2021 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it featured enhancements over its light-duty counterparts, such as long bed lengths for improved cargo capacity and a tall ride height for better ground clearance. The truck's massive grilles, durable bumpers, and resilient bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Inside, the cabin varied from basic and utilitarian in the lower trims to luxurious in the higher trims, with options for leather upholstery and upscale finishes that rivaled luxury cars.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew styles, with a focus on versatility and off-road capability, especially in the Tremor Off-Road Package. The Ranger's design included unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and off-road enhancements like tow hooks and side steps. Inside, the Ranger offered a clean and contemporary cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and comfortable seating. Despite the use of hard plastics, the interior did not feel cheap, and the combination of Lariat trim and Tremor features made it the best-equipped Ranger available.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the available 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The most potent option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, generating 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Duty's towing capacity exceeded 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup, and its payload capacity reached up to 4,060 pounds. While fuel economy ratings were not available, the Super Duty was expected to consume more fuel during heavy towing or hauling.

The 2021 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, was powered by a single turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger's 4WD system included a Terrain Management System with multiple settings for different terrains, and the Tremor Off-Road Package added an off-road suspension with Fox shocks and increased ground clearance. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul a payload of up to 1,860 pounds, though the Tremor's payload was slightly reduced. The Ranger's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, and it offered a refined driving experience with swift acceleration and comfortable suspension tuning.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was designed for utility, with a standard 40/20/40 folding bench seat in the front and spacious rear seats in Crew Cab and Super Cab models. However, its large size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its tall ride height could be cumbersome for entry and exit. The truck's tailgate could be equipped with steps and a handle for easier access to the bed, though it was less elaborate than competitors' designs.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured hoop-style step bars for entry, though their high placement limited their usefulness. Inside, the Ranger offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats, though the driver's seat could have used more travel for taller individuals. Rear-seat space was generous, but the lack of rear air vents and a power-operated sliding window were drawbacks. The Ranger's tailgate was light and easy to operate, and the cargo bed offered ample space, though it lacked built-in cargo solutions.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty came with Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, but higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, upgraded seats, and adjustable upfitter switches.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor was equipped with the Sync 3 system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. While Sync 3 was being phased out for Sync 4, it remained competitive in the midsize truck segment. The voice recognition system had mixed performance, but the integration of climate controls into the system was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of safety features, though many were optional or reserved for higher trims. Available features included a trailer tow package with special camera views, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. As a commercial vehicle, it was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Ford Ranger came with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Ranger also offered adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage. It received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with some areas for improvement noted by IIHS.