The 2026 Ford Ranger gets 17 to 23 miles per gallon combined, depending on the version. The best is the 2026 Ranger 2WD at 23 mpg.
In the Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD class for 2026, the Ranger ranks 5th (tied with 2 others) of 12 for combined mileage (21 mpg), 3rd (tied with 2 others) of 12 for yearly fuel cost ($2,950 for its cheapest version, cheapest first) and 4th of 12 for tailpipe CO2 (421 grams per mile for its lowest version, lowest first). The middle model of the class gets 21 mpg, costs $3,200 a year and puts out 433.5 grams per mile.
Across all 235 2026 models in the file that burn fuel, the middle best-version figure is 24 mpg and the highest is 57 mpg (Toyota Prius). Of the 234 other models, 127 get more miles per gallon than the 2026 Ranger's best version, 20 other models get the same and 87 get less. The 2026 Ranger's cheapest version costs $2,700 a year to fuel by the agency's figure; of the 225 other models with a cost figure, 88 cost less, 6 the same and 131 more.
Open the best-mileage list of this class for 2026. Cost and CO2 in the table are each model's lowest figure over its versions; plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell versions have no fuel cost and are left out of the cost column.
| Place | Model | Best version | mpg | Fuel a year, cheapest version | CO2 g/mi, lowest version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 GMC Sierra | 2026 Sierra 4WD with Sport Mode (Diesel, 6-cyl 3.0 L) | 24 | $3,450 | 428 |
| 3 | 2026 Ford F150 | 2026 F150 Pickup 4WD HEV | 23 | $2,700 | 388 |
| 3 | 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 2026 Tacoma Hybrid 4WD (Part-time 4-wheel) | 23 | $2,700 | 380 |
| 5 | 2026 Ford RangerThis car | 2026 Ranger 4WD (4-cyl 2.3 L) | 21 | $2,950 | 421 |
| 5 | 2026 Honda Ridgeline | 2026 Ridgeline AWD | 21 | $2,950 | 441 |
| 5 | 2026 Ram 1500 | 2026 1500 4WD (Hybrid, 6-cyl 3.6 L) | 21 | $2,950 | 417 |
| 8 | 2026 Toyota Tundra | 2026 Tundra Hybrid 4WD | 20 | $3,100 | 439 |
Pick a 2026 version, then set your miles and fuel price. Fuel price as of 2026-11-14, U.S. Department of Energy / EPA. The price box starts at the dated price of the fuel the picked version burns (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline, diesel, E85 or electricity) and sets the price of that fuel. Miles are limited to 1,000 to 60,000 a year and the price to $0.01 to $20.00; a value outside that is worked out at the nearest limit.
2026 Ranger 2WD, 4-cyl 2.3 L: 21 mpg city, 25 highway, 23 combined. The agency's own estimate for the 2026 Ranger version is $2,700 a year (15,000 miles, the agency's fuel prices).
The 3 nearest rivals in the Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD class for 2026, picked by closest combined mileage; only versions with a fuel-cost figure are listed. Same miles as on the left. The price box on the left is the price of the fuel of the version you picked: a rival that burns the same fuel uses that price, a rival that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. The 5-year line is 5 times the yearly gap.
The Ranger costs $248 less to fuel each year.
Over 5 years the Ranger costs $1,240 less to fuel than the Ridgeline (5 times the yearly difference, at these miles and these prices).
Dollar gaps use each car's best-mileage version.
| Rival in 2026 | Best version | Combined | Fuel a year, agency (15,000 miles) | Against the Ranger (mileage) | Agency yearly fuel cost against the Ranger | Side by side |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Honda Ridgeline | 2026 Ridgeline AWD | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 2 lower | $250 more a year | Compare |
| 2026 Ram 1500 | 2026 1500 4WD (Hybrid, 6-cyl 3.6 L) | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 2 lower | $250 more a year | - |
| 2026 Toyota Tundra | 2026 Tundra Hybrid 4WD | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 3 lower | $400 more a year | Compare |
EPA test figures for 2026; the last column is the yearly fuel cost against the cheapest version.
| Version | Engine | Gearbox | Drive | City | Highway | Combined | Fuel a year | CO2 g/mi | Fuel vs cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ranger 2WD | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic (S10) | Rear-wheel | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,700 | 395 | cheapest |
| 2026 Ranger 4WD (4-cyl 2.3 L) | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,950 | 421 | +$250 |
| 2026 Ranger 4WD (6-cyl 2.7 L) | 6-cyl 2.7 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 | +$400 |
| 2026 Ranger RAPTOR 4WD | 6-cyl 3.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-wheel | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,650 | 525 | +$950 |
Enter the price difference you were quoted for the 2026 Ranger; this page has no prices. Miles come from the calculator. The fuel price box there sets the price of the fuel of the version picked there; a version here that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. Versions with no fuel-cost figure are not listed.
Type the price difference you were quoted to see the payback.
Tailpipe CO2: the 2026 Ranger 2WD puts out 395 grams per mile; across the 4 tested versions the figure runs from 395 to 525.
