Both the Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger are very popular trucks. However, if you talk to several Ford lovers, they'll choose one model over the other.
In this post, we'll discuss the key differences between these popular trucks. You'll learn about their performance, price, safety features, and much more!
Which is the Better Truck, Based On:
Before purchasing a Ford F-150 or Ford Ranger, it's important to research their qualities.
Take a look at their exciting features and capabilities below:
Price
Price is one of the top considerations to make when looking for a new vehicle. As the Ford F-150 is the brand's top-selling truck, you'll find several different styles available. These range from different cargo-bed lengths to various trim levels. You could also go for an F-150 Raptor, which is an exceptional off-roading truck.
When looking at the cost of a brand-new Ford F-150, the price varies significantly. The 2022 Ford F-150 ranges from $30,495 to $76,595, which doesn't include the destination charge. If you shoot for the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, this comes at a price tag of $52,974 to $90,874, not including the state and federal tax credits and destination charges.
Looking at the Ford Ranger, only two cab/bed configurations are available—the Ranger SuperCab with a 6-foot cargo bed or the Ranger SuperCrew with a 5-foot bed. The price of a brand-new Ford Ranger is in the ballpark of $25,715 to $33,805, which doesn't include the destination charge.
That being said, the Ranger is the more cost-effective Ford truck compared to the F-150, but it really depends on your needs.
Quality and Trustworthiness
When you look at both the F-150 and Ranger, you have two quality trucks you can trust. The Ford F-150 ranks third among Large Light Duty Pickup Trucks in the J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). However, it didn't make the cut among the leading light-duty trucks in the J.D. Power 2021 Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Take a look at some of the quality features of the 2022 Ford F-150:
- 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on hybrid system & EV component
- 8-year or 100,000-mile (10-year or 150,000-mile in California emissions states) hybrid battery warranty
- 5-year or 60,000-mile roadside assistance
- 3-year or 36,000-mile standard warranty
Given these points, you can't go wrong with the F-150. Whether you choose the regular cab or full-size truck, the quality is always consistent.
As we examine the Ford Ranger, this is also a top-quality truck. In fact, it's second on the list in the Midsize Pickup category of both the J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the J.D. Power 2021 Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The 2022 Ford Ranger also provides the following warranty and roadside assistance coverages:
- 3-year or 36,000-mile standard warranty
- 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 5-year or 60,000-mile roadside assistance coverage
If you need a midsize truck that consistently ranks near the top of the list in terms of quality, look no further than the Ford F-150 or Ford Ranger.
Technology
Searching for a new truck with the latest technology features? If so, you can't go wrong with either the Ford F-150 or Ford Ranger. For example, the 2022 Ford F-150 has Ford's newest Sync 4 infotainment interface, which provides simple integration with your Android or Apple Devices via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This advanced technology also offers over-the-air updates. Furthermore, the F-150 models come with either an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display, which is as large as the standard computer monitor!
While the Ford Ranger doesn't offer the same technology, it's still pretty exceptional. You can expect a 4.2-inch audio display and Bluetooth features with the base XL model. For the XLT version, you'll get a Sync 3 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen display.
Comfort and Utility
Both of these truck models are extremely comfortable. However, if you're looking for a more spacious ride with top-notch comfort, shoot for the F-150. The Ford Ranger is still very comfortable, but the lack of leg room under the steering wheel can be problematic for drivers over six feet tall.
Back-seat space is another factor to think about. According to Ford's published specifications, you'll find 34.5 inches of rear legroom in the crew-cab Ranger, while the F-150 SuperCrew offers an impressive 43.5 inches of legroom.
While the Ford Ranger offers adequate space to stay comfortable, the F-150 is among the most spacious trucks on the market today.
Towing Performance
Whether you choose the Ranger or F-150, you'll get a truck that can tow with the best of them. With the 2022 F-150, the best towing engines include the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 5.0-liter V8. If you have a properly equipped F-150 SuperCrew with one of these engines, you'll have a max towing capacity of around 14,000 pounds.
