Ford Ranger Supercrew Lariat 4×4

Ford Ranger Up hill

Now into its third-generation, the Ford Ranger 4×4 continues on with a fresh look, new technology and more. At Napleton News, we are all about more. That’s why we were eager to try the latest version of Ford’s midsize pickup truck. Read on to learn more about it.

What is the Ranger Supercrew Lariat?

Ranger from rear
2026 Ford Ranger Lariat off-roading.

The 2026 Ford Ranger Supercrew Lariat is the latest version of Ford’s midsized pickup truck. Available in a single configuration but with varying trim levels, the Ranger still seems to fit a wide variety of circumstances and needs. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Our Lariat-trimmed version featured a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine making 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. For those requiring even more power, there’s the Ranger Raptor with its twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. It produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. That’s the most horsepower found in any midsized truck but as we know, torque is king. Here, the Tacoma i-Force Max Hybrid is the class of the field.

All Rangers use a 10-speed automatic transmission. XL, XLT and Lariat models are standard with Rear-wheel drive. Max towing capacity is 7,500 pounds on the hook and up to 1,805 in the bed.

What’s the Ranger look like?

towing with the ranger
2026 Ford Ranger Lariat with FX4 Package towing.

Start with those C-shaped headlights. The F-150 influence is undeniable. There’s a bold grille that makes the Ranger look more aggressive than it might be in person. All Rangers utilize Ford’s SuperCrew platform of four doors with room for five passengers. The bed is wide enough to swallow four-foot plywood sheets between the wheel wells.

There’s bed lighting out back and the tailgate is locking and dampened.

How is it inside the Ranger 4×4?

Ranger interior
2026 Ford Ranger Lariat with SYNC 4.

Probably one of the first things you notice getting into the Ranger’s interior is the large vertical infotainment screen. Ten inches is standard, a 12-inch screen is available. It’s the central focal point for everything from cellular service, car features, navigation, climate control, and even audio controls. Yes, it’s good to see buttons making a return in some interiors. The gauge displays reconfigurable digital screens that allow you to set it to your preference.

Seating is ok. The seats themselves sit rather low to the floor of the interior. Essentially, you slide across the seats until you are properly positioned. Once in place, the seating is quite good. The second row features ample legroom and small storage bins under the seats.

Behind the wheel of the Ford Ranger SuperCrew Laredo.  

Sliding across the seats of the Ford Ranger may seem awkward to some and easy for others. That’s because of the seat placement in these midsized trucks. While larger, full-size vehicles have a base and sometimes running boards to give you the boost up, trucks like the Ranger ride lower. As a result, the seats are usually floor-mounted, as they would be in a car. So typically, you’d lift your legs higher to get inside and then immediately slide into the seat to “assume the position.”

Ranger at campsite
2026 Ford Ranger Lariat.

Once you have found a comfortable position, it’s time to push the button to fire this bad boy up.  It’s funny but this is one of the few vehicles we’ve seen recently that has a traditional gear shift lever. There are no fancy knobs, or dials to do the same job. Instead, Ford goes back to the OG gearshift lever.

Acceleration is good, if somewhat choppy at times. Performing a passing move usually involves a stab of the accelerator to get it to drop a gear to move faster. The ride is good, if bouncy owing to the off-road tuned shocks and springs. At the same time, they make normal on-pavement driving feel a bit floaty. And, just FYI, floaty is not a bad thing.

Ford Ranger Supercrew Lariat Specifications:

Engine Type 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower 315 hp
Torque 400 lb-ft
Transmission 10-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy) 21/19/24
Suspension F/R Short and Long Arm/Leaf
Turning Circle 42.5 ft.
Also Available trim levels, engine and drive choices
Specs
Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating 5-stars (Frontal Crash)
Max Seating Capacity 5 passengers
Wheelbase 128.7 inches
Overall Length 210.6 inches
Width 75.5 inches
Height 74.4 inches
Cargo Bed Length 5-feet 0 inches
Headroom, Front 41.0 inches
Headroom, 2nd 38.3 inches
Legroom, 1st 43.2 inches
Legroom, 2nd 34.6 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row 57.1 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row 56.7 inches

 

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