Only 1 Ford Truck Failed to Earn Top Honors
We have great news for most of the Ford truck lineup. Most of the pickup trucks achieved top honors, from big to small. However, a certain middle child fell short. Let’s see why one Ford truck isn’t raking in awards.
The 2024 Ford Ranger didn’t win the Best Buy Award
The Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards are out for 2024. The 2024 Ford Maverick won Best Compact Truck, the 2024 Ford F-150 won Best Full-size Truck, and the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning won Best Electric Truck.
But the 2024 Ford Ranger lost Best Midsize Truck to the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. This is a little awkward for the Ranger as it struggles to find its place in the segment. It may have debuted months before the brand-new Toyota Tacoma, but it’s already getting left behind.
We’re wondering if the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards are being fair. How can the 2024 Tacoma win the segment when the new models aren’t on the road for people to test?
Press drives for the Tacoma and Ranger have allowed a small number of journalists to spend roughly a day in both trucks. Was that enough time to truly judge them?
The winners are picked based on vehicles driven, evaluated, and reviewed by KBB staff members.
Each vehicle is judged based on hands-on experience, resale value, cost-to-own data, comfort, cargo space, infotainment systems, cost, amenities, build quality, reliability, and warranties.
The tests take place on traffic loops in Irvine California to test the vehicles in everyday situations. So overall, the Tacoma must be a better package than the Ranger.
Why did the other Ford trucks win their segments?
The 2024 Ford F-150 is the Best Full-Size Truck because it’s versatile. It can be configured as a basic work truck, a luxurious family ride, a highly capable off-roader, or everything in between. It has six powertrains and eight trim levels.
Plus, it’s loaded with innovative tech to make the job easier. It has a stout standard engine, can tow up to 13,500 lbs, and has tons of safety features available, including Blue Cruise hands-free driving tech.
The 2024 Ford Maverick is the Best Compact Truck because it’s capable and easy to drive around town. It can tow up to 4,000 lbs, has a practical bed with power outlets, and has an efficient hybrid powertrain available.
Not only is the Maverick fun to drive, thanks to its unibody construction, but it’s also comfortable with an affordable starting price.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning is the Best Electric Truck because it has a reasonable price, advanced tech, and an impressive range. It can tow up to 10,000 lbs, accelerate to 60 mph in under four seconds, and has a spacious frunk.
Take advantage of the 15.5-inch touchscreen, use your phone as a key, and power devices with the 240-volt outlets.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the Best Midsize Truck because it has a refined ride quality, gained more power, and even has a hybrid model available. It’s spacious and fun to operate with confidence.
It has a 14-inch touchscreen, storage solutions, a wireless trailer camera, new safety features, and its classic Tacoma personality.
But as the Ranger ramps up production and more people get a chance to test it out, it could make a comeback.
