Ford Ranger (2025)

Alex Leanse from MotorTrend highlights the 2025 Ford Ranger as a solid, well-rounded midsize pickup that builds on its predecessor with strong V-6 powertrains, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and a versatile bed. While the truck’s core features and trims remain largely unchanged from 2024, new exterior colors and a Black Appearance package add fresh appeal. The Ranger excels in everyday driving comfort and offers advanced tech options, including large infotainment screens and comprehensive safety features. However, the review tempers enthusiasm with critiques of the truck’s braking performance, some cheap-feeling interior switchgear, and average fuel economy. The absence of a hybrid model this year is noted, though a hybrid variant is anticipated in the future. The Ranger Raptor stands out for its off-road prowess and powerful engine. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive tone, appreciating the Ranger’s practicality and refinement while acknowledging areas where it falls short compared to competitors.

Andrew Wendler from Car and Driver highlights the 2025 Ford Ranger as a refined and well-rounded mid-size pickup that builds on the strengths of its 2024 redesign with only minor updates. Praised for its stable on-road handling, comfortable ride, and strong engine options—including a notably quick twin-turbo V-6—the Ranger earns a solid 9/10 rating and an Editors’ Choice accolade. Wendler appreciates the versatile interior, which ranges from spartan to luxurious trims, and the inclusion of modern tech features like Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment and driver-assistance packages. However, he notes the Lariat’s price approaches full-size truck territory, making the mid-range XLT a more balanced choice. While the Ranger competes well against rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, buyers are advised to consider lightly used models due to minimal changes and the lack of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Overall, the review conveys measured enthusiasm, emphasizing the Ranger’s strong value and capability with thoughtful caveats.

Allyson Harwood from Kelley Blue Book praises the 2025 Ford Ranger SuperCrew as a highly capable and comfortable midsize truck that builds on last year’s redesign with refined powertrains, improved ride quality, and a modern interior. The review highlights the Ranger’s strong engine options—including a powerful twin-turbo V6 in the Raptor trim—competitive towing and payload capacities, and a well-designed cabin featuring user-friendly tech and thoughtful storage. Harwood notes the Ranger’s stable, compliant ride and its appeal for both work and off-road enthusiasts, especially with the specialized Raptor model. While the single crew cab/short bed configuration limits versatility, and upper trims can get pricey, the Ranger remains a top contender in a fiercely competitive segment. Unique features like the damped tailgate workbench, advanced trailer backup assist, and off-road driving aids add practical value. Overall, the review conveys a confident, positive tone with measured acknowledgment of minor trade-offs.

Car Magazine praises the 2025 Ford Ranger as the best pickup truck currently available, blending traditional ruggedness with modern comfort and technology. The review highlights the Ranger’s versatility, offering seven trims and three body styles to suit both work and lifestyle needs, with engines focused on strength and impressive payload and towing capacities. The driving experience is notably improved over rivals, with a smoother ride, light steering, and a refined 10-speed automatic transmission. Interior options range from utilitarian to luxurious, with the Platinum trim standing out for comfort and premium features. Off-road capabilities are well supported, especially in the Tremor trim, while electronic driving modes add modern convenience. Some minor drawbacks include firm suspension typical of pickups, slightly upright rear seats, and buried Isofix points. The review also notes upcoming tax changes that may affect running costs. Overall, the Ranger is celebrated for its all-around excellence, though the wide choice of trims may overwhelm some buyers.

Kristen Brown from Autoblog highlights the 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat as a surprisingly refined and capable mid-sized truck that transforms long road trips and off-road adventures into enjoyable experiences. She praises the significant interior upgrades, including a tech-forward yet user-friendly 12.4-inch infotainment screen, comfortable leather seats, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, which together elevate the Ranger beyond a typical work truck. The truck’s off-road features, such as multiple terrain modes, a helpful tire placement predictor, and factory skid plates, impressed her during muddy trail driving. While fuel economy was modest at 23 mpg, performance from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine was adequate, with the optional 2.7-liter V6 recommended for heavier towing. Brown notes some rear-seat space and comfort limitations for adults and families but finds the Ranger practical and surprisingly comfortable as a daily driver with kids. Overall, she views the Ranger as a handsome, well-priced, and modern truck that sheds its “cheap” reputation.

Bruce Smith from GearJunkie highlights the 2025 Ford Ranger 4x4 Lariat as a sporty and capable mid-size pickup that excels in power, towing, and off-road performance, especially with the standout 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine option. Praising its nimble handling, advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, and sophisticated tech features like the large SYNC 4A touchscreen and Active Park Assist 2.0, Smith emphasizes the Ranger’s blend of ruggedness and modern connectivity. The truck’s build quality, extensive global testing, and strong warranty further reinforce its appeal. However, he notes some drawbacks, including a springy, harsh rear suspension, tight rear passenger space, limited cab/bed configurations, and only average fuel economy. While the price can be higher than some competitors, the Ranger’s unique turbocharged V6 and best-in-class 4WD system make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those needing serious towing capability. Overall, Smith presents a balanced, enthusiastic view that appreciates the Ranger’s strengths while acknowledging its trade-offs.

Scott Newman from WhichCar highlights the 2025 Ford Ranger XLT as a well-rounded dual-cab ute that continues to lead its segment in Australia, thanks to its strong safety ratings, refined driving dynamics, and versatile performance both on- and off-road. While the Ranger may lack some of the advanced features and luxuries found in newer Chinese rivals and higher-spec Ford variants, it delivers a comfortable, practical cabin and a choice of capable powertrains, including a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, a refined V6, and a PHEV option with limited electric range. Newman emphasizes the Ranger’s balanced handling, towing capacity, and well-calibrated safety systems, making it suitable for commuting, work, and adventure. Although pricing has risen since launch and the PHEV’s real-world fuel economy varies, the Ranger XLT’s combination of proven reliability, solid equipment, and affordable servicing makes it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing driving experience and versatility over extra frills.

Scott Collie from CarExpert highlights that more than two years after its launch, the Ford Ranger remains the dominant dual-cab ute in Australia, particularly the XLT variant, which strikes a strong balance of capability, comfort, and modern features. The review conveys a very positive and confident tone, praising the Ranger’s refined V6 engine, full-time four-wheel drive system, and well-thought-out interior with ample storage and a user-friendly infotainment system. Collie notes the Ranger’s excellent towing performance, off-road competence, and comfortable ride quality for a ladder-frame ute, while acknowledging minor drawbacks such as the basic digital instrument cluster and the rear USB port omission. Despite increasing competition from rivals with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the Ranger’s proven reliability, safety features, and practical design keep it highly relevant. The review suggests the XLT trim offers most of what buyers need without the premium price of higher trims, making the Ranger a compelling choice for a versatile workhorse.