Sitting above its smaller Maverick stablemate, that we compare here, the 2025 Ford Ranger is part of the fifth-generation midsize pickup truck that debuted last year. Changes are minimal over the 2024 Ranger, consisting of a newly available Black Appearance package for XLT and Lariat trim lines as well as the addition of Marsh Gray, Ruby Red Metallic, and Desert Sand to the paint palette. Competing in a recently revitalized midsize pickup segment, the 2025 Ranger offers everything from the basic XL model to the leather-lined Lariat, and the desert race-ready Raptor.
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Powerful base engine
Strong tow rating
The mighty Raptor
Air suspension creates a nice ride
Only comes with a 5-foot bed
Relatively pricey
No option for regular or extended cab
The Ranger is better than ever
On the XL through Lariat trims, the 2025 Ford Ranger is fitted with a 2.3L turbocharged inline-4 good for 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Optional on the XLT and Lariat is a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 making 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Or you can enjoy Full Send Mode in the Raptor with its exclusive 3.0L twin-turbo V6 cranking out 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of engine choice, every Ranger comes with a 10-speed automatic routing power to the rear wheels with the option for traditional 4WD. Combined fuel economy figures range from 23 mpg for a 2WD Ranger XL to 17 mpg for the 4WD-only Raptor. Unlike the rest of the 2025 Ranger lineup that can tow up to 7,500 pounds, the Raptor maxes out at 5,510 pounds. But it makes up for this shortfall with nearly 11” of ground clearance, a beefed-up suspension, and a 3.5” wider track.
Ford sells the 2025 Ranger exclusively as a crew cab body with a 5-foot cargo bed. Inside, there are 35” of rear legroom and outside, the bed comes with 6 tie-down points. The back seat folds flat to reveal extra storage space and on Lariat models, creature comforts include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Those looking to use their Ranger for traditional pickup truck duties should look to the entry-level XL with its cloth seats and vinyl-lined floors.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the 2025 Ford Ranger lineup. Touchscreen interface sizes range from 10” on base models to 12” on the Lariat. Other standard tech content includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and Ford’s Applink system. Audiophiles will appreciate the 10-speaker B&O stereo included on Lariats and optional elsewhere.
On the safety front, Ford fits every new Ranger with 6 airbags and an SOS Post Crash Alert system. The IIHS has yet to rate the fifth-gen Ranger, while the NHTSA gives it a 4-star overall crash-test score. As for advanced safety nets, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams are included on all 2025 Rangers.
In base XL spec, the 2025 Ranger comes with 17” alloy wheels mounted in all-terrain tires, LED headlights, black cloth seating, dual USB ports, and an 8” gauge cluster display.
XLT models feature remote engine start, LED bed lighting, a sliding rear window, and carpeted flooring. Other amenities include a wireless phone charger, a digital rearview mirror, a lane-keeping system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Nicely equipped Lariat trim lines boast 18” wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a fully digital instrument panel, a 12” infotainment screen, a surround-view monitor, and connected navigation.
Along with the exclusive 405-horsepower engine, Ranger Raptors sport heavy-duty skid plates, a steel front bumper, fender flares, locking diffs at both ends, and 2.5” Fox Live Valve dampers. Sitting on 33” rubber, the beefy Raptor also comes with bolstered front buckets, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and pre-wired auxiliary switches.
The 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat is enticing from a content perspective, but for around $8,000 less, we’d go for the plenty-nice XLT. That puts it in the same pricing ballpark as the Chevy Colorado LT, a midsize pickup that is similarly equipped to the Ranger, but is quite a bit more powerful. Ford matches Chevy on most warranty terms with 3 years of basic coverage and 5 years on the powertrain, but Ford does not provide any complimentary maintenance.
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Perhaps the 2025 Ford Ranger’s biggest disadvantage is that it only comes in a single setup – crew cab with a short box. This certainly makes it easy to order one, but competitors like the Toyota Tacoma offer multiple configurations. The Tacoma also has a cheaper starting price – as does the Chevy Colorado – but up at the top end, the Ranger Raptor is a relative bargain compared to, say, the Tacoma TRD Pro. On the whole, Ford appears to have built a compelling all-around pickup truck which is a requirement these days given the breadth of strong competition.
Every 2025 Ranger comes with a 5-foot bed.
The Ranger’s maximum towing capacity is 7,500 pounds.
The Lariat is a stand-alone Ranger trim line that offers the highest level of luxury in the Ranger lineup.