2021 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Ford Ranger

Engines

The first thing most people want to know about any pickup is what engine it has, how well it performs, and what the towing capacity is. The current Ranger has been powered by a Ford EcoBoost 2.3-liter engine since its return to the market in 2019, and there has been no change for the 2021 model year. This engine provides a robust 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which continues to be more torque than any other gasoline engine in its class. Ford's EcoBoost engines have proven to be a reliable powertrain and provide commendable performance in vehicles ranging from pickups to sports cars.

Fuel Economy

The choice of a turbocharged engine also provides an excellent balance between power and fuel efficiency, particularly since both iterations of the Ford Ranger pair its engine with a modern 10-speed automatic transmission. This is why the Ford Ranger is capable of achieving 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient gasoline pickup on the market. If you are looking for a midsize truck as a more efficient alternative to a full-size truck, then the Ford Ranger is the best option around.

Towing & Payload

Both the 2020 Ford Ranger and the 2021 Ford Ranger are capable of towing up to 7,500 lbs, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 lbs. The SuperCab configuration provides drivers with a 6-foot bed for packing goods or hauling cargo, while the SuperCrew has a 5-foot bed, sacrificing some of its exterior cargo space for additional passenger volume in the five-seater cabin. However, even the SuperCab provides seating for four passengers, allowing you to carry family and friends without giving up cargo space.

Infotainment

The Ford 2021 base LX trim comes standard with FordPass, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and four speakers in the cabin. Ford's wireless Sync technology is also made available, which allows drivers and passengers to utilize voice-activated communication and entertainment apps for hands-free interactivity. Higher trims feature six-speakers as a standard, along with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for iPhones and Android devices, as well as SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. New for the 2021 model year is the SXT Special Edition Package that brings many of these more advanced features to the base XL trim of the truck.

Convenience

Keyless remote entry is available as an optional feature on the XL trim, but the XLT and Lariat come standard with remote keyless entry. All three trims include power windows, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, 12-volt power outlets, front cupholders, dashboard storage, and illuminated entry. The 2020 Ford Ranger also has all the same features as the 2021 Ford Ranger, meaning that the 2021 model year retained everything that was implemented for the 2020 year model coming off the 2019 re-launch.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for Ford when it comes to its pickup trucks. The 2021 Ford Ranger is no exception here and is outfitted with a bevy of safety alerts, warnings, and other accessories to keep both driver and passengers safe. Some of these features include warnings for low washer fluid or if something is preventing a door from closing. Individual tire pressure sensors, battery warnings, and lights-on warnings are also available with the 2021 Ford Ranger.

On the suspension side of safety, anti-roll bars, electric power-assist steering with speed-sensing capabilities, as well as side-impact bars, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability with anti-roll functionality are designed to keep everyone safe inside the cabin in case of an accident. Additional occupant-sensing airbags and seat belt tensioners further Ford's aim to keep everyone inside the cabin secure.

However, the best safety feature of the Ranger is Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance systems. Even the base trim is available with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping, and automatic emergency braking. The higher trims come with all of these features standard and also offer adaptive cruise control to make highway driving more relaxing.

Appearance

The 2021 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Ford Ranger has so far seen mostly the same features across both model year vehicles. However, the biggest departure between the two is in some of the exterior options.

The 2020 Ford Ranger comes with nine total color options, with four new color options added to the palette compared to the 2019 Ford Ranger. The three new colors for the 2020 outing included Race Red, Iconic Silver, and Rapid Red Metallic. These three join six other carryover colors from 2019, including Lightning Blue, Magnetic Gray, Oxford White, Saber, Shadow Black, and White Platinum.

The 2021 Ford Ranger adds four new exterior paint jobs to the line-up compared to the 2020 Ford Ranger. This includes Cactus Gray Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Cyber Orange Tricoat, and Velocity Blue. The four new colors join Iconic Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Race Red, Rapid Red Metallic, and Shadow Black Metallic. The interior colors stay the same as before, with Ebony and Medium Stone being the two options.

Packages

Now there haven't been many changes to the existing packages, with the 2021 Ford Ranger XL and XLT retaining their convenience, safety, and entertainment packages. The optional upgrade packages, such as the Bed Utility package containing a plastic drop-in bed liner and 12-volt power plug, are still available. The Lariat comes with upgrades such as the Technology Package, which enables adaptive cruise control and forward sensing navigation. The Black Appearance package has seen a minor upgrade for 2021, with new 18-inch wheels and grille added, as well as new bed decals and black Ford badges.

All three trims can also use the Trailering Tow package for improved trailering thanks to a Class IV trailer hitch receiver. Both the 2020 and 2021 Ford Ranger also come with exclusive off-road upgrades in the form of the FX4 package, which offers 18-inch off-road wheels, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, and a terrain management system. However, the 2021 Ranger will also offer the brand new Tremor Package with even more top of the line off-road line features that will allow this midsize truck to conquer the toughest trails with ease. Finally, the 2021 Ranger is available with the SXT appearance and technology package to bring premium features to the base XL trim.

While the 2020 Ford Ranger already offers plenty of options for customizing its performance and appearance, the 2021 Ford Ranger has only taken this further. Not only does the new model year offer additional color options and the sinister Black appearance package, but it will also come with the brand new SXT and Tremor packages with plenty of high-value features.