Review of the 2025 North American Truck of the Year – Ford Ranger

A group of 50 automotive journalists who test drive and evaluate almost every new truck during the year selected the 2025 Ford Ranger for the North American Truck of the Year. After a week behind the wheel of the Ford Ranger, it demonstrated why it won the coveted title. There is a reason why Ford continues to dominate the midsize truck market against rivals like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline. Whipping its competitors with its blend of rugged capability, advanced technology, and design. Fresh off a redesign in 2024, the Ford Ranger was upgraded to strengthen its position in the hotly contested midsize truck market, adding more towing capacity, off-road capability, safety technology, and driving performance. Power/Performance: The Ranger offers two turbocharged engine options that include a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 270 horsepower and a twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost six-cylinder that generates 315 horses. They are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Ranger also offers a high-performance Raptor that generates a staggering 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0-liter EcoBoost six-cylinder engine. Trim Levels and Pricing: Although all three versions of the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup have five-foot beds, they cater to truck buyers, from workhorse enthusiasts to off-road adventurers. The base XL trim starts at $34,575 MSRP, while XLT, which I tested, is $37,105. The top-of-line Lariat model begins at $45,375 MSRP. Features and Technology: The 2025 Ford Ranger is loaded with advanced technology and creature features, surrounding you with modern-day comfort and convenience, including large touchscreens, digital gauge clusters, fold-flat rear seats, and software upgrades. Other appealing upgrades include Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easy hookup and towing up to 7500 pounds. The Ranger XLT comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance safety features, including Lane-Keep Assist, Blind-Sport Monitoring, Rear Park Sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a 360-degree camera system. Fuel Economy: The EPA rates the four-cylinder rear-wheel-drive Ranger at 21 city/25 highway mpg; the four-wheel drive gets one less mpg. The six-cylinder Ranger averages 19 City/23 highway mpg. Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.