2020 Ford Ranger 4x4: A Closer Look

Truck

Compact trucks are making a comeback, and the Ford Ranger is also making a comeback after a long absence from the dealer lot. Was it worth the wait? Ford sent us a fully loaded version to take a close look, and see for ourselves. 

 Text and Photos by Chad Haire

Engine

Buyers can have any engine they want as long as it's the 2.3 liter four-cylinder EcoBoost. It cranks out 270 horsepower, which is about what you get on a V-6 from other competitors. But this smaller motor has higher low-end torque output thanks to its turbo system, and thus better throttle response at low speeds. This is important when rock crawling on rough desert trails as we did. Also assisting is a modern 10-speed automatic gearbox. No manual transmission is offered, and none is really needed. Claimed fuel economy is 20/24/22 mpg if you get the 4x4 model like this.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Mode Selector

This control knob generates three drive modes, 2x4, 4x4 high, and 4x4 low for serious off-road trails. Just a touch and turn is all it takes. A button above activates the electronic differential, which is part of the $1,295 off-road package.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Steering Wheel Controls

The steering wheel push-button controls are easy to use and large enough to use with gloves. The stalks for the windshield wipers and other controls are well placed. The gauge cluster offers lots of useful information as well.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Brake

One of the biggest complaints voiced among a few media truck testers is their claim the cabin design is "outdated" due to the lack of electronic gadgets. These gripes are unfounded. With simple knobs, easy to operate infotainment system, nice gauge cluster, there is really nothing to complain about. As a bonus, we are issued an "old fashioned" manual emergency brake, which is far superior to the common electronic units we are getting on other brands. A truck should be about function, and the Ranger does this well the way it is!

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Bed Cover

If you order the Ranger with all options, you will likely get this factory bed cover. It helps protect your gear from the elements, and thieves. It adds $995 to the tab.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Steps

Another add-on is these tube steps that allow short passenger to enter the cabin, yet don't affect ground clearance much. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Decal

Part of the off-road package is this 4x4 decal so onlookers will know you are a big spender.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Off Roading

We took this Ranger on some nasty desert trails. Its narrow width allowed it to enter tight trails full-size trucks were too wide to enter. With the torque output, high ground clearance, and comfortable suspension, it performed very well.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Price

The base price of a Ranger is $24K. As you load it up with options, the tab can really reach, in this case just over $47K. But keep in mind the real price buyers pay is not what is on the sticker, but what rebates and discounts the Ford dealers are giving at any given time. Shop around for your best deal.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 4x4 Ranger right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.