeling less like a utility vehicle and closer to a family SUV inside. The view out of the front of the Ranger is aided by a high seating position, plus thin door pillars that help you place the big pick-up on the road.
Even the cheapest XL model comes with a six-way adjustable seat for the driver, meaning there should be little problem with getting comfortable. Choose the Ranger Wildtrak and this unlocks an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with the Platinum version offering 10 ways to adjust both front seats.
Quality and finish
A pick-up truck like the Ford Ranger needs to survive the potential demands of hard work, and live up to modern expectations of quality. Thankfully, Ford has achieved these goals with the Ranger.
Lower down inside the cabin, you’ll find lots of solid-feeling black plastic, which should endure the rigours of a working life. On XL and XLT versions, these hard plastics continue across the top of the dashboard and doors, but fancier models like the Wildtrak use leather-effect trim instead.
The Ranger Wildtrak comes with part-leather seats, while the top-spec Platinum has full-leather upholstery. This certainly lifts the overall ambience of the interior, as does LED lighting.
It is worth noting that the Volkswagen Amarok manages to offer slightly better perceived quality inside, but there is generally little to choose between the two models. Compared with cheaper pick-up trucks such as the SsangYong Musso, the Ranger feels a cut above.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, sat nav and stereo in the Ford Ranger
Portrait-orientated infotainment screens are a growing trend, and the Ford Ranger is right on the cutting-edge with a large upright touchscreen display.
All versions, even the entry-level Ranger XL, come with an infotainment touchscreen. For cheaper models, this measures 10.0 inches across, while trim levels from Wildtrak upwards gain a larger 12.0-inch display. All versions of the PHEV, meanwhile, get the bigger screen.
Both use Ford’s SYNC4 software, which is quick to respond and easy to read, thanks to large icons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is included as standard on all versions, with at least two USB connections on offer.
The range-topping Platinum model comes with wireless smartphone charging, although this can be added to others via an optional Technology pack.
One major advantage of the Ranger is that Ford has resisted the urge to use the touchscreen to control the air conditioning. Instead, there is a pleasing row of traditional dials underneath the infotainment display, which feel chunky and satisfying to use. The Volkswagen Amarok requires using the touchscreen to change the temperature, which is more of a faff.
A digital instrument panel is standard across the range, with numerous options to customise the display. A reversing camera is also fitted to all models, while the Ranger Platinum gets an upgrade to a 360-degree camera.
The Platinum benefits from an impressive B&O premium audio system, too.
Space and practicality: Ford Ranger boot space
The Ford Ranger is now a sizable pick-up truck, measuring 5370mm in length, 2208mm in width, and standing up to 1884mm tall. Such large dimensions make the Ranger a really practical truck.
All versions of the regular Ford Ranger can carry a payload of more than 1000kg, meaning they qualify as light commercial vehicles. The single-cab model has the greatest carrying capacity: up to 1200kg can be transported in its load bed.
There is space to fit a standard Euro pallet in the rear of the Ranger, with multiple hooks and tie-down points included. Ford offers an extensive range of covers for the rear bed, along with plenty of accessories to customise your truck to your taste.
There is also plenty of towing capacity, with all versions of the Ranger able to pull braked trailers weighing between 3,420kg and 3,500kg.
Being big on the outside means the Ford Ranger is spacious on the inside as well. Both single-cab and double-cab versions offer plenty of room for the driver and front-seat passenger, aided by seats with plenty of adjustment, even on the XL model.
The double-cab Ranger can easily carry four adults, or even five at a push, thanks to fairly generous room in the back. The seat backs are quite upright, though. Still, there's a clever feature where you can flip the rear seat bases upwards to find a concealed storage area below. That's handy for keeping your charging cables in on PHEV versions.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Ford Ranger like to drive?
“The Ranger is surprisingly good to drive, channelling much of the experience found in Ford’s car line-up. Keep in mind this is still a pick-up truck, however.”

