2010 Ford Ranger: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Ford Ranger lineup shrinks, but this compact pickup gains some new safety features, including an antiskid system and side airbags. Ranger offers regular-cab and extended SuperCab body styles and three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Sport. The off-road-oriented FX4 has been discontinued. SuperCabs are available with two rear fold-down jump seats and back-hinged rear access doors. All have a 6-foot cargo bed; a 7-foot bed is available to fleet buyers only. Two engines are offered: a 143-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder or a 207-hp 4.0-liter V6. Both are available with manual or automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5980 lb. Rear-wheel drive is standard. XLT and Sport SuperCab models are available with part-time 4-wheel drive that includes a low-range gear for off-roading, but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Traction control, an antiskid system, and side airbags are newly standard for 2010. A Class III trailer hitch is standard on all models.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and Suzuki Equator.