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2025 Subaru Impreza Review2023 Ford Ranger Review
What do our experts think of the 2023 Ford Ranger? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Ford Ranger – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Ranger on Carsforsale.com
What’s new for the 2023 Ford Ranger?
An all-new Ford Ranger is coming in 2024 so there’s nothing new about the 2023 version over last year’s model which we review here. This is the last hurrah of the fourth-generation Ranger. It includes a single four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic package across all three trims along with a choice of rear or four-wheel drive
The Breakdown
Punchy engine
Great towing capacity
Plenty of configurability
Cheap interior
Dated technology
Fuel efficient
Can’t wait for the Ranger Raptor
2023 Ranger Specs
- 270 horsepower from base engine
- 310 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 52 cu-ft of bed capacity
- 7,500-lb towing capacity
- Available 8-inch infotainment screen
- Four-star crash test rating
- 5-year powertrain coverage
2023 Ford Ranger Powertrain
If we had to pick just one thing about the 2023 Ford Ranger that makes it unique it would have to be the drivetrain. At only 2.3 liters it sounds like a meager fuel sipper that’ll just barely get you onto the highway safely. In reality, it’s properly powerful with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and the buyer’s choice of rear or 4WD. It’s the only engine and transmission you’ll find in a 2023 Ranger too.
On the downside, this is still an old-school truck and while it’s far better to drive than its predecessors, it’s still fitted with a leaf-spring suspension in the back. That makes for a rough ride at times. The 2023 Ford Ranger simply doesn’t feature the same level of sophistication when it comes to handling and dampening that other mid-size trucks do. At least it features excellent visibility.
Towing & Payload
Despite being motivated by a four-cylinder engine, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds. That’s closing in on the Jeep Gladiator and GM’s twin pickups while beating out the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma.
2023 Ford Ranger Fuel Economy & MPG
At best, the EPA estimates that the Ranger will get 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. That’s pretty low for a truck in this segment but keep in mind that the Ranger is far closer in size to an F-150 than it is to its pint-sized sibling the Maverick.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Slipping into the Ranger is a bit of a mixed experience and most of that has to do with the trim level. The XL’s cabin feels incredibly dated thanks to cheap hard plastics everywhere and one basic color tone. Thankfully, most Rangers are of the XLT or Lariat variety. On those trims, the simple shift to a two-tone dash makes a big difference. Of course, the larger infotainment screen (we’ll get to that shortly) and the revised center control stack help out too. Leather is available on the Lariat trim and it looks and feels great.
We also appreciate the rear window and the heated front seats. From a comfort standpoint, the Ranger is about average for the segment. It comes as either a SuperCab (extended cab) or a SuperCrew (crew cab) and we vastly prefer the latter. The SuperCab can work, especially for those who use the Ranger as a work vehicle, but its back seats are so small that they prove almost pointless. On the plus side, those with the SuperCab do get up to 52 cubic feet of bed space though.
Entertainment & Technology
While the cabin of the Ranger can feel a bit basic, what really gives away its age is the 3.5-inch infotainment screen in the base XL trim. That’s just downright tiny so we’re thankful that Ford also offers a modern 8.0-inch unit with Sync 3. It’s not the latest version of the software (look for that on the upcoming and all-new 2024 Ranger) but it gets the job done nonetheless.
We’d love to see some physical switchgear added to make the experience better. We also appreciate the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Ford also includes some available tech that makes the Ranger feel a lot more modern in the form of a wifi hotspot and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety Features
The Ranger isn’t a safety standout in the automotive world. It received no awards from the IIHS and only a four-star crash test rating from the NHTSA. In addition to that, it’s only after buyers add packages that it includes safety equipment that other brands include as standard. At the same time, it should be noted that it keeps up with the average midsize pickup in this respect.
2023 Ford Ranger Trims & Pricing
XL – $28,895
The bare-bones Ranger XL gets 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 3.5-inch infotainment screen, four speakers, and a USB power port. Safety technology is meager with only forward collision mitigation included.
XLT – $33,150
The XLT trim adds a lot of content including a larger 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers total, 17-inch wheels, cruise control, power mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a larger driver information display. This trim also adds important safety aids like lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, and automatic forward emergency braking.
Lariat – $36,995
The top trim adds leather upholstery and LED headlights. In addition, it includes a manually-sliding rear window, power-adjustable front seats, and remote start.
Warranties
Ford covers the Ranger with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and also includes up to five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. That’s on par with most of the coverage in this segment but notably, the Toyota Tacoma adds a couple of years’ worth of complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Ford Ranger – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Ranger on Carsforsale.com
It would be really hard for us to recommend the 2023 Ford Ranger over other options on the market right now. Sure, it’s sprightly from behind the wheel and it’s reasonably capable considering its size and shape but it’s less innovative and far older than most of its competition. For that reason, we’d highly suggest considering an older version of the Ranger which could save you thousands over buying one brand new.
