The 2024 Ford Ranger is a much smaller pickup truck than the Ford F-150, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as much of a workhorse. Depending on your needs, it may be more of a fit for you. Let’s break down both of these popular Ford offerings, so you can decide for yourself which is the best choice!
Key Takeaways:
- Both the F-150 and Ranger are used as commercial trucks, but the F-150 is a powerful beast when it comes to towing!
- The F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate opens like a standard tailgate and sideways for longer loads.
- The Ranger has four trims to the F-150s eight. Both models are reasonably priced.
What are the Engine Options For the 2024 Ford F-150?
This year, the F-150 has seen more engine changes than its slightly smaller cousin. Last year’s XL had a 3.3-liter V6—this year, it is more powerful than ever, with a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 cranking out 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. And it’s business as usual with F-150’s higher engine configurations and options—a combo twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with an electric motor, the 3.5-liter Ecoboost, and the 5-liter V8.
Last year’s Ranger had three trims—XL, the XLT and the Lariat—but the Raptor has now been added to the lineup as Ford’s luxury offering. Its engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 405 ponies and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger’s trims are moderately priced.
The Ranger’s starting MSRPs are:
- XL: $32,670
- XLT: $35,610
- Lariat: $43,630
- Raptor: $55,470
The F-150 lineup has eight trim options. It remains competitively priced, with the following starting MSRPs:
- XL: $36,770
- STX: $43,895
- XLT: $47,620
- Tremor: $64,150
- Lariat: $65,195
- King Ranch: $73,735
- Platinum: $73,735
- Raptor: $78,330
How Much Can the 2024 Ford Ranger Tow?
You can’t go wrong with the Ranger or the F-150 for towing, but one is really more of a hauler than the other. The 2024 Ranger has a respectable towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when properly configured. (However, the Raptor, the Ranger’s top trim, tops out at 5,510 pounds.)
The F-150 is a mighty machine—it can haul up to 13,500 pounds (yes, you read that right!) with a payload capacity of 2,455 pounds. While these are slightly lower figures than they were in ‘23, Ford still claims best in class figures in this category.
In parking lots and on roads, the F-150 and Ranger always turn heads! The F-150 has been given a bit of refresh, with new designed grilles, headlamps, fender molds, and belt-line trim, and features Ford’s Pro Access Tailgate, which opens sideways to accommodate bulkier and longer items.
The Ranger cuts a clean, stylish figure everywhere it goes. A side step has been added between the bed corner and wheel well to make getting in and out that much easier. Its hood, fenders, and a newly designed roof line have also been resculpted.
Is the 2024 Ford F-150 Interior Comfortable?
The F-150 is more of a commercial pickup than the Ranger, but Ford hasn’t skimped on its comfort by any means. Options include front seat massage functions, ventilation, and three-level lumbar support. The automaker’s patented Max Recline seats lie flat for much needed roadside power naps, and it will never get too hot or cold in the cab, thanks to a user-friendly climate control system that allows you to change the temperature to your liking with ease.
The Ranger has a bit more of a carefree design with less work and more fun in mind. Its plush, high-quality front seats are heated, as is the steering wheel. The truck also features multiple climate zones for passenger comfort, no matter the location of the seat.
The Ranger and F-150s infotainment system offerings are nearly identical. Both have an approximately 12-inch infotainment touchscreen system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SYNC 4 infotainment software. Both also feature easy-to-read digital instrument panels.
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford F-150 or Ranger?
If you need a truck that can haul just about anything you can imagine, the Ford F-150 is the clear winner, but if that is not your main priority, the Ranger may have what you need. There’s only one way to know for sure which is right for you. Come on to Jones Ford in order to experience both trucks for yourself!