The pickup truck market is growing fast, and Ford is right at the center of it. With the launch of the Maverick, a compact truck that won over skeptics, Ford showed there’s demand for smaller, affordable, and efficient trucks. Now, Ford is planning to take it even further by bringing back an old favorite—the Ranchero. Once a car-based utility vehicle, the Ranchero is making a comeback as a smaller, more practical truck for today’s drivers.
Why Bring Back the Ranchero?
Reviving the Ranchero may seem like a surprising move, but with the Maverick’s success, Ford is in the perfect spot to try something new. The Maverick’s popularity showed that there’s a demand for compact trucks, and Ford is ready to fill another gap in the market with the Ranchero.
Unlike fully electric models, the new Ranchero is expected to feature a hybrid option, keeping with Ford’s push for more eco-friendly vehicles. The most likely engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged 3-cylinder, offering about 180 horsepower. It’s small but powerful enough for a truck meant for light-duty tasks and everyday use.
Engine Choices: Power and Efficiency
If you’re looking for more power, Ford could offer the 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. However, with 250 horsepower, this might be too much for a subcompact truck. A previous version of this engine, with around 170 horsepower, could be a better fit, though it’s a bit too thirsty when it comes to fuel. A hybrid setup could strike the perfect balance, giving enough power without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The Ranchero isn’t expected to be a rugged off-roader like some of Ford’s other trucks. Instead, it will likely be a practical, no-frills vehicle, staying true to its origins as a utility vehicle from the 1960s and 1970s.
Mixing Nostalgia with Modern Tech
The Ranchero name brings back a lot of memories, and Ford is smart to combine that nostalgia with today’s technology. If Ford gets it right, the Ranchero could offer the best of both worlds—the practicality of a pickup and the fuel efficiency of a compact car. This would give Ford another strong option in the crowded truck market.
The Maverick, which shares its platform with the Escape SUV, is around 200 inches long. The Ranchero is expected to use a similar platform but will be shorter, making it ideal for city driving.
Design Challenge: Size and Space
One of the biggest challenges with the Ranchero will be balancing its small size with its functionality. The Maverick’s 4.5-foot bed is just big enough for most jobs, but the Ranchero might need to shrink it down even more. One possible solution is to make the Ranchero a two-seater, unlike the four-door Maverick. This would cut cabin space but keep some bed length, making sure it can still function as a real truck.
For city drivers who need a truck that’s easy to park and maneuver but still want the option to haul gear or do some light work, the Ranchero could be a great fit.
A Practical Truck for City Living
While the Ranchero will probably borrow some design elements from the Maverick, it’s expected to have its own style. Ford will likely focus on making it simple and functional, rather than loading it with high-end features. It probably won’t come with off-road packages or premium options like those found on the Maverick Lariat, but that’s the point—it will be designed as a budget-friendly, city-oriented truck.
Pricing and Market Position
The Ranchero will slot below the Maverick in both size and price. With the Maverick starting at just under $24,000, it’s fair to expect the Ranchero to debut around $20,000, or even less. Even the higher-end models should stay affordable, likely not crossing the $30,000 mark.
By offering a small, functional truck at a lower price point, the Ranchero could be a hit with city dwellers who want the versatility of a truck without the bulk or high price tag of a larger model.
