FORD RANGER: A midsize pickup with a potent engine and an average interior.
PROS:
CONS: Few standard features; cabin is lackluster; not built for off-roading; and low mpg rating
VERDICT: The Ford Ranger isn't the best midsize truck on the market, but it's good place to start if you don't want to drive a beast of a pickup.
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Jeep Gladiator
What’s interesting about the Ranger?
- A new Splash trim and package transport the Ranger's exterior back to the '90s.
- An optional Terrain Management System enhances performance by adjusting the transmission and engine responsiveness.
- The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds when equipped with the available towing package.
- Driver can choose either a SuperCab (seats four) and a six-foot bed or a SuperCrew cab (seats five) and a five-foot bed.
How about the prices and trims?
This year, three trims are available. The base trim, XL, starts at $25,500, while XLT only costs $4,000 more, and, lastly, the Lariat costs $33,590. Considering everything the Ranger comes with, these prices make it relatively affordable. The question is whether it's worth purchasing if you have to add many packages or optional features to make it the truck you need.
In addition to the standard four-cylinder engine, all trims get paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are also available, but they lower the mpg significantly. One of the concerns we have with the Ranger is that many elements feel outdated, such as the average mpg.
Which one do we recommend?
We recommend the XLT trim. It's middle of the road and comes with several crucial features that the base trim lacks, such as blind-spot monitoring and a touchscreen. Opting for this trim also allows shoppers to choose a long list of options to customize their Ranger.
What about its availability?
Ranger pickups are readily available at Ford dealerships. Get in touch with your local dealer to find out what they have in stock and how to customize yours today.
What about its performance and handling?
- All trims get powered by a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a ten-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. AWD and FWD are optional.
- Despite what you might think about the capacities of a four-cylinder engine, this one has more oomph than you may expect.
- To get the most out of the engine, we recommend driving in Sport mode.
The Tremor Off-Road package ensures your Ranger has off-roading capabilities, but it might be worth considering other off-roading-ready trucks.
The Ranger isn't for truck drivers who want a thrilling driving experience or need prowess to haul equipment on a worksite. Instead, this pickup is part of a new class of smaller vehicles aimed at mild hauling and city driving. That's not to say it doesn't have the chops to do so; it can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. Still, this will not be the pickup that gets all your friends excited about all that it can do.
Most drivers don't purchase a pickup due to its fuel efficiency; however, we're still disappointed by the Ranger's average ratings. This truck's rating is 21/26 mpg in the city/highway equipped with RWD. For a four-cylinder, that's pretty low. Adding AWD reduces the rating to 20/24 mpg in the city/highway. If drivers add FWD, the city and highway driving rates drop to only 19 mpg. Commuters, consider yourself warned.
How’s the interior?
Cabin Space
Drivers choose between a SuperCab that seats four or a SuperCrew that seats five, also known as an extended cab and crew cab. As one might expect, the SuperCrew provides much more spaciousness and all doors are full-sized. The SuperCab's rear doors are only half-doors, which only emphasizes the compactness of the cabin.
Moreover, the cabin design needs an update. Many of Ford's 2022 models have a cheap and plasticky-looking interior that looks odd when adding high-end elements such as leather upholstery or stylistic touches. Compared to newer models in this segment, the Ranger feels outdated. However, despite the low-grade looks, it's safe to assume that the materials will hold up if you use this truck for the workday.
Infotainment and connectivity
The base XL trim has very few infotainment features: a four-speaker sound system, one USB port, AM/FM radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford's infotainment program, Sync, also gets included, but it's the less intuitive version. Opting for the XLT or Lariat trims ads an eight-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. (Compared to Sync on the XL, Sync 3 offers a far more intuitive experience.) Optional features include a ten-speaker audio system and a navigation program.
LIKES: We're glad to see Sync 3 offered on the XLT and Lariat trims.
DISLIKES: The infotainment feels basic on all three trims and not worth the cost.
How about the technology and features?
Few safety features get included on the Ranger, too. We recommend considering adding the Technology Package with adaptive cruise control and a forward-sensing program. The Co-Pilot360 adds blind-spot monitoring, a lane-keeping system, a rearview camera, and auto high beam headlamps.
LIKES: Though they're optional, the safety packages are relatively affordable. Lariat offers additional USB ports.
DISLIKES: The Ranger isn't particularly tech-savvy.
Quick Quirks: Though the overall layout of the cabin is ergonomic, some drivers may find it cumbersome to get used to the infotainment system. |
Some additional features:
- Few storage compartments exist are available in the cabin.
- Upgrading to the Lariat includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and leather-trimmed seats.
- To add the Off-roading package, shoppers need to upgrade the Ranger to a 4x4.
How's the exterior?
One element the Ranger has going for it are its good looks, at least on the exterior. Despite the four-cylinder and the disappointing interior, the Ranger looks inviting. As a midsized pickup, you can tell it's ready to roam and haul with the best of them. A variety of options are available to spruce up the exterior, including a Splash package that adds orange and black accents all over the truck. We're not the biggest fans of the 90s colors, but they'll do the trick if you want to add some flash.
What warranty and safety does it offer?
The Ranger features few standard safety vehicles and a limited warranty program:
- The Ranger received four out of five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Few safety features come standard, but the optional packages are relatively affordable and worth adding.
- Limited warranty for 36,000 miles or three years.
- Powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years.
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance not included.
Are there any incentives and rebates for the Ranger?
Ford offers incentives to U.S. military personnel, veterans, college students, recent graduates, and first responders. Some franchise dealerships may offer additional incentives, rebates and manager's specials. Get in touch with your local Ford dealer to learn more.
