Which 2025 Ford Ranger Trim Is Right for You?

Since switching to a midsize design in 2019, the Ford Ranger has quickly upped the bar in this competitive pickup segment. Last year saw the debut of a new dedicated off-road model in the form of the Ranger Raptor that quickly won hearts and minds to become a favorite amongst drivers and critics alike, and things don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. The 2025 Ford Ranger has not only been recognized as one of the best trucks in its segment, but the pickup market as a whole. Ford’s midsize marvel has already logged two coveted industry accolades, earning the “2025 North American Truck of the Year” by the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards Committee and “Top Rated Truck 2025” by Edmunds.

These sort of accolades might be impressive, but they’re nothing new for the Ford Ranger. In fact, 2025 marks the fifth consecutive year that the pickup has walked away with North American Truck of the Year honors, proving that the stellar 2025 model is no fluke. So what has both drivers and critics so excited about the midsize pickup? From its modern interior and brawny towing capacity to a set of powerful engines and an off-road trim that makes the 2025 Ranger one of the most rugged models in the truck’s 40-plus years on the market, there’s a lot to love about the 2025 Ranger.

The Ranger is offered in four distinct trims for 2025, including the no-holds barred off-road machine that is the Ranger Raptor. Whether you’re in the market for a value-packed work truck, a reliable daily driver or a luxurious family vehicle packed with all the modern amenities, the Ranger boasts a broad appeal. Choosing between trims can be one of the most intimidating parts of the buying process, which is why we’ve compiled a short guide to all of the 2025 trims. We’ll review some of the features that set the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor trims apart and learn how easy it is to create a one-of-a-kind pickup that’s perfectly suited to your unique driving needs. 

XL

The 2025 lineup kicks off with the XL, an affordable entry-level model that delivers the full Ranger experience without breaking the bank. Equipped with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive, the XL offers a potent powertrain that puts a premium on efficiency. The base engine defies its four-cylinder designation to offer just as much towing capacity as the larger V6 option when paired with the available Trailer Tow Package, which features a trailer brake controller, trailer hookup guidance, and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature that allows drivers to back the truck into even the narrowest spot with an intuitive knob-based steering system.

With 7,500 lbs of pulling power at your disposal, you won’t have to make any tough decisions about what to leave behind when you set out for your next weekend adventure. The XL is refreshingly well-equipped for a model with such a modest starting price, offering a full slate of contemporary interior tech like a digital instrument cluster display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, all while keeping the starting price below $33,000.^[a] Throw in Ford’s safety-enhancing Co-Pilot360 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with its Pre-Collision Assist and Blind Spot Assist and it’s easy to make an argument for the XL as an exceptional value in the midsize segment. 

XLT

If you really want to up the Ranger’s comfort and convenience credentials, look no further than the XLT. For a modest additional investment, drivers will earn access to a suite of sophisticated features that bring the Ranger fully into the 21st century. The XLT ups the Ranger’s ADAS resume with the addition of the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, a Lane-Keeping System, and rear parking sensors, while an available 360-degree camera provides a comprehensive look at the road no matter how loaded down the truck’s cargo bed might be. With so many devices to keep track of, it can feel like you’re always searching for a charging cable or hunting down a spare outlet. These anxieties will become a thing of the past when you opt for the XLT, which provides a wireless charging pad and a 120-volt outlet that can be used to keep even some of your most power-hungry accessories all charged up and ready to go.

The truck’s dashboard infotainment system is also treated to an important upgrade with a cloud-based navigation system that will seamlessly shepherd you with an intuitive interface and constant updates that ensure you’re always on the best route. The XLT also sees the introduction of the Ranger’s available twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, which makes 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque to provide a dynamic driving experience, and a 5.6-second zero-to-60-mph time that you won’t soon forget.    

Lariat   

The Lariat brings a new level of luxury to the midsize segment with a refined interior that’ll have you looking forward to every ride. The daily commute will certainly be a little easier to stomach thanks to the Lariat’s leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, and a remote starter that ensures the truck has ample time to warm up on those cold winter mornings. Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control and power-adjustable, heated front seats round out the Lariat’s cabin, but it’s the addition of the 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that really distinguish the Lariat as a true luxury model. Offering a high-fidelity listening experience crafted especially for Ranger, the Bang & Olufsen sound system will bring new clarity and depth to your favorite album, podcast, or audiobook.

The 10-inch infotainment screen is upgraded to a 12-inch model while Adaptive Cruise Control, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system add a few important arrows to the truck’s ADAS quiver. The Lariat also adds 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, but those looking for a little extra off-road ability can always add the FX4 Off-Road Package. Available on 4WD-equipped XLT and Lariat models, the FX4 Off-Road Package adds a host of off-road goodies to the mix like underbody skid plates, an off-road tuned suspension, custom drive modes, an electronic-locking rear differential and a Trail Turn Assist feature that enables the Ranger to easily navigate tight off-road terrain. 

Raptor

Since 2010 the Raptor badge has provided Ford engineers with an excuse to craft a series of ambitious off-road creations. Originally reserved for the full-size F-150, the Raptor made its Ranger debut with the release of the 2024 model. While it might not offer the same supertruck setup as the vaunted F-150 Raptor with its 450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, 37-inch all-terrain tires and throaty 3.0-inch exhaust system, the Raptor still represents the most powerful Ranger to date. The Ranger’s midsize design also offers some real advantages when it comes to achieving off-road success with the truck’s smaller size allowing it to venture where the larger F-150 Raptor simply can’t go. The Ranger Raptor does shed some of its towing power in the name of off-road ability, but it’s a small price to pay for the sort of thrills the mighty model can offer.     

 There’s no mistaking the Raptor for your garden-variety Ranger. The off-road trim is really its own distinct model with a wider track, increased ground clearance, upsized tires and a robust suspension that allows the truck to excel in even the most challenging conditions. Four-wheel drive comes standard, but it just represents a small part of the Raptor’s off-road arsenal. The pickup is paired with a sturdy off-road suspension complete with Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks that’ll soak up every bump and dip, not to mention locking front and rear differentials, 17-inch wheels with 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires and front and rear tow hooks that’ll go a long way towards easing any recovery efforts.

Ford has also equipped the Ranger Raptor with a generous assortment of advanced off-road tech like a low-speed off-road cruise control and seven selectable drive modes that allow the truck to adjust its engine response, transmission settings, braking and traction control to tackle any terrain you might encounter. From Sand and Rock Crawl to Mud/Rits and a specialized Baja setting that’s perfect for high-speed off-road excursions, the Raptor is ready to explore. The interior sets itself apart with red trim, a sporty steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters and bolstered front seats that are designed to keep you comfortable no matter how rocky the road might become. If you’re the type of driver who embraces the “work hard, play hard” ethos, the Ranger Raptor represents an alluring option that excels in both areas.  

Check Out the 2025 Ford Ranger Lineup Today

With four enticing trims on offer—including a true off-road offering in the Raptor—the 2025 Ford Ranger isn’t here to make any excuses. While off-road trims have become all the rage in today’s midsize pickup segment, the Ranger Raptor distinguishes itself with a comprehensive overhaul that includes upgrades to some of the truck’s most essential components. That might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s actually relatively rare in an industry where sport appearance packages, all-terrain tires, and fender flares often represent the pinnacle of an off-road package. The XL is as capable as it is budget-friendly while the XLT and Lariat provide those advanced tech, safety and comfort features that can make so much of a difference when you’re choosing between different models. Want to learn more about the 2025 Ranger and see why the Ford pickup has become the truck to beat in today’s midsize segment? DePaula Ford is always here to help. 

[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.