Like big brother F-150, the 2010 Ranger spans a broad price and equipment range, and can be equipped for a wide range of uses. There are three different cab configurations (Regular Cab, and 2- or 4-door Super Cab), two bed lengths (6-foot or 7-foot), and two engines (2.3L DOHC 4-cylinder or 4.0L SOHC V6). 4-wheel drive is also available.
Two different engines are offered on the 2010 Ranger. A 2.3L DOHC 4-cylinder engine that makes 143 horsepower and 154 pounds-feet of torque is standard for the base XL and XLT Regular Cab and 2-door Super Cab. A 4.0L SOHC V6 engine making 207 horsepower and 238 pounds-feet of torque is also available, and is standard on the 4x4, the XLT 4x2 4-door Super Cab, the XLT 4x4 and all Sport trims. Both engines come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission with a 5-speed automatic optional.
The base XL is modestly equipped, with manual side mirrors, roll-up windows and black vinyl flooring. The XLT adds a more accommodating interior and improved exterior appearance with sport bucket seats, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player and a 60/40-split bench seat. The Sport trim further improves the Ranger's appearance with mud flaps and a selection of upgraded wheels as standard. Sport Super Cab trucks offer standard step bars, while the Sport Super Cab 4x4 is equipped with standard skid plates to protect major components on the truck's underbody.
Standard safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted side air bags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, load limiting retractors, driver-seat position sensing and crash severity sensing, side intrusion door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.
The 2010 Ranger is still available as the XL, XLT and Sport, but the FX4 Off-Road trim is now offered as a Sport trim. The 3.0-liter V6 has been dropped, leaving buyers with a choice of either a 2.3L 4-cylinder or a 4.0L V6 engine. All 2010 Rangers now have a lower front-bumper valance with an integrated, one-inch air deflector to help reduce drag and improve fuel economy. Larger fog lamps provide excellent visibility and a tougher appearance. XLT models feature body-color front- and rear-step bumpers, as well as a chrome H-bar grille for a bolder look. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control is now standard on all Rangers, and a 7-foot bed is newly available, but only on as a fleet option on the XL Regular Cab. A Class III trailer hitch is now standard on all trims.
The 2010 Ford Ranger continues to be one of the most affordable compact pickups on the market, and is still a top choice in its category with its wide array of cab and bed configurations. Estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 5,780 lbs. MSRP starts at a thrifty $17,440.
