The Ford Ranger continues to build on its legacy as a versatile mid-size pickup truck that balances capability, comfort, and technology. For the new model year, Ford has refined its trim structure to offer clear distinctions between models, catering to diverse customer needs from work-oriented utilities to premium lifestyle experiences.
XL: The Foundation
The XL trim serves as the entry point to the Ranger lineup, designed primarily for those who value function over luxury. Despite its work-truck positioning, the XL comes well-equipped with modern essentials.
Standard equipment includes a durable vinyl floor covering and cloth seats designed for easy cleaning and longevity. The interior features an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and the Ford SYNC 4 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration.
On the exterior, the XL sports 17-inch steel wheels with all-season tires, providing durability and practicality for everyday use. Black plastic bumpers and a black grille give it a no-nonsense appearance that’s ideal for work sites where cosmetic concerns are secondary to functionality.
The XL comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist for trailer connections.
Available in both SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (crew cab) configurations, the XL offers versatility for those needing either more cargo space or passenger capacity. The SuperCab pairs with a 1,829 mm bed, while the SuperCrew comes with a 1,524 mm bed, ensuring flexibility for various work requirements.
XLT: Enhanced Versatility
Moving up to the XLT trim brings a substantial upgrade in both appearance and features, making it the volume seller in the Ranger lineup.
The exterior receives body-colour bumpers and a distinctive chrome grille, giving the XLT a more refined appearance. Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels replace the steel wheels of the XL, providing both improved aesthetics and reduced unsprung weight.
Inside, cloth seats with higher-grade materials offer improved comfort for daily driving. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add a touch of luxury to frequently touched surfaces. The instrument panel receives additional soft-touch materials, and carpeted flooring replaces the vinyl surfaces found in the XL.
Technology sees upgrades with the inclusion of the Ford SYNC 4A system on a larger 12-inch touchscreen, providing enhanced connectivity features including wireless charging capabilities, integrated navigation, and access to the FordPass Connect services with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
The XLT expands safety features with the addition of Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and trailer coverage, particularly valuable when towing. Reverse Sensing System aids in parking maneuvers, adding convenience for daily use.
Available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, the XLT represents the sweet spot for many buyers, offering meaningful upgrades without pushing into luxury-truck territory.
Sport: Athletic Presence
The Sport trim builds upon the XLT foundation with distinctive styling elements that give the Ranger a more aggressive, athletic appearance.
Exterior enhancements include unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish and magnetic-painted pockets, body-colour door handles and bumpers, and a distinctive grille design with magnetic-painted surrounds. Sport decals along the sides of the cargo box announce its specialized trim status.
Inside, the Sport features unique cloth seats with contrast stitching and “SPORT” embossing on the seatbacks. The interior ambiance has distinctive instrument panel trim inserts and special floor mats.
The Sport primarily focuses on appearance rather than mechanical differences, sharing its powertrain and chassis tuning with the XLT. However, it does come standard with the FX4 Off-Road package on 4×4 models, which includes an electronic locking rear differential, off-road tuned suspension, skid plates, and Trail Control for enhanced capability beyond paved surfaces.
Available exclusively in SuperCrew configuration, the Sport appeals to lifestyle-oriented buyers who want their truck to make a visual statement while maintaining the utility expected from the Ranger platform.
Lariat: Premium Experience
The Lariat positions itself as the premium offering in the Ranger lineup, combining upscale materials with advanced technology features.
Exterior elements showcase sophistication with LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch aluminum wheels with a premium painted finish, and chrome exterior accents including mirror caps, door handles, and bumpers.
Inside, leather-trimmed seats come standard, with 10-way power adjustment for both driver and front passenger. Ambient lighting with customizable colour options creates a welcoming atmosphere, while dual-zone automatic climate control ensures comfort for all occupants.
Technology reaches its peak in the Lariat with a 12.4-inch fully digital instrument cluster paired with the 12-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4A. A premium B&O sound system with 10 speakers delivers enhanced audio quality. Advanced driver-assistance features expand to include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go functionality and Lane Centering.
Practical features receive attention too, with the addition of a remote start system, power-folding mirrors, and a 400-watt power inverter in the cabin. The Lariat also includes a standard spray-in bedliner and LED box lighting for improved utility.
Available in SuperCrew configuration with either 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains, the Lariat represents the most refined Ranger experience for those who want truck capability without sacrificing comfort.
Tremor: Off-Road Specialist
The Tremor package returns as a specialized off-road variant, building upon the XLT and Lariat trims, focusing on enhanced capability beyond paved surfaces.
