Note: After fifteen years of writing car reviews, I have decided to venture into video. I am starting off slowly and rather amateurishly, so please bear with me. These videos can only get better (maybe). These will be one-take videos. I’ll only discuss the vehicle, and you won’t even have to look at me. Additionally, whatever I miss or get wrong in a video, I will supplement it in writing. -KK

The Ranger is almost all-new for the 2024 model year. This time around, it is a truly global vehicle, with all markets receiving the same truck. Developing a global platform vehicle creates significant challenges for automakers. Such vehicles must adhere to all market laws and regulations, including safety and emissions. They then must fit the proper segment in each market and be competitive in those markets in terms of performance, economy, and price. Finally, this vehicle has to offer features and options that each market demands.

While other parts of the world have several cab and bed choices, North America has only one—a four-door, short bed. With this, Ford is obviously aiming for more casual buyers rather than businesses or fleets. And rightfully so, Ford is offering a very affordable base model, Maverick, and a base model, F-150, which is configurable with various cab and bed sizes.

Photo: Kevin Nguyen – follow him!

In addition to only one body/bed configuration, North America gets a choice of a carry-over 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, as seen here, or a new-to-the-Ranger 2.7-liter V6. The special Ranger Raptor gets its own 3.0-liter V6. All are connected to ten-speed automatic transmissions. Other markets have an option of three different diesel engines connected to manual or automatic transmissions.

The cabin of this Ranger was spacious, with a large center console, smaller cubbies, and cup holders. The interior of the North American and up-level ROW markets is dominated by a large vertical screen. Thankfully, Ford has retained some hard buttons and knobs for commonly used controls. Interestingly, at the time of this writing, a sunroof is not available on any Ranger model.

The front heated cloth seats are a little short on adjustments and support, especially on longer trips. The rear seat is comfortable for two but can squeeze three in a pinch. While there is plenty of headroom, the legroom is somewhat limited. The bench seat does have some storage under and behind it.

Photo: Kevin Nguyen – follow him!

The cargo bed has six tie-down points. Some models, such as this XLT, have a 120v domestic socket and a 12v DC socket. The bed can be ordered with a factory spray-on or plastic lining, and several accessory covers are available directly from the factory. The tailgate lock is connected to the power lock circuit, increasing security. The tailgate operation is not powered but does have mechanical assistance, allowing for one-handed opening and closing.

In all, the new Ranger feels like a more refined version of the previous generation truck rather than an all-new truck. What is slightly disappointing is that there is not one new design or feature that would make the new Ranger a standout. Perhaps Ford’s Ranger design team should spend more time with the F-150 team and inherit some of that truck’s excellent and original attributes.