The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular midsize pickup trucks in the market, offering a blend of power, capability, and comfort. The 2023 model year marks the last of the current generation, as Ford is expected to introduce a redesigned Ranger for 2024. However, that does not mean that the 2023 Ranger is outdated or lacking in features. In fact, the 2023 Ranger still has many advantages over its rivals, such as the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Nissan Frontier. In this article, we will review the 2023 Ford Ranger in terms of its performance, design, technology, safety, and pricing.
Performance
The 2023 Ford Ranger is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is more than most of its competitors. The Ranger also has a payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds, depending on the configuration.
The 2023 Ranger comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available as an option. The four-wheel drive system has an electronic shift-on-the-fly feature that allows the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes with a knob on the dashboard. The Ranger also offers a Terrain Management System that has four selectable drive modes: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. These modes adjust the throttle response, transmission shift points, traction control, and stability control to suit different road conditions.
For those who want more off-road capability, the 2023 Ranger offers an FX4 Off-Road Package that adds skid plates, off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, hill descent control, and Trail Control. Trail Control is a cruise control system for low-speed off-road driving that automatically adjusts the speed and braking of each wheel to maintain a steady pace over rough terrain.
Another option for off-road enthusiasts is the Tremor Off-Road Package that enhances the FX4 features with a lifted suspension, FOX shocks, unique wheels and tires, front tow hooks, a steel front bash plate, running boards, and special exterior and interior accents. The Tremor package also adds six auxiliary switches on the dashboard for controlling additional accessories such as lights or winches.
The 2023 Ranger has a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel drive models, and 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the four-wheel drive models. These ratings are decent for the segment, but not outstanding. Some rivals offer more efficient engines or hybrid options that can save more gas. Related Articles: Jeep Wrangler Vs Ford Bronco
Design
The 2023 Ford Ranger has a rugged and muscular appearance that reflects its capabilities. The front fascia features a large grille with horizontal bars and the Ford logo in the center. The headlights are angular and have LED daytime running lights. The bumper has fog lights and tow hooks on some trims. The hood has a power dome that adds to the aggressive look.
The side profile of the Ranger shows its cab and bed configurations. The Ranger is available as either a SuperCab or a SuperCrew model. The SuperCab has two doors and a smaller rear seat area with rear-hinged access doors. The SuperCrew has four full-size doors and a larger rear seat area with more legroom and headroom. The SuperCab comes with a six-foot bed, while the SuperCrew comes with a five-foot bed. Both beds have tie-down hooks and an available spray-in bed liner.
The rear end of the Ranger has vertical taillights and a tailgate with an integrated spoiler and a handle with a backup camera. The bumper has a step for easy access to the bed and a trailer hitch receiver on some trims.
The 2023 Ranger offers several exterior color options, such as Oxford White, Race Red, Velocity Blue, Cactus Gray, Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat (Tremor only), Eruption Green Metallic (Splash Jungle Edition only), Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat (new for 2023), Carbonized Gray Metallic (new for 2023), Iconic Silver Metallic (new for 2023), Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (new for 2023), Shadow Black (new for 2023), Star White Metallic Tri-Coat (new for 2023), Stone Gray Metallic (new for 2023), Agate Black Metallic (discontinued for 2023), Lightning Blue Metallic (discontinued for 2023), Saber Metallic (discontinued for 2023), Magnetic Metallic (discontinued for 2023).
The 2023 Ranger also has some special edition models that add more flair and personality to the truck. These include the Splash Edition, the Splash Jungle Edition, the Splash Snow Edition, and the Black Appearance Package. The Splash Edition adds unique body graphics, 18-inch black wheels, orange accents, and a black grille. The Splash Jungle Edition has a green exterior color, jungle-themed graphics, and a black interior. The Splash Snow Edition has a white exterior color, snow-themed graphics, and a black interior. The Black Appearance Package adds black accents to the grille, wheels, mirrors, running boards, and exhaust tips.
The interior of the 2023 Ranger is functional and comfortable, with a simple and intuitive layout. The dashboard has a 4.2-inch or an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, and Wi-Fi hotspot. The system also has an available navigation system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The instrument cluster has a 4.2-inch or a 6.5-inch driver information display that shows various vehicle information and settings.
The seats of the Ranger are supportive and spacious, with cloth or leather upholstery. The front seats have manual or power adjustments, heating, and ventilation options. The rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding feature that allows for more cargo space. The cabin also has plenty of storage spaces, such as door pockets, cup holders, center console bin, glove box, and under-seat compartments.
The 2023 Ranger offers several interior color options, such as Ebony Black (cloth or leather), Medium Stone (cloth or leather), Medium Light Stone (cloth), Ebony Black with Orange Stitching (Tremor only), Ebony Black with Blue Stitching (Splash only), and Ebony Black with Green Stitching (Splash Jungle only).
