The 2021 Ford Ranger Isn’t Recommended by Consumer Reports
Wait a second. The 2021 Ford Ranger isn’t recommended by Consumer Reports? Well, why not? The Ford Ranger is an excellent option to consider, so what’s the problem? Buckle up because we’re about to find out.
Why doesn’t Consumer Reports recommend the 2021 Ford Ranger?
According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ford Ranger only has an overall score of 46 out of 100. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It still ranks fourth place on the list of the best compact pickup trucks. The Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, and Honda Ridgeline take the top three spots.
One thing that may hurt the Ranger’s score is its low predicted reliability rating. The Ranger scored a two out of five, which is below average. The reliability rating is based on issues that owners reported on previous models.
However, most of the issues reported on the 2019 Ranger, like power equipment problems, drive system issues, and transmission problems, were not reported on the 2020 model. This could mean that previous problems have been resolved.
How does the 2021 Ranger perform?
The 2021 Ford Ranger has a predicted owner satisfaction rating of four out of five, meaning this truck makes people happy. It has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,080 lbs.
There are six tie-downs in the bed, and the central locking system includes the tailgate. However, the tall besides may get in the way of loading. The tailgate is undamped, and the steel bed is a little plain.
According to Edmunds, the Ranger can be fun to drive with its ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. However, the steering is a little light, the suspension doesn’t handle bumps well, and may do a nosedive with sudden braking.
On a positive note, the cabin is pretty quiet. The large seats are comfortably padded, but the rear seats are comfortable but have an upright seating position that could get tiresome. The climate system is a little tricky and takes some practice to master.
What features does the 2021 Ranger offer?
The 2021 Ford Ranger scored a 43 out of 100 in terms of value. This measures what drivers got relative to the price they paid. The Ranger starts at about $24,820, making it an affordable option. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway too.
According to Car and Driver, the interior of the 2021 Ford Ranger seems dated. The design includes dull and cheap plastic materials. However, the seats are comfortable, and the controls are user-friendly.
The base model comes with a four-speaker AM/FM radio system, one USB port, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrade to higher trim levels for the 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also, the Ranger doesn’t include a lot of standard safety features aside from forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Available options include blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Ranger seems to have a low score because it’s not the most comfortable option, and more standard features could be included. However, it’s fun to drive and has a lot of strength to get work done.
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