The 2021 Ford Ranger delivers a decidedly muscular performance with a twist of modern comfort. This midsize truck also makes sure you have all the high-tech safety and infotainment features you crave, with a long list of options to optimize your daily drive.

2021 Ford Ranger Standout Features

• Powerful performance
• Roomy, comfortable cabin
• Impressive list of modern safety and tech features

What’s New for 2021?

• Tremor Off-Road Package
• Sync 3 infotainment and dual-zone climate control now optional on XL trim
• Lariat’s eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat reduced to six-way power
• Four new exterior colors: Cactus Gray, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, Velocity Blue

Body Style and Truck Bed

When you’re shopping for a 2021 Ford Ranger, you have two body styles available to you. The extended SuperCab, paired with a 6-foot truck bed, offers seating for up to four passengers. It features two regular sized doors and two rear half-doors. The SuperCab’s smaller backseat space can double as a convenient indoor storage space.

The SuperCrew is a roomy crew cabin that seats up to five passengers and features four regular sized doors. It’s paired with a shorter, 5-foot bed. With its roomier backseat, the Ranger SuperCrew offers the best in family and road trip comfort.

Comfort Features

Both Ranger cabin options provide roomy, supportive accommodations. The nicely padded seats are great for weekend adventures, because they keep you comfortable during hours-long trips. The Ranger’s cabin design is ergonomically friendly and clean-cut, making it easy to situate yourself at the wheel and find the controls you seek. And the cabin also does a great job of tuning out wind and road noise, so you can chat with your fellow passengers in a relaxed way.

As you climb the Ranger trim levels, you’ll find more and more luxury features. For instance, leather upholstery and power-adjustable heated seats upgrade both interior style and comfort.

Safety, Security, and Technology

Technology is a big part of the Ranger agenda. Every trim model keeps you connected with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot (a monthly or annual data plan is required). The Ranger’s standard forward collision mitigation system is also handy in a pinch, alerting you to danger and even hitting the brakes in an attempt to avoid damages.

When it comes to high-tech options, the Ranger is even more impressive. This midsize truck offers everything from blind-spot monitoring to a premium Bang & Olufsen stereo system. With the optional Sync 3 infotainment system, you can plug in your compatible smartphone and access apps directly through the system’s 8-inch touch screen. You’ll love how easy the infotainment system is to figure out and use.

Power and Performance

Every 2021 Ranger features the same engine, a sturdy turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. As you might’ve guessed, this punchy engine is quick to get the Ranger going. That’s thanks in part to the 10-speed automatic transmission, which is quick to help you kick up extra dust on command.

For an increasingly capable trip through sand and mud, the Ranger offers a variety of off-road performance features. The Terrain Management system’s four settings (Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand) optimize performance wherever you travel. And the optional four-wheel drive system helps keep you from getting stuck in the muck.

Towing and Hauling Capabilities

Compared to other midsize trucks, the Ranger is near the top of the towing game. Properly equipped, this Ford pickup can tow trailers weighing up to 7,500 pounds.

It’s also quite the little hauler. Depending on body style and equipment, the Ranger can haul max payloads of up to 1,860 pounds.

Fuel Economy

As of yet, the EPA has only rated one 2021 Ford Ranger model: the four-wheel-drive version. However, we don’t expect any changes from the 2020 Ranger—at least not in terms of fuel economy.

• 2WD: 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway mpg)
• 4WD: 22 mpg combined (20 city/24 highway mpg)

2021 Ranger Trim Models

There are three Ranger models: the XL, XLT, and Lariat. Each trim model builds upon the last with more and more in tech, safety, and luxury features. There are also a number of options packages you can choose to optimize your ride, whether you want to tow more weight or travel further off-road.

XL

The base XL is the line’s most affordable option. This highly attainable truck is also nicely stocked with modern features. Its manually locking tailgate helps protect your cargo, for example. And, inside, a Wi-Fi hotspot is always there to bolster your smartphone’s connection.

XLT

The XLT adds to both the XL’s features and options with more in convenience and infotainment features. The Sync 3 infotainment system is an important highlight. The system treats you to a bigger touch-screen interface and complete smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

Lariat

The top-of-the-line Lariat adds to the XLT lineup and most of the 302A package with a few additional upgrades—namely, classy leather upholstery and vision-boosting LED headlights. Add the 501A package, which includes remote ignition and a premium audio system, to this Ranger for a fully-loaded experience.

Optional Packages

Ford Warranty

This truck was designed to last, but every Ranger also comes with a solid safety net. Ford’s warranty coverage will help you resolve any unforeseen issues with maximum efficiency. With you 2021 Ranger, you get:

• 3 years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• 5 years/60,000 miles Limited Powertrain Warranty
• 5 years/60,000 miles Safety and Emissions Limited Warranty

What Comes Next for the Ford Ranger?

The 2021 Ranger is set to be the last model for the fourth generation. Next year, Ford plans to roll out a redesigned 2022 Ranger to kick off the fifth-generation lineup. And rumor has it that the 2022 lineup will feature a brand new Ranger Raptor, designed to take off-road enthusiasts further into the wilderness than ever before.