If you shoot for a properly equipped 2022 Ford Ranger, you'll get a 7,500-pound tow rating. Also, the two-wheel-drive Ranger SuperCrews can handle a maximum payload of 1,770 pounds. If you opt for a four-wheel drive model, expect a 1,560-pound payload rating.
Performance and Efficiency
Both of these trucks come loaded with performance features. One big advantage of the new Ford F-150 has to be its many engine options.
This list includes:
- Three V6 engines (two turbocharged)
- PowerBoost Hybrid V6 (a twin-turbo V6 supplemented by an electric motor)
- One V8 engine
With all of these choices available, it's easy to find something to fit your needs.
If you're looking for the Ford F-150 model that packs the biggest punch in terms of performance, shoot for the battery-electric Lightning. This beast utilizes front and rear electric motors while offering an impressive 426 horsepower. The F-150 V6 and V8 engines provide between 290 and 430 hp, including 265 to 570 lb-ft of torque.
Looking for an F-150 model that has high performance capabilities for off-roading? The F-150 Raptor is the truck choice for you. Performance features include over 12 inches of ground clearance, an advanced suspension setup, and a spectacular approach angle of 31 degrees. Combining comfort, an attractive interior and exterior appearance, and intense power, the Raptor is designed for off-road performance.
No matter which Ford Ranger model you get, they all come loaded with a turbocharged, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. These trucks offer 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Ford Ranger ranks near the top of the list in terms of performance, and it's especially great for those who live in higher elevations.
Safety
Safety should always be a leading concern when looking for a new truck. Luckily, these vehicles rank very high in terms of safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2022 Ford F-150 a 5-star rating for overall safety, while the 2022 Ford Ranger received a safety rating of 4 stars.
All Ranger and F-150 trucks provide the following safety and driver assistance features:
- Forward-collision warning (FCW)
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
These are optional and come loaded on various model upgrades:
- Lane-departure warning (LDW)
- Blind-spot warning (BSW)
- Lane-keeping assistance (LKA)
- Traffic jam assistance (TJA)
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
- Lane-centering assistance
- Emergency steering assistance (ESA)
- Intersection turn assistance (ITA)
Whether you go for the Ford F-150 King Ranch, the F-150 Lariat, or the Ford Ranger Raptor, you'll get a ride that keeps safety as a top priority!
Why is the F-150 The Most Popular Truck?
Year after year, truck lovers around the world are blown away at the capabilities of the Ford F-150. Not only does it always rank extremely high in safety, but it also holds best-in-class towing and payload ratings. You'll also notice the F-150 is usually the first truck to roll out new technology, such as the 12” touchscreen display and SYNC 4 infotainment system.
Another reason for its popularity has to do with its long history. With the Ford F-150, the Ford Ranger, and every Ford model for that matter, its roots trace back to Henry Ford’s Model T of the early 1900s. This was a revolutionary moment in automotive history! As the brand continued to improve and take vehicles to new heights, the performance and likeability haven't changed.
One other quality we can look at is the wide variety of F-150 models available. Whether you need a powerhouse V8 with incredible payload capacity or a 4WD beast with a top-notch off-road package, the F-150 offers an extensive line of options.
Which is Better: Ford F 150 or Ford Ranger?
Both the F-150 and Ranger will provide a quality truck you can depend on for years. In terms of which one is better, it really depends on your specific needs. The Ford Ranger is an all-around solid truck, providing features and capabilities that most drivers use. The vehicle is also fairly inexpensive, very safe, and comes in a perfect size for the average truck owner.
The full-size F-150 is an excellent truck for those looking for added features and advanced capabilities. While the base model is still a powerful workhorse, the optional upgrades make the F-150 stand out from the pack.
No matter the truck you choose, you'll get a top-of-the-line vehicle that can climb mountains, haul cargo, and keep you comfortable at all times.
Once you make your new amazing truck purchase, make sure to shop SPV Parts for all of your Ford Performance part needs.
Contact our team with any questions!