The Ford Ranger has reaffirmed its leadership in the truck market by claiming the coveted 2025 North American Truck of the Year (NACTOY) title. The award, presented at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, is one of the most highly regarded in the automotive sector. This marks the fifth consecutive year Ford trucks have earned this prestigious distinction.
What Makes the Award Stand Out?
Winning a NACTOY award is like an actor winning an Oscar or a musician taking home a Grammy—it's the ultimate industry seal of approval. These awards have been independently judged since 1994 by a jury of 50 expert automotive journalists from across the U.S. and Canada. Each year, the jurors rigorously evaluate eligible vehicles on innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction, and value.
As NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert noted, “This year’s winners are on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, styling, and value. The competition was fierce, and each one truly represents the best of the best.”
The Ford Ranger’s ability to outshine competitors like the Toyota Tacoma and the Ram 1500 proves that it offers a unique combination of utility, innovation, and rugged charm that resonates with truck buyers.
Why the 2025 Ford Ranger Stood Out
The 2025 Ford Ranger has been completely redesigned to set the benchmark in the midsize truck segment. Here’s what captured the jury’s attention and helped it secure the win:
Built Ford Tough Durability
The Ford Ranger is engineered to withstand nearly anything you throw at it, whether it’s towing heavy loads or tackling tough terrain. Tested worldwide—including the Australian outback and American highways—it delivers reliability across six continents.
Powerful Yet Efficient Performance
The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine delivers impressive power while maintaining great fuel efficiency. For those seeking more excitement, the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 elevates performance, providing a confident and dynamic driving experience.
Off-Road Beast
Enter the 2024 Ranger Raptor, the most powerful and off-road-ready Ranger to date. With its 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine producing best-in-class 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with race-proven suspension and FOX™ Live Valve shocks, it’s perfect for any adventure enthusiast looking to chase the horizon.
Advanced Towing & Usability
The 2025 Ranger offers best-in-class towing technology, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, ensuring even novices can manage challenging towing tasks with ease.
Technology and Comfort Redefined
The redesigned interior includes premium features like digital gauge clusters, large touch screens, wireless charging, fold-flat rear seats for extra storage, and Zone Lighting for added convenience. This makes the Ranger as comfortable for weekday commutes as it is practical for weekend escapades.
A Winning Combination of Size and Utility
Jurors praised the Ranger for striking the perfect balance—it’s big enough to tackle heavy-duty jobs and off-road adventures while being compact enough to fit in urban parking spaces easily.
As Drew Winter from WardsAuto said, “The Ford Ranger has a solid and refined chassis, a nice interior, and is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.”
Ford’s Legacy of Excellence
The 2025 win is a continuation of Ford’s dominance in the truck category. Over the past five years, Ford has delivered an impressive lineup of award-winning vehicles, including:
- 2021: Ford F-150
- 2022: Ford Maverick
- 2023: Ford F-150 Lightning
- 2024: Ford Super Duty
By adding the 2025 Ford Ranger to this list, it’s clear that Ford’s innovation and unwavering commitment to its “Built Ford Tough” philosophy continue to resonate with both customers and industry experts alike.
What This Win Means for the Ford Ranger
Being named North American Truck of the Year isn’t just a trophy—it’s a stamp of trust and recognition from 50 of the most knowledgeable names in automotive journalism. This honor bolsters the Ranger’s reputation as a leader in its segment. It tells buyers they’re investing in a vehicle that delivers unmatched reliability, performance, and value.
Jim Baumbick, vice president of Advanced Product Development at Ford, put it best when he said, “This award is a tribute to our customers, who inspire us every day.” He also emphasized the relentless testing and development that went into bringing the 2025 Ranger to life, ensuring it met—and exceeded—the high expectations of midsize truck enthusiasts.
Win Big with the Ford Ranger Today
The 2025 Ford Ranger continues to raise the bar, seamlessly combining cutting-edge technology, rugged performance, and all-around usability. Whether you're commuting through city streets, towing heavy loads, or chasing off-road adventure, the Ranger is designed to give you confidence behind the wheel.
With its latest win as North American Truck of the Year, the Ranger has solidified its standing as one of the best choices in the truck market. And with an accessible starting price of $34,575—and a well-equipped SuperCrew 4x4 XLT at $39,646—it’s an excellent option for truck buyers looking for both quality and value.
Looking for a truck that can do it all? Visit Silverthorne Ford and explore the Ranger lineup today! Experience firsthand what makes the 2025 Ford Ranger a winner in every sense. Whether you take home a brand new Ford Ranger or any of Ford’s great legacy of new and pre-owned pickup trucks, we guarantee you’ll be in great hands of some of the most advanced and powerful vehicles currently on the American market.
We look forward to seeing you at Silverthorne Ford!