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2021 Ford Ranger: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Ford Ranger is the new Tremor off-road package for certain XLT and Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 trucks. Otherwise, the Ranger carries over without a redesign or lineup-wide powertrain, safety, or infotainment upgrade.
About the 2021 Ford Ranger
4th-generation US Ranger (2019-2023), third model year; a package-focused update rather than a redesign or mid-cycle exterior refresh.
Ford positioned the Ranger as a midsize, body-on-frame pickup for outdoor trips, hauling, towing, and everyday driving without the bulk of a full-size truck. Its core strengths were a strong 2.3L turbo engine, standard 10-speed automatic, fully boxed steel frame, two cab-and-bed layouts, and rear- or four-wheel-drive configurations. Ford’s broader message centered on durable truck construction, useful payload and towing ability, and trail capability for recreation.
The XL remains the straightforward work truck, while the XLT adds an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more driver-assistance features for everyday use. Lariat focuses on comfort with heated leather-trimmed front seats, push-button start, and LED lighting, while Tremor-equipped XLT and Lariat trucks bring more serious off-road hardware.
What changed, by category
Structural
The new Tremor package adds a raised, specially tuned suspension with FOX dampers, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, underbody protection, and an electronic-locking rear differential to certain XLT and Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 trucks.
Tech
Tremor-equipped trucks add Terrain Management System and Trail Control to help the driver manage difficult off-road conditions.
2021 Ford Ranger specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7500 lb | 7500 lb | 7500 lb | 7500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 30.4 in | 30.4 in | 30.4 in | 30.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Ford Ranger?
The biggest change is the introduction of the factory Tremor off-road package for certain XLT and Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 trucks. It adds a raised suspension with FOX dampers, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, underbody protection, a locking rear differential, and dedicated off-road controls.
Was the 2021 Ford Ranger redesigned?
No, the 2021 Ford Ranger was not redesigned. It remains part of the same U.S. generation introduced for 2019, with the Tremor package serving as the main update for 2021.
Which 2021 Ford Ranger models have the Tremor package?
The 2021 Tremor package is fitted to certain XLT and Lariat trucks with the SuperCrew cab and four-wheel drive. It is not a lineup-wide upgrade.
Did the 2021 Ford Ranger get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 Ranger keeps the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission across the lineup. Output remains 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Is the 2021 Ford Ranger meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Only if the Tremor package matters to you. The Tremor-equipped 2021 trucks gain substantial off-road hardware, but the regular XL, XLT, and Lariat lineup otherwise carries over without a broad mechanical or technology update.
2021 Ford Ranger Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Ford Ranger.
4.3
2021 Ford Ranger
(252 reviews)
“Very reliable vehicle they been around for a long time and there are still a lot of older models on the road today”
“I love my Ford Ranger. Looks great inside and out. All the luxury of a fine car in a rugged truck.”