Pick-up trucks have a reputation for being skittish to drive when unladen, or struggling to deal with bumps in the road. The Ford Ranger shrugs off these concerns, managing to feel controlled and settled, despite its utilitarian design underneath.
Such sophistication is all relative, though. The Ranger uses a ladder-frame chassis and has traditional leaf-spring rear suspension, so Ford’s tuning can only do so much to combat the laws of physics. It's way better than most trucks, but it is still a truck.
The Ranger’s steering feels responsive and accurate, making the vehicle easy to place on the road. It also manages to resist body-roll well, but keep in mind that versions with off-road-biased tyres will run out of grip sooner on tarmac.
Being able to carry more than 1000kg in the load bed means the Ranger’s suspension has to be firm enough to cope. The result is a ride that feels taut, allowing bumps and ruts in the road to be transmitted back into the cabin.
However, it's still more comfortable than most pick-up trucks you'll drive, and it never reaches the point of being uncomfortable. Unsurprisingly, only the Volkswagen Amarok really comes close to it.
And for those who'll need to take their truck into a muddy building site or across a national park, the Ranger's off-roading ability is sensational. Certain versions are equipped with extra kit that makes the even better off-road, such as bigger wheels and higher-riding suspension, and lots of off-roading accessories are available on the options list, too. The PHEV models are even better off-road than the diesel thanks to the strong and instantaneous torque they deliver.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Ford Ranger?
Ford has kept the engine line-up for the Ranger fairly simple, with the main focus on diesel power. The 170PS version of the 2.0-litre TD EcoBlue four-cylinder is the entry-level engine, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. Offered solely for XL and XLT models, it accelerates the Ranger from 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds. A total of 405Nm of torque still makes it effective when it comes to towing and carrying loads.
With 205PS, the twin-turbo version of the 2.0-litre TD EcoBlue engine is currently the biggest seller. It comes with a slick-shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox, and can accelerate the Ranger from 0-62 mph in 10.5 seconds. An increase in torque to 500Nm helps this engine feel more effortless.
At the top of the diesel Ford Ranger ladder is 3.0-litre TD V6 EcoBlue diesel, which produces 240PS and 600Nm of torque. The result is a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds, with smooth power delivery and even a pleasing engine soundtrack.
Every version of the Ranger comes with four-wheel drive as standard. Wildtrak diesel models have a locking rear differential, which can be added to other trim levels as an option. A dial allows drivers to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes, and also to engage low-ratio gearing. The result is a pick-up truck that is more than capable in the mud, provided you remember its sheer size.
In mid-2025, Ford added a plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger to the, er, range, a powertrain setup currently not offered on any other pick-up truck. This uses the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine from the old Focus RS and Mustang, along with an electric motor. The petrol engine is tuned to deliver 184PS, while the electric motor has 102PS, and the maximum delivered by both power sources at any one time is 281PS. In terms of torque, the total system output is 697Nm, which is the most of any Ranger.
You can run the hybrid in a variety of ways. It defaults to 'Auto EV' mode on start-up, where the truck decides for itself on how to juggle petrol and electric power for best effect. Selecting 'EV Now' mode makes the Ranger run solely on electric power. This will take you up to motorway speeds, but not very quickly: our unscientifically conducted acceleration test saw the 0-60mph dash take a shade over 20 seconds in all-electric mode with a floored accelerator pedal. In the real world, this level of acceleration is fine for gentle urban driving, but anything more will need the intervention of the petrol engine.
Happily, when the petrol engine does cut in and both power sources work in unison, the Ranger PHEV feels much, much faster, with effortless muscularity in the way it builds speed. In fact, you might be a little surprised by the rate at which it's able to pick up the pace, if you'll pardon the pun.
'EV Later' mode allows the Ranger to run purely on petrol power, saving your electric charge for later, like you might want to if you have a journey to do with a low-emissions zone at the end of it. There's also an 'EV Charge' mode, which uses the petrol engine to act as a generator to recharge the traction battery as you drive along. It even works when the truck is stationary, so you can recharge the battery simply by leaving it running, although this probably isn't the most efficient way of recharging.
