Used 2021 Ford Ranger for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Ford Ranger cost?

Prices have softened 8.42% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,146 listings available, which suggests you have a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Ford Ranger a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Ford Ranger earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.00/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Drivers consistently praise its strong towing ability, plenty of power, and spacious, comfortable cabin. The overview also points to broad appeal for everyday use and more demanding dirt-road or rock-crawling duty, especially with the Tremor package. On the downside, the expert review calls out uninspired styling and outdated technology, while the user feedback notes a wish for more modern features.

With 33.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Ford Ranger reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a truck that feels solid, capable, and dependable, with strong towing ability and plenty of power. The expert review also emphasizes that it comes across as refined, comfortable, and capable, which supports confidence in day-to-day ownership. Ford’s Tremor setup adds hardware aimed at difficult terrain, but the broader ownership picture still suggests a truck you can count on.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic durability and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worked too hard.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Ford Ranger?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the truck has been used for towing or off-road driving. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, suspension wear, and signs of hard use. If you are shopping a Tremor-equipped truck, make sure the off-road hardware and underbody protection are intact.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Ranger is offered in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, and the Lariat brings the most upscale cabin presentation. Base-trim trucks miss some of the richer interior touches and convenience equipment you’ll find higher up the range.
• Powertrain: Every Ranger uses a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and the Tremor setup adds off-road suspension tuning, Fox shocks, and a locking rear differential.
• Safety package: Co-Pilot360 includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning with trailer coverage. Adaptive cruise control is standard on Lariat, but not all trims get it.
• Infotainment: The Ranger uses an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, plus voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, AppLink with Waze and Ford + Alexa, FordPass Connect with a 4G WiFi hotspot, navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: The Tremor version is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, with 19 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Ford Ranger trim should I buy?

The 2021 Ford Ranger is offered in 3 trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat.

Here's the short version:

• XL: This is the entry point if you want the Ranger’s core capability at the lowest price. It gives you the same turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic as the rest of the lineup, but you’ll miss some of the nicer cabin and convenience touches found higher up.
• XLT: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it balances equipment and price well. It adds more everyday comfort and convenience than the XL without pushing you all the way to the top of the range.
• Lariat: Choose this if you want the most upscale Ranger cabin and the most available equipment. It’s the trim that pairs especially well with the Tremor package if you want the most fully equipped version.

Co-Pilot360 is standard or optional across the lineup, but adaptive cruise control is standard only on Lariat.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Ford Ranger?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,146 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.42% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,646, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Ford Ranger's resale value?

The current average of $25,646 sits slightly below last year's $28,005.

That decline suggests the market has become a bit more favorable for buyers, but it also means sellers may need to price competitively to move a truck quickly. If you own one, strong condition and a clean history matter more when the market is softening. Well-equipped examples with desirable features should still draw attention, especially if they are accident-free and well maintained.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Ford Ranger safe?

The 2021 Ford Ranger earns four-star ratings from NHTSA overall, mainly because of its three-star rollover resistance rating, and IIHS gives it top scores aside from an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in the small-overlap frontal-impact test and a Marginal rating for its headlights.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning with trailer coverage. Adaptive cruise control is standard on Lariat, but not every trim gets it.

The main caveat is that the Ranger’s crashworthiness is good, but not great, and the IIHS headlight result is a weak spot you should keep in mind.

Should I buy a 2021 Ford Ranger or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.42% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The Tremor package gives this year a more trail-ready character for difficult terrain.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,503, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,646 average.
• It offers strong capability with useful tech for buyers who want a practical midsize pickup.

The bottom line: Choose the 2021 if you want the newer-market version with stronger deal availability and the Tremor package’s added off-road appeal. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play, especially if you can live without the 2021’s updates.

How does the 2021 Ford Ranger compare to the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.