Body Styles

The Ford Ranger was available in two main cab configurations: SuperCab (extended) with rear-hinged half doors and a 6-foot bed, and SuperCrew (full four-door) with a 5-foot bed. Its design was rugged but modern, featuring a bold hexagonal grille, C-clamp-style headlights, high beltline, and strong character lines across the doors and fenders. Black plastic or chrome trim varies by trim level (XL, XLT, Lariat), while FX4 and Tremor models add skid plates, tow hooks, and special badging. Fender flares and high ground clearance give it a capable, athletic profile.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

“Ranger” is a legacy name in Ford’s truck history, first introduced in the 1960s as a trim level and later as a standalone compact pickup in the 1980s. It evokes themes of exploration, utility, and outdoor versatility—aligned with the vehicle’s mid-size, go-anywhere identity.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Ranger” is an English word denoting a person who patrols or explores rugged terrain, such as a forest ranger or military scout. It communicates freedom, resilience, and all-terrain capability—perfect for a pickup truck designed for both urban functionality and wilderness utility. The name carries positive associations globally and is easy to remember and pronounce.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Ranger offered a variety of bold and earthy exterior finishes, including Shadow Black, Cactus Gray, Iconic Silver, Velocity Blue, Cyber Orange (Tremor/Raptor), Carbonized Gray, and Hot Pepper Red. Sport Appearance and Chrome Appearance packages introduced black grilles, body-colored bumpers, or chrome mirrors and wheels. FX4 and Tremor added off-road visual enhancements, including step bars, decals, and blacked-out trim.

Inside, the Ranger was functional yet modern, featuring a blend of hard plastics and soft-touch materials. XL and XLT trims used durable cloth upholstery in black or gray, while Lariat added leather seating, contrast stitching, and more tech. The dashboard had a horizontal layout with a central 8-inch touchscreen running SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 in later models. Dual-zone climate control, digital instrument displays, and ambient lighting were available in upper trims.

Wheel options included 16-inch steel wheels (XL), 17-inch painted or machined alloys (XLT), and 18-inch gloss black or polished wheels on Lariat and Tremor. FX4 and Tremor received aggressive all-terrain tires and special beadlock-capable wheels for improved grip and trail durability.

Top Expensive Options

• Tremor Off-Road Package (FOX shocks, Trail Control, Skid Plates): $4,290
• FX4 Off-Road Package (Terrain Management, Locking Diff): $1,295
• Technology Package (Navigation, Adaptive Cruise): $895
• Remote Start System with Push-Button Entry: $450
• Leather-Trimmed Heated Seats (Lariat): $995
• 10-Speaker B&O Premium Audio System: $795
• Spray-In Bedliner and Tailgate Step: $595
• Trailer Tow Package with Wiring and Hitch: $495
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage: $625
• SYNC 3 with 8-Inch Touchscreen and Apple CarPlay: $850

vs Competitors

The Ranger competed with the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Jeep Gladiator. Compared to the Tacoma, the Ranger offered better fuel economy, more torque, and a smoother ride, though it lagged behind in off-road culture and resale value. Against the Colorado, the Ranger delivered stronger acceleration and better tech integration. The Gladiator offered more off-road swagger but came at a higher price and lower practicality. The Ranger stood out for its balance of strong towing (up to 7,500 lbs), turbocharged efficiency, cabin tech, and manageable size, making it a versatile all-rounder for both lifestyle and work.

Fun Fact

The Ranger returned to the U.S. in 2019 after an eight-year absence, having continued globally as a best-seller. Its T6 platform—developed by Ford Australia—would go on to underpin the next-generation Ranger, Everest SUV, and the new Ford Bronco, showcasing its global importance as a modular, rugged foundation for Ford's adventure vehicles.