Whether you're PHEV is running on electric power, or petrol power, or both, there's a slight hesitancy to the throttle response, but it's not a problem. That initial hesitancy is greater when the combustion engine is running, because when you put your foot down, it takes a further moment for the 10-speed automatic gearbox t decide whether it want so kick down or not. Spoiler alert: it usually does, unless your throttle input is incredibly gentle. Again, however, this hesitancy isn't really a problem in a vehicle like the RAnger.
Refinement and noise levels
Pick-up trucks have come a long way from being pure utility vehicles, and the Ford Ranger is one of the most refined around. The 10-speed automatic gearbox in particular helps transform the Ranger into a comfortable cruiser.
Compared with other diesel engines, the 2.0 TD EcoBlue sounds relatively muted from beneath the bonnet. There are still some vibrations as a reminder of the diesel power, and the 3.0 V6 TD is notably smoother.
With the PHEV, you obviously hear very little from the powertrain when you're rolling along in all-electric mode, which you can do for up to 26 miles according to official WLTP figures. Impressively, though, there's not much more powertrain noise when the petrol engine gets involved. Yes, you know when it's running, but it stays impressively smooth and quiet for the vast majority of the time. It only starts sounding thrashy if you really work it to its limits, and even then, it sounds relatively distant.
Nonetheless, the Ford Ranger is still a pick-up truck. It will never match the refinement of a family SUV, for instance.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger scored the maximum five-star rating when tested by the Euro NCAP safety organisation, with the Volkswagen Amarok awarded the same. This included an impressive 84 percent for adult occupant protection and 90 percent for child occupants.
Standard safety equipment comprises a full complement of airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, plus Isofix child seat attachments in the rear of double-cab models.
An optional Technology Package can be added to XLT versions and above. This brings pre- and post-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to the Ford Ranger.
MPG and fuel costs: What does a Ford Ranger cost to run?
“Diesel power may be out of fashion for cars, but it still makes sense for pick-up trucks like the Ranger. There is only a small penalty here for choosing an engine with extra power.”

The entry-level 170PS 2.0 TD EcoBlue with the manual gearbox is nominally the most fuel-efficient Ranger, with an official average of just over 33.6mpg. This is the same for both single-cab and double-cab body styles.
Fuel economy for the mid-level 2.0 TD EcoBlue engine with 205PS is determined by the trim level chosen. The Wildtrak version averages up to 32mpg, but the off-road tyres of the Wildtrak X and Tremor models see this fall to 28mpg. Regardless of trim level, the 240PS 3.0 TD V6 EcoBlue engine averages just less than 28mpg in official tests.
The PHEV version has an 11.8kWh battery, giving it an official electric-only range of up to 26 miles according to official WLTP tests. That allows it to achieve fuel economy of 91mpg according to those same tests, but do be aware that these tests are always unrealistically flattering to plug-in hybrids, and you're likely to get much less in the real world. For best effect, you'll need to conduct as many journeys as you can solely on electric power, but the limited range and performance in all-electric mode means you'll rarely be able to. Ford says that the PHEV is more economical than the V6 diesel even when you don't charge it, though.
Ford Ranger reliability and warranty
You might not find it desperately impressive that Ford placed a lowly 26th out of 33 carmakers in the manufacturer reliability standings of the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index survey. However, that performance was based largely on the firm's high-volume passenger cars, which are very different to the Ranger mechanically. Pick-ups are usually engineered to be tough above all else so as to minimise downtime for business customers, and we've heard of no horror stories with the Ranger.
Having said, that, the Ranger's warranty isn't desperately impressive, either, with bog-standard three-year, 60,000-mile cover.
Ford Ranger insurance groups and costs
The Ford Ranger XL in single-cab form is the cheapest version to insure, being placed in group 37 out of 50. This is relatively high, but reflects the power and scale of the Ranger.
