A Splash of Chrome adds a Touch of Class to a Capable Middle of the Lineup Truck
by Peter Ciani
When the average Jane or Joe hunts for a new midsize pickup, chances are they’ll aim for the middle of the lineup at their local dealership. More than likely, that will be a Ford dealership, and that’s when the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT will come into their sights.
Not nearly as exotic as the Raptor perched at the top of the Ford Ranger food chain , the XLT tracks middle ground among the non-extreme performance models in the Ranger lineup, accompanied by the base XL and the decked out Lariat.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT (all photos by Peter Ciani except where noted otherwise)
The entry-level XL ($32,720 MSRP) is the value play or workhorse in the Ranger lineup, but these days entry-level doesn’t necessarily mean bare-bones. Sure, the XL plays the part, coming standard with basic black vinyl flooring, but you also get a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo engine, 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and LED exterior lighting including automatic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights.
As expected, on the other end of the spectrum, the Lariat trim offers a few more interior niceties, including heated, leather-trimmed power front seats, a 12-inch center-stack touchscreen display, and a Bang & Olufsen Sound System.
Getting back to this week’s ride, the new 2024 Ford Ranger XLT is the “just right” trim in the Ranger lineup. I say that because the XLT gets more tech than the XL, but it also lets you add many features that you’ll find on the Lariat – in a sort of à la carte ordering. You may not care for leather seats, but if you tow you might want to add the available 2.7-liter V6 and the Advanced Towing Technology Package, which includes Ford’s innovative Pro Trailer Assist.
Some of the additional tech you get for its starting MSRP of $35,660 includes SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, LED bed lighting, 120V/400W in-cab and in-bed power outlets, and remote start.
More importantly, the XLT also features Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, which comprises BLIS Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Reverse Sensing. That’s a good amount of tech for the $3,000 cost over the XL.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT With Sandstone Interior | Photo: Ford
All trims provide seating for five passengers. XL and XLT trims offer Premium Cloth seats only. The XL gets an Ebony (black) interior, while the XLT gives you a choice of Ebony or Sandstone (tan). Our test vehicle came with the Sandstone, which works well with the Azure Grey Metallic exterior color. The Lariat trim offers the same interior color choices, but the seats are covered in leather as opposed to cloth.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT
Outside, the XLT gets a standard Sport Appearance Package with gray-painted aluminum Sport Wheels and gray front and rear bumper trim. Our tester also included the FX4 Off-Road Package with an electronic-locking differential, underbody skid plates, off-road-tuned shocks, and the Chrome Appearance Package.
I’m a fan of the Chrome Package. It gives the Ranger a more elegant look, especially when paired with the Azure Grey Metallic Tri-Coat paint of our test truck. On the XLT, the package adds a chrome grille surround and center bar, a chrome rear bumper, chrome tow hooks (4×4 models), and 18-inch chrome-like wheels as Ford describes them. Chrome running boards are also included when paired with the FX4 Package.
2024 Ford Ranger XLT With Chrome & FX4 Packages | Photo: Ford
Standard power for the Ranger comes from a 270-horsepower, 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 makes 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, and is available on the XLT and Lariat trims. The 2.3-liter engine can be ordered with rear-wheel drive or optional 4×4 drive. The V6 is only available with 4×4 drive.
Ford Ranger Towing | Photo: Ford Media
The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds; maximum available payload capacity tops out at 1,805 pounds.
Handling was a priority in designing this sixth-generation Ranger. The fully boxed steel frame has been stretched to allow for more bed space, and the rear shocks and mounts have been moved outboard. Both of these improvements work to enhance ride quality and ride control. Overall, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers a stable, comfortable on-road ride for a truck with an off-road-tuned suspension, which is a good thing considering that many buyers likely won’t take it off-road often.
For some buyers, covering the middle-ground in the lineup may appear to be a somewhat ho-hum job, but for those Janes and Joes with an eagle eye, the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT pickup actually makes a superb choice especially if they want plenty of tech and more space and capability than the compact Ford Maverick, yet don’t need a full-size F-150.
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