2023 Ford Ranger Review

Ever since the 1980s, the Ford Ranger has been known as a well-rounded mid-size pickup truck that offers a good balance of performance, capability, and features. The Ranger can be used as a workhorse or as a tool for overlanding purposes. Its latest variant, the 2023 Ford Ranger looks to have all of the aforementioned capabilities. The following is a review of its highlights:

Features

The Ford Ranger is currently in its 4th generation which was launched in 2019. It features 3 trim levels and 1 engine. This year’s model sees some changes in the form of some appearance packages and color updates.

Ford also launched the separately-sold Bronco Raptor in 2022. Like the Ford F150 Raptor, it will also have the highest performance in the range, plus enhanced offroading goodness.

Powertrain and Numbers

The new Ford Ranger 2023 features a 2.3-liter engine that’s good for 270 horses and 310 torques. It is mated to a 10-speed automatic that sends power to either the rear wheels or all four of them. It’s a quick truck that can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.5 seconds.

While the acceleration is commendable, it’s also great at doing pickup stuff. The Ranger is one of the best at towing in the class. Fit it with the right equipment, and it can tow a maximum of 7500 lbs. It can haul up to 1860 lbs of payload as well.

Then there’s the fuel economy, which also deserves praise. The 2023 Ranger is an efficient truck thanks to its 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway rating from the EPA. This is the rear-wheel drive version, and if you opt for four-wheel drive, it can do up to 20 mpg city; 24 highway.

Interior and Technology

The 2023 Ranger may be built for your workhorse needs, but it still has a handsome interior that’s easy to upkeep. It is comfy as well and the roominess is some of the best in the category. There are also several trim pieces that make the cabin feel better and more sophisticated.

The cargo space on the Ford Ranger is class-leading and this applies to the in-cabin storage facilities as well. It is a truck with several areas for cubby storage. Under-seat storage is also available as you move up the trims.

The following are the trim levels of the 2023 Ranger, and their standard features:

2023 Ranger XL

The Ford Ranger XL is the most rugged truck in the lineup but it’s quite well-equipped in terms of convenience. You get single-zone climate control, an outside temperature display, power points, etc.

The infotainment system consists of a 3.5-inch screen and 4 speakers. There are some important standard safety features as well, which include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking.

There are also countless optional extras available in case you want to trick out the truck.
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2023 Ranger XLT

The mid-range Ranger XLT takes things up a notch with multiple add-ons. You get premium cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, a 4.2-inch digital instrumentation display, cruise control, a massive 8-inch touchscreen, and 6 speakers. The safety department sees upgrades such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams.

2023 Ranger Lariat

As expected, the Ranger Lariat is loaded with niceties. You get push-button ignition, keyless entry, ambient mood lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel (also seats if you get the crew cab).

2023 Ranger XL

 

 

 

2023 Ranger XLT

 

 

 

2023 Ranger Lariat

 

 

 

Exterior and Driving

The Ranger has always been a handsome brute and the 2023 model is no different. There are several differences in the way that the three variants look. The XL, XLT, and Lariat have black, carbon black, and chrome front grilles respectively.

The Lariat gets its headlights, DRLs, and fog lights as LEDs as well. Also, the upper two trims have power-locking tailgates for added convenience. You can get the Ranger in a 2-door configuration that has a 6 ft bed (SuperCab). Or, you can opt for a 4-door version with a 5 ft bed (SuperCrew).

The colors available on the 2023 Ranger are the following:

But do make sure to check which ones are available for your trim.

The 2023 Ford Ranger is a truck that’s fun to drive and provides a cozy environment inside on the inside. It is a beast when it comes to handling and cornering. You also get a fair amount of offroading prowess, which can be improved further with the Tremor equipment package.

Reliability and Warranty

JD Power gave the 2023 Ford Ranger an 86 out of 100-point score in predicted reliability. They also put it atop their list of mid-sized trucks. Consumer Reports has put its reliability in the average category, which adds to its dependability. Ford will give you a limited warranty of 3 years/36k miles and a powertrain components warranty of 5 years/60k miles.

Verdict

It looks like the 2023 Ford Ranger is a good choice for those who need a versatile and capable vehicle for work or play.

It is quick and fuel-efficient, and it likes to offer impressive towing and hauling capabilities. The Ford Ranger is also a great vehicle to drive, and the riding experience is also a stellar one. It is also one of the few vehicles in its class that can tear it up off-tarmac.

The Ranger features a modern and stylish design, with a spacious and comfortable interior. Whether you want a simple no-nonsense truck or a luxurious hotel on wheels, the trim levels offer it all.

Also, they’re all quite well-equipped for their respective price tags. Ford has included a generous number of amenities in the Ranger that make it plusher and/or help you on the worksite. The suite of standard features is also to be lauded.

On top of all that, you get a vehicle that’s reliable and won’t fail you when the going gets tough.

To get the 2023 Ford Ranger in Woods Cross UT, check out Performance Ford Truck Country here.