Top 5 Signs You Should Consider the Ford Ranger, Not an F-Series Truck

The Ford Ranger may be overlooked in the Ford family, what with the enduring popularity of the F-series trucks, a huge lineup of tough-towing pickups. Tack on a higher number to its name – F-250, F-350, and so on – and you’ll get even more grueling, momentous towing and payload power that can do the impossible. It’s no wonder F-series trucks are the best-selling work trucks in America for many years. That’s why when you look around at Cincinnati used cars, you are bound to find a ton of F-series models.

But back to the Ranger. This adventurous mid-size pickup may not be known for its strength like the F-150, but it has more advantages that you may not expect. So next time you’re considering buying a used truck, consider a low-cost, long-lasting, and highly versatile Ford Ranger. Here are the top signs that this truck, not one of the F-series models, is the right buy for you.

You Don’t Actually Plan on Towing Much

Bragging rights are one thing – and many Ford F-150 drivers sure love to brag about their best-in-class towing potential – but how often do you actually plan on putting your truck to the test? Ford F-series commercials can be thrilling, and it’s fun to consider the fact that an F-250 can haul a ton of bricks in its hardy bed. However, you could spend your money more wisely and get a truck that’s actually suited to your lifestyle, like the Ranger.

Don’t mistake us; towing is important. You never know when you might consider buying a travel trailer to explore the great outdoors with your family or when you need to help a friend tow a trailer full of stuff when they’re moving. Thankfully, the Ford Ranger is also a capable enough tower, managing over 7,000 pounds when properly equipped, depending on the year. However, the new Ford Ranger does more than work hard. It has other perks for those who don’t need to invest in pure, unmatched strength.

You Love the Great Outdoors

Adventure lovers, listen up: the Ford Ranger is your new best friend. Its ultra-durable steel frame, mounted steel bumpers, high ground clearance, and superior torque empower you to take to the trails – or even create your own. When outfitted with the Tremor Off-Road package, available on some models, the Ford Ranger becomes one of the most off-road capable vehicles on earth.

You can forget about Jeep, Land Rover, or any other overpriced off-roaders that claim to do it all. The new Ranger can go where no other vehicle can even dream of traveling. This is all thanks to boosts like the Terrain Management System, which adjusts to unstable driving conditions like snow and adjusts its performance accordingly.

Meanwhile, you can tack on gear like carriers and racks for transporting all of your favorite outdoorsy equipment, including kayaks, rafts, and bikes. The bed can easily haul ATVs and other heavy off-road equipment, too. Ford is the name behind the popular off-road-capable Bronco, after all. They just tweaked these off-road perks into one of their pickup trucks when they crafted the Ranger, designing it to travel anywhere and keep you in control when you blaze your own trail. The F-series trucks may be able to go off-road, but they tend to be bulkier and harder to maneuver. If you’re an off-roader, you need a Ranger.

You Want a Truck That Doesn’t Drive Like a Truck

For all its capability on the off-road and when managing the occasional towing job, the Ford Ranger doesn’t drive like a typical truck. Ford has imbued the Ranger with the same high-performance engineering that powers its popular performance car, the Mustang. With several available powertrains, four-wheel drive, a more compact and aerodynamic body style, and other performance-enhancing features, this truck is designed to feel less like a pickup when it drives. Its excellent transmission and steering mean that you always feel in control, too.

Better yet, some Rangers are designed with sports packages that give this half-ton truck a sports car look. You just might be tempted to take this truck from the trails to the racetrack. As tough as the Ford F-series trucks may be, they don’t feel quite as quick and athletic on the road as every edition of the Ranger consistently does.

You Want Extra Features

Ford trucks aren’t just about power and performance – although who can knock these perks? Ford Ranger also has surprisingly elegant interiors and advanced technology. For example, pick up a used 2019 Ranger to access Ford’s state-of-the-art infotainment system. Responsive, entertaining, and easy to navigate entertainment or helpful driving info at your fingertips make the Ranger feel like a smart assistant.

Safety features are built into the Ranger, too, so you can trust this truck in the hands of a young or first-time driver. Recent editions include automatic safety technology like a blind spot monitor and parking sensors, each designed to help prevent collisions. Shop for a Ranger with optional technology packages to enjoy smart features like keyless entry, power-folding side mirrors, and a rearview mirror that adjusts to light conditions automatically. Who says pickups can’t be tough and smart at the same time?

You Love a Deal

Who doesn’t love saving money on a vehicle? The Ford Ranger has consistently been one of the most affordable vehicles in the Ford family, with even some new editions starting in the mid-20K range. Shopping used or certified pre-owned means tacking on even more savings, too. While the Ford F-series trucks are also priced well, even brand-new, the Ranger is usually priced lower. So even shoppers on a budget can take home Ford quality.

Certified pre-owned Rangers have even more long-lasting value to offer. That’s because certified pre-owned, or CPO, trucks offer like-new quality at used prices. These vehicles have no major accidents or damage on their title and have only one previous owner! Even better, used trucks can only qualify as certified pre-owned if they’re less than 6 years old and have been driven fewer than 80,000 miles.

Then, these lightly used CPO vehicles undergo rigorous, multi-point inspections by Ford-authorized specialists. They’re refurbished so thoroughly that by the time they hit the resale lot, they seem like a brand-new vehicle! In fact, CPO cars even come with a comprehensive limited warranty for most of the vehicle’s components, as well as a generous 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. If you can take home a certified pre-owned Ford Ranger, you’ll get like-new quality that you can count on for thousands and thousands of miles.

Shop Kings Ford

Don’t get us wrong; the Ford F-series trucks are a great buy. But for some drivers, the Ford Ranger offers a unique experience that better caters to their needs. Are you still unsure which truck may be best for you? Are you also not settled on shopping new, used, or certified pre-owned? There are advantages to each, so just stop by Kings Ford in Cincinnati, OH, to learn more! Our courteous and knowledgeable sales team can introduce you to our inventory, help you find the right vehicle for your needs and budget, and ensure you get a deal that you’ll love.

We are Cincinnati’s most trusted Ford dealer, especially when it comes to used trucks. Shopping used is an excellent way to save money while still getting the quality vehicle you need. To learn more, browse our inventory, value your trade-in, apply for financing online, and ask us any questions you may have about the Ford Ranger, as well as any other quality Ford vehicle we have in stock. Or, you can visit our dealership and check out all of our offerings in person. Stop by today; we look forward to helping you find your next vehicle with ease.