Ford Ranger for Wentzville: The Overlooked Ford Truck That Tows Up to 7,500 Pounds
The Ranger can get overshadowed by the F-150. Cars.com's 2026 review gave it a 9 out of 10 for capability and called out how manageable it feels in tight parking areas and garages.
Ford also makes the first decision for you. Every 2026 Ranger is a four-door SuperCrew with a five-foot bed, leaving you to focus on the powertrain and towing setup.
9/10Cars.com's 2026 Ford Ranger review, rated for capability
Why the Ford Ranger suits Wentzville driving
Around Wentzville, the Ranger's size is part of the appeal. Every Ranger measures about 210.6 inches. An F-150 with a crew cab and the longer bed runs past 240 inches. If the truck needs to live inside the garage, measure the garage before you shop.
The smaller size does not cost you on the highway. The 270-horsepower 2.3L and available 315-horsepower 2.7L V6 both merge onto I-70 without fuss.
Main roads may be cleared quickly after winter weather, but neighborhood streets and boat ramps can stay slick. 4x4 is available on XL, XLT and Lariat.
The five-foot bed is still a working bed. It holds 43.5 cubic feet and measures 59.6 inches along the floor, with 48.2 inches between the wheelhouses. With the tailgate down, a four-foot sheet of plywood or drywall lies flat between them.
43.5 cu ftBed volume
59.6 inBed floor length
48.2 inBetween wheelhouses
Three Ford Ranger engines for Wentzville drivers
All three engines use a 10-speed automatic. The 2.3L and 2.7L share the same maximum tow rating. The V6 buys extra torque and stronger passing response.
2.3L EcoBoost
270 hp · 310 lb-ftStandard across XL, XLT and Lariat. It also carries the most weight, up to 1,767 pounds of payload with rear-wheel drive and 1,763 pounds with 4x4.
2.7L EcoBoost V6
315 hp · 400 lb-ftAvailable on XLT and Lariat. The extra torque shows up when you are pulling a grade or merging with a load behind you. Payload drops to 1,513 pounds.
3.0L EcoBoost V6
405 hp · 430 lb-ftRaptor only, with 4x4 standard and off-road suspension underneath it. Tow rating falls to 5,510 pounds and payload to 1,373 pounds.
Where the 2026 Ford Ranger trims separate
XL
Work-FirstThe hitch and Trailer Tow Package are optional.
XLT
More Standard TechBlind spot monitoring that extends behind a trailer becomes standard, and the option list opens up from here.
Lariat
Most EquippedMore interior equipment, including the larger vertical touchscreen offered on the upper trims.
Ford Ranger towing: what the 7,500-pound rating requires
7,500 lbs2.3L or 2.7L, with Trailer Tow Package
3,500 lbsSame engines, without the package
With the Trailer Tow Package, Rangers equipped with the 2.3L or 2.7L can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Without it, the rating is 3,500 pounds. That makes the equipment list just as important as the trim name when you are shopping for a truck to tow with.
Before matching that rating to a trailer, use the trailer's loaded weight. Check payload at the same time. A full cab and a heavy tongue can reach the payload limit before the truck reaches its maximum tow rating.
Gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups fall outside what Ford certifies for the Ranger, so move up to an F-150 or Super Duty matched to the trailer.
What makes Bo Beuckman worth the drive from Wentzville
We are in Ellisville, roughly half an hour out. Here is what that drive buys you.
Start with the vehicle you already own
Send us the VIN and an accurate description of its condition, dents and all, and we can put a value on it whether you buy from us or not. Having that number early helps you see which new and pre-owned Rangers fit the budget you have in mind.
Value Your VehicleSee the right Rangers first
Tell us what you tow and which engine you are leaning toward. We will pull matching trucks up front, verify the Trailer Tow Package and park two side by side if you want to drive them back to back.
Tell Us What You NeedNew and pre-owned trucks on the same lot
Depending on mileage, equipment and current incentives, a used Lariat can land within a few thousand dollars of a new XLT. Seeing both in the same visit makes that tradeoff much easier to judge.
Nobody is going to rush you
Bo holds a 4.8-star Google average across nearly 3,000 reviews. Ask the extra question, take another look, or drive the Ranger again if that is what helps you feel sure.
Start with Bo's current Ford Ranger inventory to see which engines and packages are here now, and look at Bo's used trucks while you are at it.
You can also browse pre-owned vehicles for Wentzville or check the Wentzville FAQ for local questions about trade-ins, service and visiting the dealership. Directions and hours are on the site as well.