The 2025 Ford Ranger enters its second year of the latest(fifth) generation, and since its redesign was so recent, Ford didn’t overhaul much. The Ranger remains one of the most capable midsize trucks on the market; here’s a closer look at how the XLT and Raptor compare across price, features, and performance.
Key Takeaways
- Ford made only cosmetic changes to the 2025 model year lineup.
- Ford prices the XLT at $37,270 and the Raptor at $57,965, effective October 22, 2025.
- The XLT is the second lowest trim in the lineup, adding more convenience features than the XL (base) trim.
- The Raptor is the lineup's off-road trim.
2025 Ranger XLT vs Raptor Price Comparison and Changes
For 2025, the Ranger's updates are surface-level. The XLT gains three new colors—Ruby Red Metallic, Desert Sand, and Marsh Gray, while Cactus Gray, Iconic Silver, and Hot Pepper Red have been cut. Ford also added a Black Appearance package that darkens the grille, bumpers, and wheels to give the lineup a more imposing look. The Raptor’s updates are even lighter, with Marsh Gray and Desert Sand joining its palette.
The XLT is $37,270, and the Raptor is $57,965.
The standard Ranger engine is a 2.3-liter turbo-four with 270 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic and either rear- or four-wheel drive. Buyers can step up to a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 for 315 horsepower if they want more punch. The Raptor gets its own 405-hp twin-turbo V6 for serious off-road performance, along with drive modes that tailor traction and handling to different conditions.
Towing and payload ratings remain steady. Properly equipped Rangers can tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul up to 1,805 pounds, while the Raptor tops out at 5,510 pounds due to its off-road setup.
The XLT's Comfort and Safety Features
The XL (base trim) lays the groundwork for the lineup, with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, a digital instrument display, and a 10-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning come standard, giving even the base truck a reassuring set of safety features.
The XLT adds more comfort and tech. You get practical touches like a manual sliding rear window, LED bed lighting, and a 120-volt outlet for powering gear. Inside, there’s a wireless charging pad, cloud-based navigation, remote start, and a digital rearview mirror. Also added are driver-assist systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors.
The Raptor sits at the top of the lineup and delivers the muscle to match. Aside from the V6, it includes Fox shocks, wider tracks, locking front and rear differentials, fender flares, and 17-inch wheels with 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires. It also features multiple drive modes for different terrain, front and rear tow hooks, and upfitter switches in the overhead console for accessories. Inside, you’ll find sportier bucket seats with added bolstering to keep you comfortable when things get bumpy.
Which Ranger Will You Choose?
The XLT keeps things practical and comfortable for everyday use, while the Raptor is built for off-road dominance. What you choose depends on where you plan to drive. However, if you still can't decide which one is best for you, contact Lungahmer Ford today to test drive both.