2021 Ford Ranger Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2021 Ford Ranger offers an attractive balance of power and efficiency for the adventurer in search of freedom. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter engine produces a remarkable 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet torque, ensuring you reach your destination with ease - but if more strength is desired there are additional options available. But no matter which way you go, fuel economy remains impressive at 21/26 miles per gallon (city/highway) on rear wheel drive models or 20 city / 24 highway mpg with all wheel drives; delivering excellent value both when driving off road and off course.

Experiencing the open road from behind the wheel of a Ford Ranger feels empowering. With 8.4" ground clearance for rear-wheel drive models and 8.9" for four-wheel drives, drivers have plenty of headroom to take on any terrain with confidence - plus an impressive 10 speed automatic transmission and 7500 lbs max tow capacity support tackling seemingly topographical challenges without conquering your wallet! Need storage? Don't worry: 1,860 pounds worth can fit into this capable truck bed too.

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Compare the Ranger XL vs XLT Trims. What is the difference?

With the Ranger XL and XLT, you can expect similar performance in terms of handling. Both are equipped with a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, while the latter has an electronic-shift system for added convenience. The base model hits the pavement on 16" wheels but offers customers 17"-18" silver-painted aluminum wheel upgrades - just like those that come standard on its sibling trim edition—for diversity in design choices.

In addition, both trims come with Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology. This consists of various monitoring and mitigation systems that can help drivers stay out of harm's way. The rear view camera can come into play on a regular basis, as can the standard AdvanceTrac stability system. With pre-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, the Ranger can take action on its own to hopefully avoid hitting another vehicle. Trailer Sway Control and Curve Control are other standard safety features.

The Ford F-150 XLT is an upgrade on its lower model, the XL. To keep drivers safe during their travels, it includes more advanced safety features such as automatic high beams and lane-keeping assist to help maintain a centered course in lanes. It also has blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for regions of difficult visibility which may make all the difference when travelling down dark roads at night. In terms of convenience, one feature that makes life easier for many owners is the power locking tailgate compared to just manual lock offered with standard trim level models Thus giving you complete control over your cargo security without having to leave your vehicle.

Stepping inside the Ford Ranger XL and XLT trims reveals a world of difference! With its optional vinyl seating, standard cloth bucket seats, dual-zone climate system, cruise control and either carpets or vinyl floor coverings in the XLT. Tech lovers will appreciate both vehicles' Wi-Fi hotspots through FordPass Connect technology plus SiriusXM radio for the luxury trim level to keep you connected wherever your journey takes you. SYNC 3's eight inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay/Android Auto setup make staying handsfree easier than ever while a 2.3" productivity screen on board the base model keeps drivers informed of their vehicle performance without breaking focus from road safety - boosted on XLT's 4.2" color display making it even more readable.

Note that the XL and XLT (and Lariat) can either be configured as SuperCabs or SuperCrews. The SuperCab is paired with a six-foot bed, and the SuperCrew has a shorter five-foot bed. The SuperCab has a seating capacity of four, and it has 30.4 inches of leg room in the back seat. Since it has a more spacious cabin, the SuperCrew can seat five people. It has a second-row leg room of 34.5 inches, which adult passengers may feel is much more reasonable.

Customers will have to decide whether they want the extra cabin space or the longer bed. Unfortunately, people won't be able to have both the larger cabin and larger truck bed.

The SuperCrew XLT has a rear bench seat with storage under the seat. In the SuperCab XLT, there are also under-seat storage compartments, and there are removable cushions.

Compare the Ranger XLT vs Lariat Trim levels. What is the difference?

The Lariat is the top-level trim, and it certainly looks the part. It has 18-inch wheels with stealth gray pockets that look pretty imposing. To light up the truck bed, there's a LED cargo lamp. This is a nicer element than the halogen cargo lamp found in the lower trims. Also, the Lariat has LED fog lamps, LED Daytime Running Lamps, and LED headlights and taillights. LEDs are very effective at their job, and they help the truck look more modern.

Several other exterior features of the Lariat are of a higher quality than those in the XLT. The Lariat has chrome surrounding its grille instead of silver. It has power-folding side mirrors that have heating elements and integrated turn signals. Those mirrors have body-color skull caps, and there's the option to get chrome ones.

At the back of the Lariat's cabin, there's a tinted glass window that can be slid open. That window comes with a defroster, too. In the XLT, the rear window is fixed and can't let in any air or give people access to the cargo area from the cabin. The XLT's rear window also doesn't have a defrost function.

In terms of safety, the Lariat's components are fairly similar to what's found in the XLT. However, the Lariat has reverse sensing as a standard feature. It can notify a driver if the truck is getting too close to objects while backing up. The audible alert gets more repetitive as the truck gets closer to those obstacles. Forward sensing and rain-sensing wipers are available on the Lariat but not options on the XLT.

One main way in which the Lariat distinguishes itself from the XLT is related to the seating. The Lariat is the only trim in which there are leather seats, and the seats in front are power-adjustable. Matching the nicer upholstery are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and carpeted floor mats with a Nubuck leather edge. Ambient lighting adds to the upscale feeling in the truck's cabin.

Drivers of the Lariat will appreciate having Intelligent Access with push-button start. This means that the key fob can stay tucked away in someone's bag or pocket. All it takes to unlock the door is to touch the sensor on the door handle. The push-button start function can be really convenient to use.

Another minor upgrade that can actually be pretty noticeable in certain situations is the Lariat's auto-dimming rearview mirror. When the mirror detects bright lights at night, it will change its setting so that the lights don't shine as harshly in people's eyes.

The Lariat, along with the other two trims, can be equipped with features to make off-road adventures smoother. Enhance your truck experience with options such as the FX4 and FX2 Off-Road Packages which include all-terrain tires designed for rugged roads plus skid plates and a Terrain Management System that allows you to select different driving modes depending on conditions like grass, gravel, snow or mud. Enjoy superb performance even in tough challenges thanks to electronic locking rear differential capabilities offered by some packages - not forgetting special badging and OWL Tires!

A Tremor Off-Road Package is available on both the Lariat and XLT, as long as they are SuperCrew 4x4 models. With this package, the truck gets magnetic-painted alloy wheels that look aggressive, a suspension that's ideal for bumpy terrain, and tow hooks in the front and back. Another included component is Trail Control. (Trail Control is found in some other off-roading packages as well.) With this program, the truck can maintain a set speed on rugged paths so that the driver can focus on steering.

Final Thoughts

Price will always be a factor when selecting the best Ford Ranger for any budget. Starting at $25,000, the XL trim is an economical choice; however, those looking to invest slightly more in their vehicle can reap greater rewards with either of its two higher trims--the XLT and Lariat. The latter offers great value as it provides luxurious amenities such as leather seats and LED exterior lighting without compromising performance or sacrificing competitiveness on price compared to other brands' trucks.

The Ford Ranger's mid-level XLT trim is hailed as a great compromise for those seeking extra storage and more refined exterior styling. But beyond its aesthetic bonuses, this savvy model also offers the latest in tech features - an 8 inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and top safety packages featuring driver-assist components to keep you aware of potential problems on the road. It all comes down to whether or not you're willing to make that financial commitment; upgrade your ride enjoy maximum comfort, convenience and peace of mind - it may just be worth it!