The 2021 Ford Ranger Provides the Lowest Cost of Ownership
Cheers, you can celebrate a financial victory with the 2021 Ford Ranger! Since the Ford Ranger made its return, it’s kept things pretty easy and practical. As a result, it provides the lowest cost of ownership compared to rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado in the midsize truck segment.
Is the 2021 Ford Ranger a good truck?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Ranger is an excellent truck that stands out against the competition for having a solid towing capacity, stout acceleration, and tons of standard features. Now, it also has the lowest cost of ownership.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Ford Ranger has a $40,532 five-year cost to own. This is about $2,308 less than the segment average. Data gathered by KBB analysts is used to develop the five-year cost-to-own projections.
The projected resale value is provided after analyzing the insurance costs, state fees, fuel cost, maintenance and repair costs, and more. Plus, the model level is sales-weighted with popular trim levels to accurately depict what to expect with the ownership experience.
You can get started in a new Ford Ranger for about $24,820, making it a pretty economical option. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway, too, providing savings at the fuel pump.
How does the Ford Ranger perform?
The 2021 Ford Ranger has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,500 lbs. This means you can tow some campers and trailers without needing a full-sized truck.
According to Edmunds, the Ford Ranger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds, which is pretty fast for a midsize option. While the brakes can be a little grabby, the Ranger is an agile option that’s easy to maneuver in tight areas.
According to Car and Driver, four-wheel-drive variants of the Ranger have 8.9-inches of ground clearance. You can add the FX4 package to enhance its off-roading abilities.
Plus, the Terrain Management System optimizes the engine and transmission gearing to optimize performance over rough or slippery terrain. It provides four driving modes, including Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.
The Ranger comes with an 8-inch infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. You can opt for blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more.
How reliable is the Ford Ranger?
If the Ford Ranger has a low cost of ownership, then it’s probably a reliable option. This might not be the case. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ford Ranger has a predicted reliability rating of two out of five. This score is below average.
But let’s dig a little deeper. The Consumer Reports predicted reliability rating is based on problems that drivers reported with previous model years, not the current model.
It looks like the 2019 Ford Ranger struggled with minor transmission, power equipment, and drive system issues that haven’t been reported on the 2020 model. This suggests that the previous problems have been alleviated.
Overall, the Ford Ranger serves as a reliable truck with enough muscle to get the job done. It also includes modern tech and safety features to keep the ride safe and comfortable, with the added benefit of having the lowest cost of ownership.
