2025 Ford Ranger Review: Midsize Truck Specs & Off-Road
2025 Ford Ranger Review: Midsize Truck Specs & Off-Road Capabilities
The midsize truck market is heating up, and the 2025 Ford Ranger is stepping into the spotlight with renewed confidence. After a successful redesign in recent years, Ford continues to refine its midsize pickup to strike a balance between rugged utility, modern technology, and off-road prowess. With a growing number of consumers opting for more manageable trucks that still deliver serious capability, the 2025 Ranger aims to be a top contender. Whether you're hauling gear for a job site, towing a trailer, or seeking adventure on backcountry trails, this review will break down everything you need to know about the latest Ranger, from its engine specs and trim levels to its off-road performance and tech features.
2025 Ford Ranger: What’s New This Year?
The 2025 model year brings subtle but meaningful refinements to the Ford Ranger lineup. While the redesign introduced in previous years remains the foundation, Ford has focused on enhancing ride quality, upgrading infotainment software, and expanding driver-assistance features. New wheel designs, refreshed interior materials, and additional color options add a touch of freshness without compromising the Ranger’s proven formula.
One of the most notable updates for 2025 is the expanded availability of the FX4 Off-Road Package across more trim levels. Ford is also refining the adaptive suspension system on higher trims to deliver a smoother ride on highways while maintaining excellent off-road articulation. Additionally, the SYNC 4 infotainment system now includes faster processing, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and improved voice recognition, making the Ranger more connected than ever.
Trim Levels and Configurations
The 2025 Ford Ranger is available in several well-equipped trim levels, each tailored to different lifestyles and budgets:
- XL – The base workhorse trim, ideal for commercial users and budget-conscious buyers. It includes essential features like a 4-inch LCD display, cloth seating, and a manual transmission option.
- XLT – The most popular trim, offering a great mix of comfort and utility. Standard features include a larger touchscreen, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and optional all-terrain tires.
- Lariat – The premium trim focused on comfort and style. It features leather-trimmed seats, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and advanced safety tech.
- Raptor – The off-road flagship. Reimagined for 2025 with upgraded suspension, a more powerful engine, and aggressive styling, the Ranger Raptor is built for extreme terrain.
Each trim is available with either a SuperCab (extended cab with smaller rear-hinged doors) or SuperCrew (four full doors) body style. Bed lengths vary slightly, but all models feature a 5.5-foot cargo box with available LED lighting, a power-release tailgate, and an integrated 110-volt outlet for powering tools on the job site or campsite.
Engine and Powertrain Specs
At the heart of the 2025 Ford Ranger is a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard across all trims except the Raptor, which features a more robust version tuned to deliver 330 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The increase in output for the Raptor comes from larger turbochargers, revised engine mapping, and a high-flow exhaust system.
All non-Raptor models come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and are available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The transmission has been recalibrated for 2025 to deliver smoother shifts and improved fuel economy. Ford also offers a manual transmission option on the XL trim for enthusiasts who prefer greater control.
The Raptor trim, however, pairs its upgraded EcoBoost engine with a heavy-duty 10-speed auto transmission designed to handle extreme torque loads during high-speed desert runs and rock crawling. It also features a two-speed transfer case, electronically locking rear differential, and advanced traction management with six drive modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Baja, and Rock Crawl.
Fuel economy for the standard Ranger is rated at an estimated 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway, while the Raptor sees a slight dip due to its larger tires and aggressive tuning, coming in at 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway. Both figures are competitive in the midsize segment, especially when factoring in the Ranger’s towing and payload capacity.
Towing and Payload Capacity
One of the Ranger’s strong suits is its impressive towing and payload numbers for a midsize truck. With the proper configuration, the 2025 Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package. This makes it capable of hauling small boats, horse trailers, or camper vans with ease.
The payload capacity reaches up to 1,860 pounds, depending on the trim and drivetrain. The FX4 Off-Road Package slightly reduces payload due to added suspension components, but the trade-off is worth it for off-road adventurers. The Ranger’s frame-mounted hitch, integrated trailer brake controller, and available Pro Trailer Backup Assist make towing more intuitive and safer than ever.
Off-Road Capabilities: FX4 and Raptor Models
For off-road enthusiasts, the 2025 Ford Ranger delivers two compelling options: the FX4 Off-Road Package and the Ranger Raptor.
FX4 Off-Road Package
Available on XLT and Lariat trims, the FX4 package adds serious off-road hardware without breaking the bank. Key features include:
- Off-road-tuned suspension with increased travel
- Front and rear tow hooks
- Skid plates for engine, fuel tank, and transfer case
- Electronic locking rear differential
- All-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels
- Off-road traction control with mud and sand modes
The FX4-equipped Ranger can handle rocky trails, muddy forest roads, and snow-covered paths with confidence. Approach, departure, and breakover angles are improved over the standard model, and the ground clearance increases to 8.9 inches. Hill Descent Control and Trail Turn Assist further enhance its trail capability.
