2020 Ford Ranger Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

 The 2020 Ford Ranger marks the second year of Ford’s completely revised midsize truck. Of course, Ford had to make changes and a few tweaks to be satisfied with the final product. Shoppers will appreciate how well this truck meets their needs.

The first choice that shoppers will make is between the two sizes. Rangers come in two configurations. SuperCabs offer seating for four in a cabin with 89 cubic feet of passenger volume. These trucks can handle 51.8 cubic feet of cargo in a 6-foot bed. Maximum payload rating is 1,860 pounds for the 4x2 editions and 1,650 pounds for the 4x4.

The SuperCrew seats five in 97.6 cubic feet of passenger space. The 5-foot bed has a maximum width of 61.4 inches, just like the bigger bed. Cargo capacity is rated at 43.3 cubic feet. The payload rating is 1,560 pounds (4x4) or 1,770 pounds (4x2).

Most midsize trucks are offered in a cheaper, four-cylinder version with V6 power reserved for a higher price tag. Ford skips the traditional four-cylinder and instead offers an Ecoboost engine that stands up to the competition’s V6.

With any of these trucks, the maximum tow rating is 7,500 pounds. Making travel easier, Ford is the only manufacturer to provide blind spot coverage for the trailer. It’s part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite.

The two configurations measure 210 inches in length. On the trail, they have tight approach, departure and breakover angles. If you are thinking about off-roading, you will be interested to know that the minimum running ground clearance is 8.4 inches with the 4x2 drivetrain. You can add the FX2 Off-Road Package for more capability. Ground clearance rises to 8.9 inches with the 4x4. The Ranger becomes a world-class adventure machine with the FX4 off-road package of equipment and upgrades.

 

Compare the 2020 Ford Ranger XL vs XLT Trim Levels: What is the Difference?

The XL and XLT are offered as a SuperCrew cabin with a 5-foot box or a SuperCab with a 6-foot box. If you want to delete the second-row seat, you need to choose the XL. That option isn't available on the XLT.

For both, the standard engine is Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost. It is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, helping it do more with every horse under the hood. It is rated for 270 horsepower. With 310 pound-feet of torque, the Ranger leads its class.

Ranger XL models have cruise control, power side mirrors, and a remote keyfob. The cabin equipment group includes six speakers with the Ford AppLink entertainment system. A 4.2-inch LCD screen with enhanced voice recognition lets you control your music and information choices. Other tech features include a USB charging port and a 911 Assist button.

Raising the quality and style level, the XLT exterior is dressier with black skull caps on the mirrors. A trim-specific carbon black mesh grille wears a silver surround. LED taillights add to the nighttime light signature. An overhead console expands the cabin’s utility.

There’s more emphasis on comfort with dual-zone automatic climate controls. Carpet and floor mats are color coordinated. Plus, XLT shoppers can add 8-way power front seats with power lumbar. While the standard cloth seats are offered only in ebony, XLT premium cloth seats come in ebony or medium stone.

Stepping up to the XLT, shoppers get an ultra-modern ride. The dash has an instrumentation screen and 8-inch LCD touch screen. Drivers can pinch and zoom to find the features they want. There is more voice capability with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. XLT models have a second USB port and a 110-V AC power outlet. For even more music choices, SiriusXM is offered with a six-month complimentary subscription.

Offered only as a package on the XL, a Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety systems is an XLT standard. A lane-keeping system and a blind spot system try to keep the Ranger from swerving into the path of a neighboring car. Not only does the blind spot system watch the truck, but it will do the same for a tandem trailer.

A rear cross traffic alert is a good partner for the rearview camera. There’s a reverse sensing system to help with parking. Best of all, there’s an automatic emergency braking system. This proactive system watches for stopping cars and pedestrians. It may apply the brakes to help you stop the truck in time.

If you have a color in mind, there are three new ones on the menu: metallic tinted clearcoat, iconic silver, and race red. There are six color choices for the XL, seven with the STX package, and eight with the XLT. Available XL and XLT packages include chrome appearance, FX2 Off-Road and FX4 Off-Road. The XL is available in a sporty STX package. XLT models are offered in a Sport package or a black appearance package.

Compare the 2020 Ford Ranger XLT vs Lariat Trims.  What is the Difference?

The Lariat exterior sets itself apart from the XLT with a special fender vent and a unique chrome-accented grille. The exterior mirrors have a power-defrost and power-fold function. There’s a distinctive light signature thanks to the LED headlights. LEDs also light the cargo area. A center high-mounted stop lamp is also LED.

