Small Ford Trucks

The small Ford truck models sold in the U.S. market are the Ford Ranger XL, XLT, and Lariat. In 2021, Ford will be releasing the Maverick, a pickup truck model that is even smaller than the Ford Ranger.

In this article, we’ll look at all of these small Ford trucks.

Ford Ranger XL
Ford Ranger XLT
Ford Ranger Lariat
Ford Maverick (2022)

Although the Ford Ranger is one of the smallest Ford trucks today, this will eventually change as Ford soon releases the Maverick. In the meantime, most people consider the Ranger as the smallest Ford truck.

Its advanced terrain technology and unique features make it one of the popular trucks in the market.

Read on to learn more about small Ford trucks as well as their features and specs.

History

In 1983, Ford Motor Company introduced the Ranger to Canada and the U.S. as its first compact pickup truck. Ford produced the model line of the Ranger through three generations. Using one-chassis architecture, they redesigned the Ranger for 1989, 1993, 1998, 2001, 2004, and 2006. In 2011, Ford released the last of the Ford Ranger.

In 2019, after eight years, Ford remodeled the Ranger to global Ranger T6 to abide by the U.S. government’s regulations. This vehicle is the fourth generation Ranger model, which evolved into a mid-size pickup truck.

In 2020, Ford plans to release the Ford Maverick, which is smaller than the Ranger, to become the smallest Ford vehicle.

1. Ford Ranger

Key Features

The Ford Ranger XL is an outstanding innovation from Ford that puts off-road performance and state-of-the-art technology to the forefront. The FX2 package features 17-inch off-road tires. There is an 18-inch product if you want a slightly bigger set. You can depend on a cluster screen for data about the steering angle and other information.

The FordPass Connect feature allows you to connect to your vehicle’s remote features, such as lock and unlock controls and your vehicle’s location. You can learn more about the Live Traffic and gas station sites. You’ll also have Wi-Fi with its 4G LTE hotspot.

You can obtain the XL STX Appearance Package that provides four ebony black seats, fog lamps, aluminum wheels, and other features that make the Ranger’s interior safe and comfortable. It has EPA-Est. 21 MPG City and 26 MPG Hwy2, and it can tow up to 7,500 pounds.

Exterior Features

The remarkable exterior features of the Ranger XL start with its front and rear bumpers, which come in steel and black designs. The headlamps, cargo lamps, and daytime running lamps are all halogen, making them long-lasting, lightweight, and incandescent.

The headlamps can turn on and off automatically as needed. Its Reverse Sending System also guides you when you reverse the vehicle.

There are two 4×4 front tow hooks and four cargo box tie-down hooks. The manually folded side mirrors come with an Integrated Spotter Mirror and black skull caps. The black motif is the color of the wheel’s lip moldings and the grille. The elegance of black is reflected by the tailgate, the handles, and the door.

In the SuperCab, the second-row windows are fixed, but for the SuperCrew, the second-row windows are powered. Both feature one-touch (power) first-row windows, with the rear window fixed.

Interior Features

Inside the Ranger XL, black reigns with the black vinyl floor carpet and the black urethane steering wheel. You can manually control the air conditioning, unlike the other models. But the power-lock door is also designed for the XL.

The XL provides safety measures, such as the Pre-Collision Assist that offers an Automatic Emergency Braking mechanism for an open image overlay. The cruise control allows you to enjoy driving at cruising speed as well.

While you’re driving, you can listen to music from the AM/FM radio stereo through four speakers and connect to Bluetooth. The FordPass Connect system provides an LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that you can use within 50 feet of your vehicle. You can take advantage of the smart-charging USB port whenever necessary. In cases of emergency, you can use the 911 Assist feature to get outside help.

2. Ford Ranger XLT

Key Features

Next on our list of small Ford pickup trucks is the Ford Ranger XLT. The Ford XLT’s adaptive cruise control allows you to cruise comfortably as the system would adapt automatically to the vehicle’s speed ahead of you. This navigation system and cruise control are available to selected XLTs and Lariats.

The FX4 Off-Road package provides off-road technology with its Terrain Management System and Trail Control. The electric power-assist steering helps the vehicle safe to drive. Additionally, the package offers a locking rear differential, FX4 suspension, and more durable tires.

One excellent feature of the XLT is its Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology. This system could help you maneuver through busy and crowded roads with its Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Cross-Traffic Alert mechanism.

Like the XL, the XLT has the same EPA-Est. 21 MPG City and 26 MPG Hwy2. It can tow up to 7,500 pounds.

Exterior Features

The Ranger XL has standard features you can expect – halogen head, fog lamps, and halogen cargo lamps. The chrome bumpers at the front and rear help increase safety distancing and prevent mishaps. Its automatic on-and-off headlamps will help you focus on your driving instead of frequently turning the headlamps on and off. The carbon-black meshed grille completes a superb look that promises durability as well.

Ford designed manual-folding side mirrors with black skull caps. There are two 4×2 front tow hooks, two 4×4 front tow hooks, and four cargo box tie-down hooks. Typically, the doors’ handles and tailgate come in black or chrome. Additionally, the company designed the rear, front, and side windows with defroster and privacy tint to ensure privacy.

Interior Features

You can control the single-zone air-conditioning manually, but you don’t have to worry about temperature control for the dual-zone, as the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control will regulate the vehicle’s interior temperature.

