2009 Ford Ranger Sport

Other than its unique badging, 15-inch alloy wheels, satellite radio, vinyl floor covering, and the lack of a 7-foot-long-bed trim, the regular-cab, rear-wheel-drive 2009 Ford Ranger Sport offers little to differentiate it from its XLT sibling, despite being a step up in price. Standard safety features and optional equipment for the ’09 Ranger Sport are also reflective of the XLT lineup, including four-wheel ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, front dual-stage airbags, a sliding rear window, 6-CD changer, and 15-inch chrome-clad wheels. None of the regular cab offerings in the Ranger lineup, including the ’09 Ranger Sport, is available in a four-wheel-drive configuration.

A 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and a five-speed manual transmission are standard with the ’09 Ranger Sport pickup. This combination puts out 143 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 21/26 mpg on regular gas. If the available five-speed automatic transmission is chosen, mileage drops to 19/24. Payload capacity for the regular-cab, 6-foot-bed Ranger trims, including the Sport, is 1,180 pounds.

By Eric Tallberg