In the vast arena of mid-size pickup trucks that traverse the varied landscapes of America—from the gravel trails of the Midwest to the sun-scorched highways of the Southwest—the Ford Ranger engine stands out as a mechanical stalwart. It’s not merely a unit of propulsion but a living testament to decades of engineering integrity, a symbol of American grit. Among the pantheon of mid-size workhorses, few engines possess the storied lineage, unfaltering stamina, and nuanced character that the Ranger’s powerplant brings to the table.