EPA scores (1 to 10, 10 best) for the 2026 Ranger 2WD: fuel economy score 5 (3 to 5 across versions), greenhouse gas score 5 (3 to 5 across versions).
Best combined figure of the Ranger gas version each model year since 2016, set against the 2026 model.
| Model year | Best gas version | Versions tested | Against 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 23 mpg | 3 | same as 2026 | |
| 2020 | 23 mpg | 3 | same as 2026 | |
| 2021 | 23 mpg | 4 | same as 2026 | |
| 2022 | 23 mpg | 5 | same as 2026 | |
| 2023 | 23 mpg | 5 | same as 2026 | |
| 2024 | 22 mpg | 4 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2025 | 23 mpg | 4 | same as 2026 | |
| 2026This page | 23 mpg | 4 | this page |
Compared with the 2025 model: 4 versions were tested then and 4 now; the best figure went from 23 to 23 mpg (no change).
| Version in 2026 | 2026 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ranger 2WD, 4-cyl 2.3 L | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Ranger 4WD (4-cyl 2.3 L), 4-cyl 2.3 L | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | -1 mpg |
| 2026 Ranger 4WD (6-cyl 2.7 L), 6-cyl 2.7 L | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Ranger RAPTOR 4WD, 6-cyl 3.0 L | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | no change |
Crash-test stars from the U.S. safety agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings, checked 2026-11-14. 5 is the best.
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 FORD RANGER (SUPER CREW) PU/CC N/A 4WD | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| 2026 FORD RANGER (SUPER CREW) PU/CC N/A RWD | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
The agency lists 2 variants; all 2 are shown.
The agency's record for the first rated vehicle also lists 9 complaints, 8 recalls, 0 investigations.
9 complaints for the 2026 Ford Ranger are on file (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints are reports that owners sent to the safety agency. They are not proven defects, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
| Part named in the reports | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
0 of the 9 reports say the car was in a crash, 0 mention a fire and 1 mentions an injury. One report can name more than one part.
8 recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Ranger at the U.S. safety agency (checked 2026-11-14). A dealer does recall repairs free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10.1-inch center stack screen. The screen may lose power and fail to display the rearview camera image.
Fix: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed October 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent when the remedy is available.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The vehicle specifications listed on the tire placard and safety certification labels may be incorrect, including the VIN, capacity weight, seating capacity, front and rear gross ...
Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the certification and TREAD labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles.
Fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment.
Fix: Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Other 2026 models of the same agency class, each with its best combined figure. The Ranger itself is at 21 mpg.
More Ford models that have a 2026 page here, with the class of each and its best combined figure.
The 2026 Ranger 2WD with 23 mpg combined (21 city, 25 highway).
The 2026 Ford Ranger costs between $2,700 and $3,650 to fuel by the agency's estimate, which assumes 15,000 miles a year. The cheapest is the 2026 Ranger 2WD at $2,700; the dearest is the 2026 Ranger RAPTOR 4WD at $3,650. Use the calculator above for your own miles and fuel price.
2026 Ranger 4WD (4-cyl 2.3 L): 21 mpg combined (19 city, 24 highway); 2026 Ranger 4WD (6-cyl 2.7 L): 20 mpg combined (18 city, 23 highway); 2026 Ranger RAPTOR 4WD: 17 mpg combined (16 city, 18 highway).
The 2026 Ford Ranger is 5th of 12 for combined mileage. The top of the class is the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado at 24 mpg, and the middle figure for the class is 21 mpg. In the list, the next one ahead is the 2026 Toyota Tacoma at 23 mpg and the next one behind is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline at 21 mpg.
The 2025 model had 4 tested versions and the 2026 model has 4. The best figure went from 23 to 23 mpg (no change).
In the agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14; 5 is the best), the stars are 2026 FORD RANGER (SUPER CREW) PU/CC N/A 4WD: overall 4 of 5, front 5, side 5, rollover 3; 2026 FORD RANGER (SUPER CREW) PU/CC N/A RWD: overall 4 of 5, front 5, side 5, rollover 3. The agency lists 2 variants; all 2 are shown.
9 complaints for the 2026 Ford Ranger are on file at the safety agency (checked 2026-11-14); the part named most often is Power Train (3 reports). Complaints are reports owners sent in, not proven defects.
The agency's database lists 8 recalls for the 2026 Ford Ranger (checked 2026-11-14). They are listed above with the repair the maker offers.
For the 2026 Ford Ranger: EPA file 2026-11-04; fuel price 2026-11-14; crash tests 2026-11-14; complaints 2026-11-14; recalls 2026-11-14. Not covered: purchase price, towing, reliability, repair and insurance costs.
Mileage and fuel cost for the 2026 Ford Ranger: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fueleconomy.gov vehicle file (file dated 2026-11-04). Recalls for the 2026 Ford Ranger: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (checked 2026-11-14). Crash-test ratings for the 2026 Ford Ranger: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints for the 2026 Ford Ranger: NHTSA (checked 2026-11-14). Fuel prices: U.S. Department of Energy / EPA (2026-11-14). Your own mileage depends on how and where you drive. Where our numbers come from.