Like the XLT, Lariats come in SuperCab and SuperCrew varieties. Ford adds another exterior color choice, raising the number to nine. Like the XLT, you can change the look with a sport, chrome or black appearance package. The FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages are on the menu.

Often, you'll find that available XLT content is standard on the Lariat. For instance, Ford adds its Intelligent Access Key with push-button start. A sliding rear window offers fresh air. A universal garage remote and an auto-dimming rearview mirror add convenience.

Even so, the Lariat has many upscale exclusive features. Leather replaces premium cloth on the Lariat's bucket seats. These have power-adjust, power-lumber and power-heat functions. The steering wheel and shift knob are also wrapped in leather. Leather seat color choices include ebony and medium stone. Adding another upscale touch, carpeted floor mats have a special Nubuck edge.

On the dash, there are dual color productivity screens. These provide customized information close to the driver's eye level. When the FX4 package is included, you can follow your off-roading stats.

Like the XLT, the Lariat has Ford Co-Pilot 360. Drivers can feel safe with so many cameras and sensors to watch for trouble. In addition, the Lariat has a forward sensing system to assist with parking.

Shoppers can add a technology package to the XLT or Lariat. This includes adaptive cruise control to help drivers deal with slow and go traffic. Navigation is added to the dash system. XLT models pick up the forward sensing system. On the Lariat, you can get rain sensing wipers and a windshield wiper de-icer to help you deal with weather challenges.

If you choose the Lariat SuperCrew, you can add a Bang and Olufsen system. Passengers are surrounded by 10 high-performance speakers. HD radio provides better sound from more stations.

Compare the 2020 Ford Ranger FX2 Package vs FX4 Off-Road Package. What is the Difference?

The FX2 is offered on the 4x2 XL, XLT and Lariat trims. It requires the STX appearance package, if you choose the XL. This adds 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels and fog lights. XL seats are upgraded to a premium cloth.

These Rangers wear a bodyside decal that proclaims “FX Off-Road”. The trucks have special off-road equipment including special tires, suspension, and differential. This makes the Ranger capable of light trail riding. It is a good companion for those who take their truck to the beach or on camping trips.

To get the FX4 Off-road Package, you will start by choosing one of the three 4x4 editions. As with the FX2, the STX upgrade is required for the XL edition. The truck wears an FX Off-Road bodyside decal and off-road OWL tires. It also has the off-road suspension and electronic-locking rear differential.

For the ultimate protection during off-roading, the FX4 Ranger is equipped with an exposed steel bash plate and three skid plates. Ford removes the front air dam to improve clearance. The Terrain Management System improves the truck's response to sand, snow or mud. Trail Control maximizes torque while crawling.

Compare the 2020 Ford Ranger Chrome Package vs Black Appearance Package. What is the Difference?

The XL chrome package includes chrome bumpers, black tow hooks, a special wheel-lip body-color molding and fog lights. Increasing the polished look, the XLT and Lariat Chrome Appearance Package has a unique chrome grille, chrome tow hooks, chrome handles, chrome wheels, and a chrome exhaust tip.

Aiming for a more aggressive stance, the black appearance package is available only on the XLT and Lariat. Black wheels wear a special black center cap. There are black sill plates, black front fascia, and black running boards. XLT models have a black grille with black surround. Lariats add black bars to the grille. If you also choose the FX4 package, the bash plate is rendered in black.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

Since some will choose a midsize truck to save money, the XL is a logical pick. The lower pricetag doesn't mean lower powered as it would in another brand. Instead you get the high performance EcoBoost engine without paying more. Businesses and entrepreneurs will like how this lower-cost truck can do the work of a pricier midsize truck. In fact, they can measure the Ranger XL against many entry-level full-size trucks. The 7,500-pound tow rating makes it comparable with bigger rivals.

The Lariat is the obvious choice for those who demand stylish comfort. The higher quality materials in the cabin will help maintain the truck's resale values. You don't have to miss out on any technological advances. Every convenience is on board or offered on the menu. This is the truck you want to drive on your daily commute.

If your main reason for choosing a midsize truck is value, the XLT really has you covered. It is probably the closest thing to a perfect choice to cover your budget requirements, your hauling needs, and your daily commute. First, it has the whole suite of driver assistance systems. Second, it offers advanced systems, allowing you to step up to adaptive cruise control. Third, the dash system is as good as it gets. You don't have to pay extra for any of that. Fourth, you can dress it up with one of the appearance packages and enjoy a more unique ride.

Finally, you can save money over the Lariat and put that money toward the FX2 or FX4 package. That allows you to get plenty of off-roading capability. If you like camping, hiking, or outdoor sports, those packages are your ticket to going further and doing more. Isn't that what owning a truck is all about?