When Ford handed me the keys to a 2025 Ranger Lariat 4×4 for a week, I faced a dilemma. I needed to drive from Bend, Oregon to Union, Washington for NWAPA’s Mudfest event – a grueling 5.5-hour trek through the Mt. Hood National Forest. My sensible Subaru Forester promised better mileage and comfort, but the journalist in me won out. This $47,265 midsize pickup would face the ultimate real-world test: Could it handle both family duties and serious off-road challenges while remaining comfortable on long hauls?
First Impressions: Not Your Dad’s Ranger
Growing up with early-2000s Ford trucks, I expected the usual trade-offs – punishing ride quality, cheap plastics, and numb driving dynamics. The new Ranger shattered those expectations immediately. The 2025 redesign brings a more muscular, premium exterior that makes the truck look significantly more expensive than its price tag suggests.
Inside, the transformation is even more dramatic. The Lariat trim’s leather seats (heated and ventilated) proved exceptionally comfortable, while the 12.4-inch touchscreen integrated cleanly into a dashboard that no longer feels like an afterthought. My father’s generation might have seen trucks as pure tools, but this Ranger successfully bridges the gap between workhorse and family vehicle.
The Long Haul: Highway Comfort Surprises
As I set out toward Mt. Hood, several key features stood out:
- The Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system delivered crisp audio that kept me engaged through hours of classic rock and podcasts
- Adaptive cruise control with lane centering significantly reduced driver fatigue
- Thoughtful interior storage including under-seat compartments and a massive center console
- Surprisingly refined ride quality that had me frequently checking my speed (the truck glides effortlessly at 75+ mph)
The digital gauge cluster deserves special mention. Its customizable displays provide all necessary information without overwhelming the driver, and the optional dark mode proves perfect for night driving. Physical knobs for climate control maintain usability where some competitors have gone all-touchscreen.
Off-Road Credentials Put to the Test
Approaching Mt. Hood in pouring rain, I spotted an opportunity to test the Ranger’s 4×4 capabilities on a deserted forest service road. Engaging Mud/Ruts mode transformed the truck’s behavior:
- The 10-speed automatic adjusted shift patterns for optimal traction
- The off-road camera system provided crucial visibility in low-light conditions
- Predictive tire path indicators helped navigate tricky sections solo
- Comprehensive system monitoring (pitch, roll, temperatures) built confidence
While I didn’t need Trail Control on this outing, its cruise-control-for-off-roading functionality could prove invaluable on more technical trails. Factory skid plates protected vital components as I splashed through muddy ruts – a capability most owners will appreciate even if they never leave pavement.
Family Friendly? A Mixed Bag
As a parent of two, I put the Ranger through kid-hauling duties:
The Good:
- Straightforward car seat installation with accessible tether points
- Large rear windows prevent claustrophobia
- USB ports keep devices charged
The Challenges:
- Rear legroom tightens significantly with front-facing seats
- 6’1″ adults will find rear seats uncomfortable for long trips
- Bed storage requires creative solutions (cargo nets recommended)
The 2.3L EcoBoost’s 270 horsepower proved adequate, though the available 2.7L V6 would be my choice for better towing capacity. At 23 mpg highway, fuel economy won’t impress hybrid shoppers but remains competitive for the segment.
Final Assessment: A New Era for Midsize Trucks
After nearly six hours behind the wheel, the Ranger Lariat left me impressed where previous Ford trucks had disappointed. It successfully balances:
- Premium comfort with legitimate off-road capability
- Modern technology without overwhelming complexity
- Everyday usability that works for both worksites and school runs
At its price point, the Ranger presents a compelling alternative to segment stalwarts like the Toyota Tacoma. Ford has finally delivered a midsize truck that feels truly refined – a vehicle that respects its working-class roots while embracing the expectations of today’s buyers. For those needing one vehicle to handle family duties, weekend adventures, and the occasional tough job, the 2025 Ranger Lariat deserves serious consideration.