Various apps help you to keep safe while driving. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) will alert you about incoming traffic with its Cross-Traffic Alert and monitor your trailer. An emergency braking mechanism (Pre-Collision Assist) automatically stops your Ford Ranger when a near-collision occurs with other vehicles. Cruise control and a lane-keeping alert allow you to cruise along the road relative to other vehicles’ distance and speed before you.

You can connect the LCD touch screen equipped with SYNC® 3 to your Ranger to access vital information that you need, such as fuel left, vehicle location, gas stations around the area, and other crucial information.

The floor is luxuriously carpeted with a color that complements the seat’s shade and the Ranger’s color. The steering wheel is a sleek black, with manual tilt control and telescoping.

3. Ford Ranger Lariat

Key Features

The Ranger Lariat is another one of the best small ford truck models. It has remarkable features that you would certainly appreciate. First is the B&O Sound System, which you can customize to suit your hearing pleasure. You could position the speakers at strategic points to maximize your listening pleasure. Additionally, you have a speed-adaptive volume control that adjusts to your speed for a fuller sound.

One standard key feature of the Lariat is its heated front leather seats for its SuperCrew. You will appreciate the LED tail and headlamps that keep you safe during eerie nights, especially when you’re traveling alone or even when you’re with family.

Exterior Features

The Ranger Lariat provides automatic LED head and fog lamps, with the CHMSL integrated cargo lamp. The Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) and the daytime lamps are also LED. The Lariat has rear and front sturdy steel bumpers and a capless easy-fuel filler.

Like the XLT, the Lariat has two 4×2 front tow hooks, two 4×4 front tow hooks, and four cargo box tie-down hooks. The power-folding side mirrors are two power glasses with security approach lights and an integrated turn signal capability. It has a power locking tailgate that enables a secure and safe drive. A Reverse and Forward Sensing System guides your reverse and forward maneuvers.

The SuperCab of these small Ford trucks has the second-row windows fixed. The SuperCrew has the first and the second-row windows in power mode, indicating that the window can go up and down with a touch of a button. Typically, the rear windows are manual sliding glasses. To provide privacy, they are tinted or frosted.

Interior Features

The superb interior features of your Ranger Lariat are something most people only dream of.

Dual-zone Electronic Temperature Control

You would never experience an extremely cold or hot temperature inside the Lariat, as the dual-zone electronic temperature control will automatically set your desired temperature.

Pre-Collision Assist

You will feel safer driving, knowing that there’s a Pre-Collision Assist that could automatically guide you and help you to stop the vehicle before a detected collision. This action is due to its Automatic Emergency Braking system.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

As with most Ford vehicles, driving is more comfortable and more focused because of the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). This system features a Cross-Traffic Alert open image overlay that could warn you of cross traffic. It could monitor your trailer – if you have towed it.

LCD Touchscreen with SYNC® 3

An 8-inch LCD touchscreen with SYNC® 3 will allow you to voice-activate your information system and your vehicle’s functions. You can place calls, play a song, or find a nearby gas station without using your hands. Just focus on the wheel and enjoy driving. You can also cruise along easily with its cruise control.

Leather Interiors

Aesthetically, the leather-wrapped steering wheel blends strikingly with the shade of the fully-carpeted floor. The SuperCab model provides four leather seats, while the optional SuperCrew model offers five seats.

Anti-theft Alarm and SecuriLock

You can stay safely inside your Ranger or park it anywhere without worrying about theft with its power door locks. A perimeter anti-theft alarm is in place, along with a SecuriLock, making it even harder for thieves.

Airbags, Seat Belts, and Child Seat Tether Anchors

There are airbags and high-quality seat belts at the front seat for passengers and the driver for safety. You can secure your child with the Child Seat Tether Anchors.

Rearview Camera, Roll Stability Control, and TPMS

A rearview camera could provide a view of what is happening at your vehicle’s rear. You have the Roll Stability Control (RSC®) to keep your vehicle stable while on the road. Plus, you can monitor your tires’ status by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

4. Ford Maverick (2022)

Ford Motor Company has not released the Ford Maverick yet, but leaked photos prove their existence. Don’t mistake this as the old Ford vehicle with the same name. Purportedly, Ford is finalizing the new Maverick and will release the latest model in 2022.

When they finally release this model, it would be the smallest Ford vehicle in the series–even smaller than the Ranger. Ford Ranger is currently the smallest vehicle in the lineup of Ford models.

Reportedly, the Maverick may have a unibody, and two turbocharged engines, either from 1.5L or 2L cylinder that can produce 180 horsepower. The most likely choice for the Maverick’s transmission is an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The light pickup may use the architecture of Escape or the Bronco Sport. But most experts in the field surmised they would use the Bronco Sport-based crossover truck.

The Maverick’s bed will be shorter than the Ranger’s and more compact. The Ranger’s bed length is 61 to 72.8 inches. The Maverick is projected to be two feet shorter than the Ranger. Indeed, this rumored measurement makes it the smallest vehicle in the Ford series.

Keep your truck safe from all kinds of weather with our ultimate guide to the best truck covers for 2023.

Conclusion – Small Ford Trucks

So what are the best small Ford pickup trucks? The best small Ford trucks are the Ford Ranger XL, Ford Ranger XLT, Ford Ranger Lariat, and the Ford Maverick. The Ford Maverick is slated for release in 2022.

For now, you can choose from any of the current Ranger models as your small truck. Whatever the purpose you have in mind, these models would, most likely, fit in.

Small Ford Trucks – Ranger and Maverick Pickup Models