The Ford Ranger is the midsize unit in the Ford pickup truck lineup, representing a perfect meeting point of affordability and practicality, and for 2026, it's set to serve a healthy dose of both as it brings new changes to the table. In this review of the 2026 Ford Ranger redesign and specs, we’ll be going in-depth on all the latest you can expect out of the latest Ford Ranger when it drops later in the 2025 model year.
Key Takeaways:
- Updated engines, possibly including a hybrid option.
- More off-road capability through Tremor and Raptor variants.
- Upgraded infotainment and driver-assist systems.
What are the interior changes in the 2026 Ranger?
The Ford Ranger’s interior strikes a strong balance between practicality and modern design, with a cabin that feels both comfortable and thoughtfully laid out. In the first row, drivers and passengers are greeted by supportive, well-cushioned seats and an attractive dash layout that blends ruggedness with refinement. Material quality surpasses expectations for a midsize pickup, offering soft-touch surfaces and solid build quality throughout. The vertically oriented infotainment screen gives the dashboard a clean, minimalist look—though its tall format may not appeal to everyone—and the presence of physical HVAC controls ensures easy usability even when wearing gloves or driving off-road.
Moving to the second row, the Ranger provides seating for three, which is standard across all modern models. Legroom and headroom are generous for the segment, making it comfortable for most passengers on long trips. However, taller riders may still find the front passenger seat more appealing, especially during extended drives. The rear bench also folds up to reveal additional storage, highlighting Ford’s effort to maximize interior functionality.
What engine options will the 2026 Ranger offer?
The 2025 Ford Ranger offers two powerful and well-engineered turbocharged engines that deliver an excellent mix of performance and efficiency for a midsize pickup. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of grunt for daily driving, towing, or light off-roading. In testing by MotorTrend, a four-wheel-drive Ranger equipped with this engine sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 6.9 seconds—an impressive time for its class. Despite its strong performance, fuel economy remains competitive, with estimates around 20–21 mpg in the city and 24–25 mpg on the highway, depending on drivetrain and trim configuration.
For those seeking extra muscle, Ford offers a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6, borrowed from the F-150 and Bronco, which transforms the Ranger into a significantly more potent truck. With 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque on tap, acceleration improves noticeably, cutting the 0–60 mph time down to roughly 6.3 seconds. However, that added power comes at a modest fuel economy cost, with ratings of around 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. This powertrain makes the Ranger feel more refined and responsive, especially when merging onto highways or towing heavier loads, giving drivers a level of performance closer to that of full-size pickups.
Is the 2026 Ford Ranger Versatile?
The Ranger provides one of the best models for versatility in the pickup class. Ford’s specialty has always been its ability to provide flexible platforms to suit a wide array of needs, and the latest iteration of the Ranger is no exception. If the Ranger sounds like it can meet your everyday driving needs, be sure to contact us at Brighton Ford so our sales team can help you find the perfect one!