At its core, the Tremor features a factory-lifted suspension providing 249 mm of ground clearance. Specially tuned FOX 2.0 monotube dampers with remote reservoirs and unique springs deliver improved off-road performance without sacrificing on-road comfort.
Exterior modifications include Tremor-specific 17-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch Continental General Grabber all-terrain tires, distinctive Tremor badging, and unique front grille with integrated marker lights. Red accents on the grille and a bash plate beneath provide both visual distinction and functional protection.
The Tremor adds six auxiliary switches in the cabin connected to a dedicated fuse panel, making it easy to add aftermarket accessories like winches or auxiliary lighting. Recovery hooks at both front and rear provide secure attachment points when extracting less capable vehicles from challenging terrain.
Inside, the Tremor features specialized all-weather floor liners and Tremor-specific seat materials with embroidered logos and orange accent stitching that matches exterior design elements.
Additional off-road technology includes Trail Control (essentially off-road cruise control), selectable drive modes optimized for different terrain types, and a 360-degree camera system with dedicated off-road views to navigate obstacles with confidence.
Raptor: Performance Flagship
The Ranger Raptor stands as the performance flagship of the lineup, engineered by Ford Performance to deliver exceptional off-road capabilities and aggressive styling that sets it apart from conventional Rangers.
Powered exclusively by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine producing 405 horsepower and 583 Nm of torque, the Raptor delivers considerably more performance than any other Ranger variant. This powertrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission featuring unique calibration for performance driving.
The suspension system represents the most significant departure from the standard Ranger, featuring FOX Live Valve 2.5-inch internal bypass shock absorbers with position-sensitive damping capability. These advanced units can adjust damping rates in real-time based on terrain conditions. Long-travel suspension components increase wheel articulation for traversing severe terrain.
Visually, the Raptor makes a bold statement with a unique front grille featuring “FORD” lettering, significantly wider fenders to accommodate the increased track width, and distinctive LED lighting elements. The 17-inch wheels come wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires for the performance envelope.
Inside, the Raptor features unique sport seats with enhanced bolstering and embroidered Raptor logos. The steering wheel includes a center marker at the 12 o’clock position and magnesium paddle shifters for manual gear selection during spirited driving.
Seven selectable drive modes adjust steering feel, throttle mapping, transmission shift patterns, and electronic stability control thresholds to optimize the driving experience for different conditions, from normal street driving to high-speed desert running.
Wildtrak: Adventure-Ready
The Wildtrak trim positions itself between the Lariat and Raptor, focusing on adventure-oriented features while maintaining everyday usability.
The Wildtrak comes standard with an advanced 4×4 system featuring an electronically locking rear differential and selectable terrain management system. While not as extreme as the Raptor suspension, the Wildtrak includes specially tuned off-road suspension with increased ride height and all-terrain tires on unique 18-inch alloy wheels.
Visually, the Wildtrak stands out with a distinctive grille design, Boulder Grey exterior accents, and unique body-side graphics. A sports bar in the bed area enhances both aesthetics and functionality by providing mounting points for accessories.
Interior appointments include specialized seats with Wildtrak embossing and orange contrast stitching. All-weather floor mats come standard, protecting the interior during outdoor adventures. A built-in navigation system includes off-road trail maps for exploring beyond cellular coverage areas.
Practical features for adventure seekers include a 2,500-watt inverter system, roof-mounted auxiliary switch panel for accessories, and standard cross-bars on the roof rails for attaching carriers for bikes, kayaks, or rooftop tents.
Questions and Answers
Which Ford Ranger trim includes leather seats as standard equipment?
- The Lariat trim comes standard with leather-trimmed seats, featuring 10-way power adjustment for both driver and front passenger, offering the most premium seating experience in the Ranger lineup.
What is the maximum ground clearance available on the Ford Ranger?
- The Raptor offers the highest ground clearance in the lineup, with approximately 272 mm, followed by the Tremor package, which provides 249 mm of ground clearance.
Does the Ford Ranger XL trim include smartphone integration capabilities?
- Yes, even the base trim comes standard with the Ford SYNC 4 system featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Which Ford Ranger trim is best for serious off-road use?
- The Raptor is the most capable off-road variant, featuring twin-turbocharged power, FOX Live Valve suspension, increased ground clearance, and specialized drive modes for different terrain conditions.
Can the Ford Ranger Sport be purchased in SuperCab configuration?
- No, the Sport trim is exclusively available in the SuperCrew configuration, which provides a full-size rear seat area with four full-size doors.
