Ford F-150 Vs Ford Ranger: Truck Comparison

Anyone who is familiar with the Ranger knows it was much smaller than the F-150. Size is the big change with the return of the 2019 model year. So much that in the right configurations, the Ranger can have a wider wheelbase than the F-150. The wheelbase of this truck arrives in at 126.8 inches, and the F-150 ranges from 122-163 inches.

The wheelbase configurations of these trucks are a direct indication the F-150 arrives in more styles than the Ranger. The F-150 is offered in three cab options: Regular, Supercab and Supercrew. These cab options can be paired with one of three bed lengths (depending on the cab selected.) The Ranger only arrives with two cab options - Supercab or Supercrew - and this will dictate which bed length the owner will have available to them.

Despite the potentially larger wheelbase, the Ranger still bears a tighter stature than the F-150. The style of the Ranger is much more streamlined than the F-150 and has much sharper and sleek styling points. The F-150, on the other hand, is much bolder and emphasizes its work-truck reputation but still maintains a modern look appropriate for those who enjoy a sportier truck.

When it comes to physical appeal, the right choice is subjective to the buyer and their personal taste. But when it comes to the towing capabilities, a clear choice can be found easily. The 2019 Ranger still has a respectable towing capacity of 3,500 lbs., but this is still considerably less than the F-150’s 8,000 lbs. Buyers who will do very little towing, if any at all, will find the Ranger adequate, but those who do intend to tow decent sized trailers will need to lean on the F-150.

Things get interesting when we stack the two head-to-head in terms of off-road capabilities. Both trucks share a similar amount of ground clearance. Naturally, the Ranger is slightly lower at 8.9 inches whereas the F-150 is just a half-inch taller. Both are also offered with the FX4 package, which emphasizes the ability to enjoy the trail.

We all know factory configurations will only get you so far in the woods, and the time will arrive to outfit the vehicle with aftermarket parts. With that said, as a brand new truck the Ranger will have its share of natural limitations this early on in production, while the F-150 can lean on its renowned heritage in this division.

To make a choice based on this depends on the intent of the prospective owners. They will need to consider how extreme they need their truck to be. Those who just need to make slight changes can run with the Ranger all day long, but those who need to go all out will want to look toward the F-150.

If you’re a fan of having options we’ll save you the time of reading ahead. The Ranger is only equipped with one engine option - the 2.3-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder. This mighty engine paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission works to get a 26 mpg on the highway. The F-150 can be equipped with one of four engine options: 3.3 liter V6, 2.7 EcoBoost, 5.0 liter V8, or 3.5 liter EcoBoost; these engines can be paired with either a 6-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission. In the right combination, the F-150 can also achieve the 26 mpg highway.

Ford Ranger Engine and Transmission

2.3 Liter 4 Cylinder

• 270 HP
• 310 ft-lbs

10-Speed Automatic

F-150 Engine and Transmission

3.3 liter V6

• 290 HP
• 265 ft-lbs

2.7 Ecoboost

• 325 HP
• 400 ft-lbs

5.0 liter V8

• 395 HP
• 400 ft-lbs

3.5 EcoBoost

• 375 HP
• 470 ft-lbs

6-Speed or 10-Speed Automatic

The natural assumption would be the Ranger has less room inside than the F-150. This is true, but only to an extent with only minorly less leg and headroom. Still, those who want a more comfortable experience for themselves and rear riding passengers would find the F-150 more appealing.

In terms of appearance, the interior of the Rangers is very similar to the F-150. In fact, one would be hard-pressed to spot many differences based on internet search results. Both offer similar seating and console options along with a touch screen navigation system and leather-wrap steering wheel.

In regards to storage, as the video implies, the F-150 is the clear winner. Even with similar bed lengths, the F-150 still offers more cubic feet of usable storage space. Let’s also not leave out that the F-150 can be equipped with the eight-foot bed. Both are great trucks for comfort, but the fact remains that the F-150 is the hands down choice as a work truck.

Price is also a contributor to the process of selecting the right truck. The Ranger is the cheaper option with a starting price of $24,000 while the F-150 starts at $26,000.

These are the prices for entry-level trucks; the bells and whistles will drive the price up. The reality is one is more likely to spend around $35,000 or better on the Ranger, and well over $45,000 on the F-150. At this point, one could land a decent, lightly used, 2016 F-150 for about the same price they would pay for the Ranger, which is the way those in need of a more capable work truck should go.