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2020 Ford Ranger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Ford Ranger
Pictured: 2011 Ford Ranger XLT -- NHTSA. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Supercab 4WD, Supercrew 4WD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
270 hp
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
4–5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
Length
211 in
Curb weight
4,352–4,440 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2020 standard pickup truck (19.7 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 29.2% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Ford Ranger is a standard pickup truck offered with a 2.3L 4-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 211 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 127-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,352 lb (Supercab 4WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 17% better than the 2020 standard pickup truck average of 19.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Ranger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Ranger →

Trims, performance & features

Engine270 hp2.3L
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating4–5 seats · 2 rows

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard

Built in: Wayne, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2020 Ranger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Supercab 4WD211 in73.2 in71.3 in126.8 in61.4 / 61.4 in4,352 lb57/43
Supercrew 4WD211 in73.2 in71.3 in126.8 in61.4 / 61.4 in4,440 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ranger 2WD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23+17%$2,900387
Ranger 4WD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22+18%$3,050404
Ranger 2WD Incomplete2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 18 / 18-16%$3,700485
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.7 MPG2020 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Ford Ranger Super Crew PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★25.6%
2020 Ford Ranger Super Cab PU/EC 4WDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★Not ratedNot rated★★★★★25.6%
2020 Ford Ranger Super Crew PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★29.2%
2020 Ford Ranger Super Cab PU/EC 2WDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★Not ratedNot rated★★★★★29.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Ford Ranger Super Crew PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Ford Ranger Super Crew PU/CC 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Ford Ranger Super Crew PU/CC 4WD
Side crash test — 2020 Ford Ranger Super Crew PU/CC 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Ford Ranger (this car)23 MPG★★★★★7
2020 Toyota Tacoma21 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Nissan Frontier20 MPGNot rated2
2020 Honda Ridgeline22 MPG★★★★★8
2020 Jeep Gladiator Pickup19 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (7)

Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Equipment › Other › Labels · May 26, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V379000 · 29,607 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
Seat Belts › Front › Webbing · Oct 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V811000 · 47,683 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles. The front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk
A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should not drive their vehicles and contact a Ford dealership. Dealers will inspect the front row outboard seat belts and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C25.
Child Seat › Vehicle Latch Anchor · Sep 30, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V765000 · 37,625 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats. Additionally, the child seat may not attach properly to the lower-rear anchors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
Risk
An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear-lower child restraint anchorages for correct alignment and adjust as necessary. Separately, dealers will replace the non-removable head restraints with removable head restraints, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C24.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 23, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V575000 · 620,246 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Apr 3, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V197000 · 55,158 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Risk
If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Ford Ranger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

130Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
20,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train48
Engine16
Unknown Or Other14
Electrical System11
Service Brakes9
Exterior Lighting6
Vehicle Speed Control5
Visibility/Wiper5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/09: 224/11: 125/01: 125/02: 225/03: 425/04: 125/05: 425/06: 325/07: 425/08: 225/09: 425/10: 325/11: 125/12: 326/01: 226/02: 126/03: 326/04: 326/05: 126/06: 326/07: 426/08: 326/09: 226/10: 224/0925/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Ford Ranger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 48 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Ranger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ranger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Ranger23210.6 inNot rated88
2025 Ranger23210.6 inNot rated1344
2024 Ranger22210.6 inNot rated1395
2023 Ranger23211 inNot rated418
2022 Ranger23211 inNot rated538
2021 Ranger23211 inNot rated6119
2019 Ranger23211 in★★★★★11270
2011 Ranger24187.4 inNot rated5223
2010 Ranger24187.4 inNot rated8140
2009 Ranger23187.4 inNot rated6152
2008 Ranger23187.4 inNot rated5306
2007 Ranger23187.4 inNot rated5243

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →