The Ford Ranger is a popular pickup truck that has been a mainstay on the roads for decades. Known for its rugged durability and versatility, the Ford Ranger has been a go-to choice for drivers who need a reliable vehicle for work and play.
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a pickup truck is fuel economy, and the Ford Ranger has proven to be a strong contender in this category.
So, what makes the Ford Ranger such a fuel-efficient vehicle?
Let’s take a closer look at the features and technology that contribute to its impressive fuel economy. We’ll also take a look at how you can improve your ford ranger’s fuel economy as gas prices keep going up with every day passing.
Ford Ranger Generations/Models & Variants
The Ford Ranger has gone through several generations since its introduction in the early 1980s. Each generation has seen improvements and changes to the truck’s design, performance, and features. Here’s a breakdown of the different Ford Ranger generations and their variants:
The First Generation (1983-1992)
During the time the Ranger was presented in various body styles, such as regular cab, extended cab, and four-door crew cab models. It was also offered with two engine options – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.8-liter V6 engine – and a choice between rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Second Generation (1993-1997)
The second generation Ranger was introduced in 1993 and saw several improvements to its design and performance. It was available in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab models, and could be equipped with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The second generation Ranger was offered with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter V6 engine, or a 4.0-liter V6 engine.
Third Generation (1998-2011)
The third-generation Ranger could also be equipped with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and was available with several different transmissions, including manual and automatic options.
Fourth Generation (2019-present)
The fourth generation Ranger was reintroduced in the US market in 2019 after several years of absence. It is a midsize pickup truck that is available in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab models. The fourth generation Ranger is available in several different fuel trim levels, It’s a part of Obd2. Including the XL, XLT, and Lariat, and can be equipped with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Overview Of The Ford Ranger’s Reputation For Performance And Versatility
First and foremost, the latest 4th gen Ford Ranger comes with a range of engine options, each of which offers a unique balance of power and fuel efficiency.
It features a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine as the base option and can produce an output of 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Despite its impressive performance, this engine is also fuel-efficient, delivering up to 23 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
Another factor that contributes to the Ford Ranger’s fuel economy is its Auto-stop technology. This feature automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, such as at a traffic light, and then restarts it when the driver presses the accelerator. This feature helps to reduce fuel consumption, particularly in city driving conditions where idling can be a major contributor to fuel consumption.
In addition to it, the Ford Ranger also features aerodynamic design elements that help to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency. These design features include an automatic grille shutter that closes at high speeds to reduce drag, as well as air curtains that channel air around the front wheels to minimize turbulence.
Tips To Improve Ford Ranger’s Fuel Economy
Of course, fuel economy can also be impacted by driving habits and road conditions. To maximize fuel efficiency, Ford recommends that drivers avoid excessive idling, maintain proper tire pressure, and remove excess weight from the vehicle when possible.
Additionally, using cruise control and avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking can also help to improve fuel economy. Let’s dive into each one of the Tips in detail:
Strictly No Rough Accelerating
Driving habits can also have a significant impact on the fuel economy of the Ford Ranger. Aggressive driving, including rapid acceleration and hard braking, can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 33%. Conversely, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding excessive idling can help to improve fuel economy. Using cruise control can also help to maintain a consistent speed and reduce fuel consumption.
Using Cruise Control
Using cruise control can indeed improve the fuel economy of your Ford Ranger. You can use Ford scan tools to improve fuel economy. When you set your cruise control, the vehicle maintains a constant speed, which can help to reduce the amount of fuel that is consumed.
One of the main benefits of using cruise control is that it can help you to maintain a consistent speed on the highway or other long stretches of road. This can help to reduce the amount of braking and acceleration that you need to do, which in turn can improve your fuel economy. By keeping a constant speed, your engine can operate at its most efficient level, which can help to conserve fuel.
Another benefit of using cruise control is that it can help to reduce driver fatigue on long trips. By not having to constantly monitor your speed, you can focus more on the road ahead and be less prone to distraction or tiredness.
Inflated Tires: (Recommended Pressure: 30-35 Psi)
Maintaining the correct tire pressure can have a significant impact on fuel economy due to various reasons. Firstly, low tire pressure leads to higher rolling resistance, which demands more energy or fuel to propel the vehicle forward. This increased resistance can also cause the engine to work harder, further reducing fuel efficiency. Additionally, underinflated tires can wear out unevenly, decreasing their lifespan and requiring frequent replacements.
On the other hand, overinflated tires can also negatively affect fuel economy by reducing the size of the contact patch between the tire and the road surface. This can decrease traction and cause the vehicle to handle less predictably, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Avoid Idling
Though the latest Ford Ranger already comes with Auto-stop technology, still Idling for just 10 seconds can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it, according to the US Department of Energy.
In fact, idling for just 5 minutes per day can use up to 10 gallons of fuel per month, depending on the engine size and type.