1998 Ford Ranger I Double Cab Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches), the Ford Ranger I Double Cab is relatively narrow compared to many modern pickup trucks, which often exceed 1900 mm in width. This narrower profile improves maneuverability in tighter urban settings and makes parking easier, especially in places with limited space. The Ranger's compact width enables drivers to navigate narrow city streets or crowded parking lots with reduced risk of scraping adjacent vehicles or roadside obstacles, beneficial for both urban and off-road use.

The Ford Ranger I Double Cab has a ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 inches), which is quite favorable for a pickup truck in its category. This ample ride height allows it to clear moderate obstacles such as rocks, uneven terrain, or floodwaters, enhancing its off-road capability. The 200 mm clearance helps prevent underbody damage during off-road adventures, while maintaining stability and ride comfort on paved roads. This balance makes the Ranger a versatile vehicle for drivers needing both urban functionality and off-road performance.

The curb weight of the Ford Ranger I Double Cab varies between 1399 kg and 1785 kg (3085 to 3937 lbs), depending on the trim and configuration. A lighter vehicle within this range generally offers better fuel efficiency and more nimble handling, while the heavier models may provide increased stability and durability, especially when towing or carrying loads. The weight range reflects its adaptability to different user needs — balancing payload capability with fuel economy and driving dynamics.

The maximum weight or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for the Ford Ranger I Double Cab ranges from 2087 kg to 2825 kg (4602 to 6231 lbs). This rating includes the vehicle itself, its cargo, passengers, and any additional equipment. The GVWR highlights the Ranger’s capacity to transport heavy loads safely, making it suitable for commercial use or heavy-duty personal tasks. It also guides users to not overload the vehicle, ensuring safe handling, braking, and suspension performance under maximum load conditions.

The Ford Ranger I Double Cab is equipped with 15-inch rims fitted with tires sized 235/75 R15. This tire size offers a good combination of ground clearance, off-road capability, and road comfort. The relatively tall sidewall (75 series) improves shock absorption on rough terrain, while the width (235 mm) helps with traction and stability. Together, these specifications contribute to a balanced ride suitable for both urban environments and off-road conditions, enhancing versatility.

The Ford Ranger I Double Cab has a length of 5020 mm (197.6 inches), width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches), and height of 1750 mm (68.9 inches). Standard residential garages typically have interior dimensions around 2400 mm (width) by 4800 mm (length) by 2100 mm (height) or larger. While the Ranger’s width and height comfortably fit within a standard garage, the length of 5020 mm slightly exceeds the typical garage length by approximately 220 mm (8.7 inches). Depending on the exact garage size, parking might be a tight squeeze or require angling the vehicle. Owners may want to verify their garage dimensions before planning indoor storage.

The Ford Ranger I Double Cab (1998-2006) succeeded earlier Ranger models which were generally smaller and sometimes offered different body styles. Compared to its predecessors, the 1998-2006 generation typically featured an increase in length and width, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo space. For example, earlier Ranger models in the early 1990s had lengths around 4700 mm (185 inches) and widths closer to 1600 mm (63 inches). This growth gave the newer Ranger a more commanding road presence and improved utility without significantly sacrificing maneuverability, reflecting evolving market demands for larger pickups with more interior space.

The 1998-2006 Ford Ranger I Double Cab stands competitively among mid-size pickup trucks of its era, such as the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara. Its length of 5020 mm (197.6 inches) is slightly longer than many competitors, which often measured around 4700-4900 mm (185-193 inches) in length. However, its narrower width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches) is less than many rivals, which typically ranged from 1750 to 1850 mm (69-73 inches). This combination provides the Ranger with an advantage in urban maneuverability while maintaining impressive cargo capacity. Its ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 inches) is also in line with competitors, ensuring solid off-road abilities.

The double cab configuration of the 1998-2006 Ford Ranger provides significant practical benefits over single or extended cab variants. With four full doors and seating for up to five passengers, it is considerably more passenger-friendly, making it suitable for families or work crews. This configuration balances passenger space and cargo capacity without drastically increasing the overall vehicle dimensions. The rear seat area offers better comfort and accessibility, transforming the pickup from a purely utility vehicle to a versatile daily driver. As a result, it's ideal for users who require the utility of a pickup bed plus the practicality of additional seating.