Technology
The 2023 Ford Ranger is equipped with various technology features that enhance the convenience, entertainment, and connectivity of the truck. Some of these features are:
FordPass Connect: This is a mobile app that allows the driver to remotely access and control some functions of the truck, such as locking and unlocking doors, starting and stopping the engine, checking fuel level and tire pressure, locating the vehicle, scheduling service appointments, and accessing roadside assistance.
Ford Co-Pilot360: This is a suite of advanced driver-assist systems that help the driver avoid or mitigate potential collisions, such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Reverse Sensing System, Rear View Camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, and Rain-Sensing Wipers.
SYNC 3: This is an infotainment system that has an 8-inch touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, and Wi-Fi hotspot. The system also has an available navigation system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Smart Charging USB Ports: These are two USB ports in the front console that can charge compatible devices faster than conventional USB ports.
Wireless Charging Pad: This is an optional feature that allows the driver to charge compatible devices without using any cords or cables.
Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control: This is an optional feature that allows the driver and the front passenger to set their preferred temperature settings independently.
Remote Start System: This is an optional feature that allows the driver to start the engine from a distance using the key fob or the FordPass Connect app.
Keyless Entry Keypad: This is an optional feature that allows the driver to unlock the doors using a five-digit code on the driver's door handle.
Power Sliding Rear Window: This is an optional feature that allows the driver to open or close the rear window using a button on the dashboard or the key fob.
Safety
The 2023 Ford Ranger is designed to provide a high level of safety for its occupants and other road users. The truck has a strong steel frame and body that can absorb impact forces in case of a crash. The truck also has various airbags that can deploy in different situations to protect the passengers from injuries. These include dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. The truck also has a seat belt reminder system that alerts the driver and the front passenger to fasten their seat belts.
The 2023 Ranger also has various active and passive safety features that can help prevent or reduce the severity of accidents. Some of these features are:
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): This is a system that prevents the wheels from locking up when braking hard, which can cause skidding and loss of control. The system applies and releases the brakes rapidly to maintain traction and steering ability.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This is a system that monitors the vehicle's speed, steering angle, and yaw rate, and applies selective braking and engine torque to correct oversteer or understeer situations, which can cause the vehicle to spin out or plow off the road.
Traction Control System (TCS): This is a system that prevents the wheels from spinning excessively when accelerating on slippery surfaces, which can reduce traction and stability. The system reduces engine power or applies braking to the spinning wheels to restore grip and acceleration.
Roll Stability Control (RSC): This is a system that detects the risk of rollover and applies braking and engine torque to reduce the vehicle's speed and lower its center of gravity, which can prevent the vehicle from tipping over.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC): This is a system that detects the sway of a trailer and applies braking and engine torque to the appropriate wheels to counteract the sway and stabilize the trailer.
Hill Start Assist (HSA): This is a system that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an uphill slope. The system holds the brake pressure for a few seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing time to move the foot to the accelerator pedal.
Hill Descent Control (HDC): This is a system that controls the vehicle's speed when descending on a steep slope. The system automatically applies braking to maintain a constant speed without requiring the driver to use the brake pedal.
Curve Control: This is a system that reduces the vehicle's speed when entering a curve too fast. The system senses when the vehicle is approaching a curve too quickly and applies braking to slow down the vehicle and help it stay on its intended path.
Pricing
The 2023 Ford Ranger has a starting price of $25,070 for the base XL trim with rear-wheel drive and SuperCab configuration. The price increases as more features and options are added, such as four-wheel drive, SuperCrew configuration, higher trims, packages, and accessories. The table below shows the prices of different trims and configurations of the 2023 Ranger.
| Trim | Configuration | Price |
| XL | RWD SuperCab | $25,070 |
| XL | RWD SuperCrew | $27,570 |
| XL | 4WD SuperCab | $29,070 |
| XL | 4WD SuperCrew | $31,570 |
| XLT | RWD SuperCab | $28,870 |
| XLT | RWD SuperCrew | $31,370 |
| XLT | 4WD SuperCab | $32,370 |
| XLT | 4WD SuperCrew | $34,870 |
| Lariat | RWD SuperCab | $33,270 |
| Lariat | RWD SuperCrew | $35,770 |
| Lariat | 4WD SuperCab | $36,770 |
| Lariat | 4WD SuperCrew | $39,270 |
| Tremor | 4WD SuperCab | $40,770 |
| Tremor | 4WD SuperCrew | $43,270 |
The prices above do not include destination charges, taxes, fees, or incentives. The actual prices may vary depending on the dealer and location.
Conclusion
The 2023 Ford Ranger is a solid choice for anyone looking for a midsize pickup truck that can handle both work and play. The Ranger offers a powerful engine, a capable transmission, a high towing and payload capacity, an optional off-road package, a rugged design, a comfortable interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, a comprehensive safety suite, and a reasonable price. The Ranger may not be as refined or efficient as some of its rivals, but it still delivers on its promise of being built Ford tough.