Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.While full-size trucks still rule the sales charts, midsize pickups are often better all-rounders, offering plenty of practicality and space while still being compact enough for tight urban roads. So, while the current generation Ford Ranger doesn't have the kind of market dominance like its bigger F-150 brother, but it is a solid seller and takes on some heavy hitters like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado.The Ranger lineup includes four trim levels, namely the XL, XLT, Lariat, and the mental off-road Raptor. The range was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, and is available in a single crew cab body style, and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base engine is a 270-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, or optional 315-hp 2.7-liter V6. The Raptor is AWD only and gets its own 455-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, but all use a 10-speed automatic transmission.FordView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementInside the cabin you get a standard 8-inch standard digital instrument cluster (upgradable to 12.4 inches) alongside a 10.1-inch center infotainment display that can be bumped up to a larger 12-inch screen. Standard driver safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, but you'll need to step up to the XLT or higher to get blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.Compared to the competition, the Ranger offers excellent towing capabilities, just 200 lbs. shy of the class-leading Chevy Colorado's 7,700 lbs. figure. It is also well-priced, with the mid-spec XLT being the sweet spot in the range.In terms of reliability, the latest gen Ranger has now been on sale for close on three years, giving us some solid owner feedback to work from. The reliability data in the tables below was sourced from Consumer Reports (CR). It is a trusted, completely independent source that buys the vehicles it tests and reliability scores are derived from CR's extensive member surveys reflecting real-world feedback.Ford Ranger ReliabilityFordView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleRanger Model Year (Current Generation)Score out of 100202443202534202643 (Predicted)Average40The Ranger was completely redesigned for 2024 and in its first year of production scored a middling 43/100 in Consumer Report's reliability rating index. Key areas of concern for owners were build quality issues and problems with the climate control (HVAC) system. The 10-speed automatic transmission can also be rough and jerky between gear changes.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the 2025 score dropped even further, build quality complaints also reduced, but some owners were not impressed with suspension system issues and other niggles. The predicted reliability score for 2026 is up a little, but overall the Ranger has not scored very highly in its first three years on the road.Its 40/100 average is below par for the segment, although it has improved on the previous generation Ranger(2019-2023) which averaged 35.8/100 over its five-year production run.Ranger Model Year (Previous Generation)Score out of 100201934202032202149202226202338Average35.8The NHTSA has issued six recalls for the current generation Ranger so far, these include engine cooling, electrical system, and airbag problems ranging from relatively minor to serious.Ranger Vs. RivalsChatGPTMake and Model Year2026 Predicted Reliability Score out of 100Toyota Tacoma74Nissan Frontier62Honda Ridgeline57Jeep Gladiator40Chevrolet Colorado29GMC Canyon29Perspective is always a good thing, and comparing the Ford Ranger to its closest rivals shows that its reliability levels are firmly in the lower half of the field. It only just sneaks ahead of the trouble-prone Jeep Gladiator, and the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon twins. At the top of the charts are the Japanese manufacturers, with the Tacoma continuing to lead the group with an impressive 74/100 predicted reliability score for 2026.AdvertisementAdvertisementNow reliability is important across any segment, but when it comes to a practical vehicle like a pickup truck, suffering breakdowns or irritating faults that require unscheduled visits to the mechanic can be even more frustrating.Hopefully Ford will have rectified the faults that have already been identified by owners for 2027, as the Ranger is one of the most capable midsize trucks out there, and its 66% CR satisfaction rating is up there with the class leaders. It would be a shame to see its popularity dip due to poor long-term durability. Data Sources:All vehicle data, pricing figures, and technical specifications were sourced from the official manufacturer websites.Pricing figures represent the base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and exclude destination charges, and taxes.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