It is only a small jump to group 39 for the top-specification Ford Ranger Platinum, powered by the 3.0 V6 EcoBlue engine. For comparison, this is usefully lower than the group 45 rating for the equivalent Volkswagen Amarok Aventura.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Ford Ranger?
As a light commercial vehicle, a pick-up truck attracts a flat rate of VED, regardless of how much CO2 emissions it generates. The latest rates for new light commercial vehicles see an annual charge of £345.
Ford Ranger price
“When bought conventionally, the Ford Ranger has an on-the-road list price of between of around £36,000 at the bottom of the range, rising to around £61,000 at the top. If you buy through your business, though, which you probably will, then you'll likely be able to claim back the VAT. This should save you around £6,000 at the bottom of the range and around £10,000 at the top.”

If you're not fussed about buying brand new, however, then there are bigger savings to be made when buying used. Browse the heycar classifieds, and you'll find numerous desirable Wildtrak versions of the latest Ranger, fitted with the best 205PS 2.0-litre diesel engine, coming in at around £36,000 with around £30,000 miles on the clock. When a brand new equivalent costs in excess of £52,000 (or around £44,000 without the VAT), that's a serious saving.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The Ford Ranger has a comprehensive number of trim offerings, from utilitarian models for work use to high-end luxury specification.
The Ford Ranger XL kicks off the lineup as a no-nonsense option. It comes with 16-inch steel wheels, black plastic bumpers and halogen headlights. On the inside, the seats are finished in fabric Accent/City trim, plus you get an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel. The 10.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen comes with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and two USB ports. A rear-view camera and rear parking sensors are fitted, too.
Moving up to the Ford Ranger XLT brings more refinement, with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and side mirrors. The tail lights are upgraded to LED items, while wheels are now 16-inch alloys. Rain-sensing wipers, a heated windscreen, a leather-wrapped gear knob and satin aluminium trim for the air vents are included as well. The sound system is upgraded to a six-speaker setup, plus there is an overhead console with a sunglasses holder, an electrochromic rear-view mirror and manual air conditioning. Navigation is added to the infotainment system.
The Ford Ranger Tremor brings more aggressive styling to this pick-up truck, with 17-inch black alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres with white lettering and black Ford badges. The ride height is also increased, thanks to adjustable Bilstein suspension dampers. Other Tremor features include extended wheelarches, a tubular sports bar for the load area and aluminium side steps. Inside, the seats are finished in easy-clean vinyl.
In Wildtrak specification, the Ford Ranger benefits from 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, and heated power-folding side mirrors. There is also an aluminium sports hoop for the rear bed, privacy glass and rear bumper steps. Inside, the Wildtrak has a larger 12.0-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, heated seats for the driver and passenger, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and keyless start. The seats are finished in Wildtrak-embroidered part-leather upholstery.
Intended for more off-road action, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X has 17-inch black alloy wheels, a steel bash plate, twin front tow hooks and all-terrain tyres with white lettering. On the inside, the seats are upholstered in part-leather and Miko suede, with Wildtrak X logos and Cyber Orange stitching.
At the top of the tree is the Ford Ranger Platinum, with unique 18-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights and a unique satin aluminium front grille. The seats are finished in premium leather, with the front pair heated and ventilated. There is a B&O premium sound system, intelligent adaptive cruise control, active parking assist and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The instrument panel is upgraded to a 12.4-inch display, plus you get wireless smartphone charging.
The plug-in hybrid Ranger is offered with a simplified trim structure. You can have it in XLT and Wildtrak trims, but with a couple of PHEV-specific enhancements such as the larger 12.0-inch touchscreen, or in a limited-edition trim called Stormtrak, which is roughly similar in spec to the Platinum, and is due to be on sale until the end of 2025.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
How much can a Ford Ranger carry?
How long is the warranty on the Ford Ranger?
Is the Ford Ranger good for towing?
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