Car Review: Revised Ford Ranger goes from dated to having fresh new face in 2025

Ford Ranger pickup
With a new tough look and a higher quality interior the Ford Ranger pickup looks to sell more midsize trucks in 2025. (WTOP/Mike Parris)

More and more automakers are jumping in and paying big attention to the midsize truck segment. Ford was one of the later entries back in 2019 with the return of the Ranger. Even then, it seemed a bit dated and behind most of the competition.

For 2025, Ford gave the Ranger a big makeover revealing a better outfitted truck to take on the improved competition. One common gripe from before — a dated-looking interior — has been addressed. With more comfortable seats up front and improved materials used in the cabin, it’s a more modern and open feeling than before.

There is a new digital instrument cluster and large 12-inch center display in the XLT trim levels and higher models.

Styling is also more in line with the other truck offerings from Ford. With a new-look grill and C-shaped headlights, the front end is more tough and boxy than before. A twin-dome hood adds a more aggressive styling — a real standout for buyers.

The mid-level XLT trim level even comes with a “Sport Appearance Package” that enhances its style with gray 17-inch aluminum wheels and 400W in-bed power and LED lighting in the five-foot bed.

Hitting the road in the Ranger is usually a comfortable affair. The ride feels improved from the previous Ranger, with only broken pavement upsetting the empty-bed truck now.

The base engine is a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine that moves the truck smartly in most situations. Need more power? A stout turbo V6 is available in this XLT and higher trim levels.

The Ranger is easy to drive compared to full-size pickups. Parking and maneuvering it in tight spaces is a breeze, and I found it user friendly in the city, fitting in a parking garage without issue. You can even get a Raptor version of the Ranger for off-roading with a special off-road ready suspension, tougher looks, and even more power.

Cost: $39,490; as tested $45,709

MPG: 20 MPG City; 24 MPG Highway. I managed 21.1 in 495 miles of mixed driving.

Options: $945 equipment group 301A; $420 3.73 locking differential; $2,305 advanced tow package +tech package; $95 securicode keyless keypad; $495 bedliner: Toughbed spray-in

Safety: Rearview camera system; Ford Co-Pilot360; adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go; SOS postcrash alert system; blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert with trailer tow monitoring; pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking

Things to know: The Ford Ranger gets a comprehensive makeover with better looks and an improved interior. Plus, it’s easy to driver in smaller spaces than a full-size truck.

Pros:

  • The turbo four-cylinder engine provides surprising power.
  • Easy to maneuver and park, thanks to its smaller size.
  • A quiet and comfortable cruiser.

Cons:

  • Only comes as a four-door crew-cab with one bed size.
  • It can be more pricey than other midsize pickups depending on the trim level you choose.
  • Can feel sluggish at lower traffic speeds when you need to accelerate.

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