Ranger Raptor: Built for Adventure
The Ranger Raptor takes off-road performance to the next level. Inspired by its larger F-150 Raptor sibling, this model is engineered for high-speed desert running, rock crawling, and overlanding. Key upgrades include:
- Built by Fox Racing: 3.1-inch internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs
- Wide fender flares to accommodate 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Reinforced frame and underbody protection
- 7-mode drive system with Baja mode for dune running
- Off-road crawl ratio of 65:1 for maximum low-speed control
- Enhanced approach angle (34.3 degrees) and departure angle (26.7 degrees)
The Raptor also features a unique front bumper with integrated recovery points and a redesigned hood with functional vents to reduce engine heat during sustained off-road use. Inside, the Raptor includes sport bucket seats with aggressive bolstering, aluminum pedals, and a flat-bottom steering wheel for a more performance-oriented feel.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The 2025 Ranger’s cabin has come a long way from its previous generations, offering a more refined and tech-forward environment. Even the base XL trim includes modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system on a standard 8-inch touchscreen.
Higher trims like the Lariat and Raptor feature a 12-inch vertical touchscreen that dominates the center stack. This display runs the SYNC 4 system and supports split-screen functionality, cloud-based navigation, and wireless connectivity. The digital instrument cluster is also fully configurable, allowing drivers to prioritize off-road data, navigation, or vehicle settings.
Comfort features across the range include dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and available ventilated seats on the Lariat. The Raptor adds unique touches like red accent stitching, metallic trim, and available head-up display.
Cabin materials have been upgraded, with soft-touch surfaces, improved sound insulation, and better fit-and-finish. While it's not quite luxury-truck territory, the Ranger's interior feels competitive with rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety remains a top priority for Ford, and the 2025 Ranger comes equipped with a robust suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), branded as Co-Pilot360. Standard features across all trims include:
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keeping System
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
Optional on higher trims is the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 package, which adds:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Lane Centering
- Blind Spot Steering Assist
- Active Park Assist
- Intelligent Speed Assist
For 2025, Ford has improved the responsiveness of these systems, especially in off-road conditions. For example, the adaptive cruise control now adjusts more smoothly on rough terrain, and the lane-centering system is less intrusive on winding mountain roads.
2025 Ford Ranger Raptor: A Closer Look
The Ranger Raptor is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a purpose-built off-road machine. Designed for extreme terrain, it features unique engineering that sets it apart from the standard Ranger.
Under the skin, the Raptor uses a fully boxed frame with additional reinforcements to handle the stresses of high-speed impacts. The Fox shocks are tuned to absorb large bumps while maintaining stability, and the long-travel suspension allows each wheel to move independently over uneven surfaces.
The Baja mode optimizes throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control for high-speed desert running. Meanwhile, Rock Crawl mode reduces engine speed and increases torque delivery for precise low-speed maneuvering. The Raptor also includes a built-in inclinometer, compass, and differential lock status on the digital cluster for real-time feedback.
Pricing for the 2025 Ranger Raptor starts at around $56,000, making it a premium choice in the midsize segment. However, for off-road enthusiasts, the performance and durability justify the cost. It competes directly with the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the upcoming Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, but the Raptor’s blend of power, technology, and suspension design gives it a distinct edge.
How It Compares to the Competition
The midsize truck segment is more competitive than ever, with strong offerings from Toyota, Chevrolet, GMC, and Honda. Here’s how the 2025 Ford Ranger stacks up:
Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has long dominated the midsize market, but the Ranger offers a more refined ride and superior horsepower. The Tacoma’s new 2024 model features a turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder with 278 hp, still less than the Ranger’s 300 hp. However, the Tacoma has a stronger resale value and reputation for reliability. The Ranger counters with better on-road manners and more advanced tech.
Ford Ranger vs. Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado offers a wider range of engines, including a diesel option, but its base turbo-four produces less power than the Ranger’s EcoBoost. The Colorado ZR2 is a serious off-road competitor with Multimatic DSSV dampers, but the Ranger Raptor’s Fox suspension and Baja mode make it more fun at high speeds. Interior quality is a toss-up, with both trucks improving in recent years.
Ford Ranger vs. Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline takes a different approach with unibody construction and standard AWD. It offers a smooth ride and innovative features like a trunk in the bed, but it lacks the rugged body-on-frame design and off-road capability of the Ranger. The Ridgeline is better suited for suburban families, while the Ranger