Automotive Engineering - September 2023 - 15

ROAD
READY
Ford Ranger fully redesigned for 2024
When Ford first reintroduced the
Ranger to North America in 2019, it was
welcomed largely because of its revered
nameplate. But outside of a lauded
2.3-L 4-cylinder turbo engine and an
impressive array of options, there
wasn't much to write home about. And
critics downgraded the lineup for a
spartan interior and having a ride that
bounced passengers around.
Ford says it built the 2024 Ranger
lineup with that feedback in mind. And,
for the enthusiast crowd, the yearnedfor
Ranger Raptor makes its loud debut
with a 405-hp engine.
If a first look at the new Ranger makes
you say, " it looks bigger, " that's because
it is. Sort of. Despite the overall length
and width staying virtually the same, the
wheelbase and track are two inches longer
and wider, at 128.7 inches (326.9 cm)
and 63.8 inches (162 cm) respectively.
Keeping the overall dimensions the
same was important, said Juan De
Peña, chief engineer for North America.
" It looks tough, it looks planted, but it
still fits in a garage, " he said. Unlike the
incumbent Ranger that's available in
SuperCab (with 6-ft/182.9-cm bed) and
SuperCrew (with 5-ft/152.4-cm bed)
configurations, the new truck only
comes in SuperCrew form with a 59.6inch
(151.4 cm) bed in either two- or
four-wheel-drive.
De Peña said a mix of metals were
used for the body to achieve a balance
of light weight and cost: The fenders,
hood and tailgate (which doubles as a
workbench, ruler included) are aluminum.
Doors and other panels are steel.
Two useful new features: The increased
track width now allows a 4-foot
(1.2 meter) sheet of plywood to be
placed flat in the bed between the wheel
wells, and a side step for accessing the
bed that's integrated to the frame.
Nourian said that prevents people from
having to lever up on top of the relatively
tall tires. It's made for both feet at
once and can hold up to 300 lb (136 kg).
The 2024 Ranger Raptor wears the familiar design
cues of the F-150 and Bronco Raptors.
Though none of the models at the preview
event (except the Raptor) had side
steps, Nourian said they are an option
throughout the lineup.
Powertrain choices, handling
improvements
The 2024 Ranger's larger hood, combined
with the new hydroformed front
end of the frame, made room for the
wider variety of engines available. The
base engine is Ford's workhorse 2.3-L
EcoBoost turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
that generates 270 hp (201 kW) and
310 lb-ft (420 Nm). Available late in the
2024 model year will be a 2.7-L
EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 that will deliver
315 hp (234 kW) and 400 lb-ft (542
Nm). All engines are mated to the Ford
10-speed automatic Selectshift transmission
with available electronic shifton-the-fly
4-wheel-drive. Mileage estimates
were not available.
The base engine has a maximum
towing capacity rated at 5,510 lb (2,499
kg) with a 1,411-lb (640 kg) maximum
payload. The optional engine can tow
7,500 lb (3,402 kg) and carry a 1,805-lb
(818 kg) payload.
Ranger Lariat comes with
leather upholstery and Ford's
largest touchscreen.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
Interior improvements
The overall interior materials have been
improved over the previous generation.
Nourian said that the higher the interior
trim level, the more soft materials were
September 2023 15
BOTH IMAGES: FORD
Automotive Engineering - September 2023

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