Five Great Features You Can Find on the Fourth-Generation Ford Ranger

Full-size pickups are popular for good reason, but that doesn’t mean that they’re right for everyone. Smaller models are better at maneuvering in tight spaces, offer improved fuel economy, and are more affordable than their full-size counterparts. This makes midsize trucks like the Ford Ranger the perfect choice for many drivers. And by finding a used Ford Ranger for sale, you can get all of those benefits at an even lower price, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.

If you’re looking for a used Ranger today, you’re probably going to be considering models from the truck’s fourth generation, which began in 2019, to the 2023 model year. To get something older than that, you’d have to go all the way back to the 2011 model year, thanks to an eight-year hiatus in the States. That model was starting to show its age even back then since it hadn’t gotten a full overhaul since 1998. So, let’s take a look at the triumphant return of the Ranger and five great features that the fourth generation has to offer.

#1 – Powerful Engine

All fourth-generation Ranger models, regardless of year or trim level, come standard with a 2.3L turbocharged I-4 engine under the hood. This powertrain provides a great mix of power and efficiency, producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and delivering a combined 23 MPG with rear-wheel drive and a combined 22 MPG with all-wheel drive. This setup allows the Ranger to tow up to 7,500 lbs and haul up to 1,860 lbs of payload.

Of course, those towing and payload figures aren’t as high as what you’ll find on a full-size truck like the F-150. But there are plenty of drivers who will never need to tow over 10,000 lbs. If you just need to get a small boat to the dock or bring a modest trailer along for a road trip or camping adventure, then there’s no sense in paying extra for towing capability you don’t need. The Ranger is mighty for its class and a great fit for many people.

#2 – Off-Road Action

Maneuvering in tight spaces isn’t just useful in parking lots—it can also come in handy off-road. If you’re looking for a rugged truck that can leave the pavement behind, the Ranger is a great option that can handle twists and turns and avoid obstacles with ease. While the iconic Raptor trim wasn’t introduced to the Ranger until the 2024 model year, there are three options from the fourth generation that offer plenty of capability: the FX4, FX2, and Tremor packages.

The FX4 was introduced with the new generation for the 2019 model year and covers all of the basics plus a few high-tech extras. Find a used truck with this package, and you’ll be sure to get four-wheel drive, an electronic locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, an off-road suspension system, Hill Descent Control, and protective underbody skid plates. The package also comes standard with Trail Control (a system similar to cruise control but designed to work at a lower speed to help you focus on steering when navigating tricky terrain) and a Terrain Management system that adjusts stability, traction control, throttle, transmission mapping, and ABS settings to match your current driving situation. You can switch between Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Grass, Gravel, and Snow.

For the 2020 model year, the FX2 package was added to the lineup. As the name suggests, it’s quite similar to the FX4 package. The main difference is that it uses two-wheel drive instead of four-wheel drive. While the lower traction makes this option less capable on truly rough terrain, it’s a good choice for drivers who want to feel more secure on dirt roads and handle some light off-roading without losing fuel economy or paying extra for 4×4 capability.

The Tremor package debuted for the 2021 model year, giving the Ranger an even more tricked-out option for serious off-road enthusiasts. Trucks with this package can easily be identified by “Tremor” graphics that are both printed on the exterior and stitched into the seat backs. Beyond aesthetics, this package features Fox monotube dampers for a smooth ride, 9.7 inches of ground clearance to let you roll over obstacles, and a black exposed steel bash plate, in addition to features from the FX4 package like a rear locking differential and off-road oriented tech features. Between the entry-level FX2 and FX4 packages and the more imposing Tremor package, there’s something for everyone in the Ranger’s off-road lineup.

#3 – Driver Assistance Technology

One thing that the Ranger certainly didn’t have back in 2011 was driver assistance technology. Modern drivers will be happy to learn that these then-new features were added to the Ranger when it returned in 2019. Pre-Collision Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking come standard across all trims, so you can get protection from forward collisions even with an affordable entry-level trim. Opt for an XLT trim or higher, and you’ll get a Lane-Keeping System to prevent you from drifting on the highway, a Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage, automatic high-beam headlights for driving at night, Cross-Traffic Alert for backing out of a parking spot, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control is available, so keep an eye out for it during your search and you may be able to make your next road trip a piece of cake.

#4 – Convenient Infotainment System

One downside to buying an older truck can be settling for an outdated infotainment system. These days, we’re accustomed to being able to stream music easily, text and take calls hands-free, and get step-by-step navigation instructions to stay connected, informed, and entertained while on the road, and losing these conveniences can be frustrating, to say the least. If you’re looking for the full infotainment experience, you’ll be happy to learn that you can find a fourth-generation Ranger that has an 8-inch touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment software, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity to let you use your smartphone through the truck’s interface. For the 2019 model year, this system was standard on the LARIAT and XLT trim.

The base XL isn’t quite as well-equipped, tech-wise, but it doesn’t leave you stuck in the Stone Age either. It comes standard with USB and aux inputs, as well as an AM/FM radio to let you charge your phone and play music through the stereo, as well as a small screen to keep you informed. Bluetooth connectivity gives you a wireless option that makes music streaming and hands-free calling possible.

#5 – Available Luxuries

Speaking of higher trim levels, let’s take a look at what you get on the top-tier LARIAT trim. When you buy a used Ranger, this luxurious version is more affordable, so it might be within your means, even if it would be beyond your budget if you were buying a brand-new truck. The Ranger LARIAT gives you a classy and comfortable interior, with leather-trimmed seats that look as good as they feel. Those seats are also power-adjustable, so it’s easy to get your position just right and prevent back pain on longer drives. They’re heated too—so you can stay nice and warm, even when you’re up early to get to work on a cold winter morning. Whether the weather is hot or cold, the Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control system will keep you and your front-seat passenger comfortable on the road.