New Ford Ranger takes on the ‘world’s toughest towing test’ and the results make one hell of a statement

  • The 2024 2.7L V6 Ford Ranger takes on the Ike Gauntlet
  • It’s said to be the ‘world’s toughest’ towing challenge 
  • It tows a 5,000lb trailer along a seven percent gradient for eight miles

Published on Nov 26, 2024 at 8:15 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Last updated on Nov 27, 2024 at 1:24 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

The 2024 2.7L V6 Ford Ranger promises big on towing – so these YouTubing truck enthusiasts decided to put it to the test along the Ike Gauntlet in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, US.

Seeing it take on the ‘world’s toughest’ towing challenge truly puts the American car’s claims to the test.

Enter a 5,000lb trailer and a seven percent gradient up and downhill for eight miles.

Could it live up to the hype? We’ll have to see.

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The ultimate towing test

Said to be the ‘world’s toughest towing test’, the Ike Gauntlet is situated in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, US.

According to the team behind The Fast Lane Truck who carried out the experiment, it’s an ‘eight-mile stretch of I-70 interstate highway that goes to the top of the Colorado Rocky Mountains’.

It’s an incline with a seven percent gradient, and the top elevation is 11.158 feet above sea level.

“If a truck can tow well here, it will tow great anywhere,” they enthused.

It looked set to be a rough ride – not unlike this Ford Ranger that blocked a garbage area so was filled like a dumpster by angry locals.

Performance of the 2024 2.7L V6 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger – powered by a 315HP 2.7L twin-turbo V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission – had a 5,000lb trailer hitched to the back for the already tricky terrain.

On its way up it completed the climb in eight minutes and 17 seconds with steady power delivery.

What’s more, it achieved six miles-per-gallon towing efficiency, outperforming many midsize trucks in its climbing capabilities.

Downhill was equally promising, with a mere two brake applications, smooth transmission grade-shifting, and excellent control.

So how does it do it?

It’s all thanks to its user-friendly towing technology that are said to be practical and easy to use.

This includes the Trailer Brake Controller that applies brakes and slows the trailer when you brake the vehicle.

Meanwhile, Pro Trailer Backup Assist uses sensors and a rear-view camera to guide the vehicle and position the trailer safely.

Once you’re hitched and good to go, the Trailer Light Check Function ensures all your lights are working before you hit the road.

Ultimately, it delivered a quiet, comfortable, and stable setup and towing experience.

In other towing flexes, the Cybertruck beat a Porsche 911 in an epic drag race while towing a Porsche 911.

A Lamborghini LM002 was also seen towing a Revuelto in a matching shade.

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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.