The 2023 Ford Ranger delivers the kind of versatility and ruggedness expected of a pickup truck but in a smaller, more affordable, and more efficient package.
The Ranger appeals to those who need a pickup bed for light hauling but for whom a car-based platform like the Honda Ridgeline won’t do. The Ranger’s body-on-frame design lets it tackle challenging off-road adventures and gives it an impressive 7,500-pound max tow rating.
Offered in three trims with several sub-trims appealing to the off-road crowd, the Ranger covers a lot of ground with two cab configurations, two box lengths, and the option of 4-wheel drive (4WD). Keeping it simple, the Ranger offers only one engine choice: a 270-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.
The Ranger is not alone in the midsize pickup field, bumping heads with the venerable Toyota Tacoma, all-new Nissan Frontier, and GM twins Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.
2023 Ford Ranger XL: $27,400 (SuperCab), $29,585 (SuperCrew)
The entry-level XL offers an extended SuperCab with reverse-opening rear half-doors or a SuperCrew crew cab with four full doors. The SuperCab enjoys a 6-foot cargo box, while the SuperCrew swaps more interior room for a smaller 5-foot box.
Along with the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine, the Ranger gets a 10-speed automatic transmission with a selectable gear range that allows the driver to limit the number of gears under particular road or load conditions.
An electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system is optional.
The most basic Ranger doesn’t offer much in the way of luxury or advanced driver-assist systems, the latter consisting only of forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview monitor.
The XL features 16-inch steel wheels, manual side mirrors with a built-in spotter mirror, black steel bumpers, a manual locking tailgate, an 18-gallon fuel tank, a cargo light, and front tow hooks (standard on 4×4; optional with FX2 package).
Completing the XL’s exterior features are wiper-activated auto on/off halogen headlights and remote keyless entry.
The XL’s cab is equally utilitarian, with single-zone manual air conditioning, vinyl floor coverings, cloth-covered front bucket seats, and an 8-way manual driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment.
There’s a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, removable seat bottoms with storage (bench seat in the CrewCab), power door locks, power windows with driver’s side one-touch up/down feature, and intermittent windshield wipers.
A 3.5-inch Liquid Crystal Display with hard buttons serves as the infotainment screen. It includes an AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, and a 4-speaker stereo. FordPass Connect allows 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity.
A single USB charge port accompanies two 12-volt outlets.
Ford offers several upgrades and packages for the XL, many of which are standard on the next trim up. However, the XL might be the right choice if you like to pick and choose your features.
The 101A Group adds cruise control, power side mirrors, a remote-locking tailgate, and the SYNC audio system, including six speakers and a 4.2-inch LCD screen.
Ford’s Co-Pilot360 is available, but only with the 101A Group. It includes automatic high-beam headlights, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic assist with trailer-tow monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
The FX4 Off-Road Package (4×4 only) adds an off-road suspension, the Terrain Management System, an electronic locking rear differential, trail control, 18-inch alloy wheels with off-road tires, and skid plates covering the power steering, radiator, fuel tank, and transfer case.
Ford offers several exterior appearance packages, including the FX2, Chrome Package, and the STX Special Edition, which adds 17-inch black alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, SYNC 3, rear privacy glass with defroster, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Other upgrades include a trailer tow package, spray-in bedliner, manual sliding rear window, running boards, rear parking sensors, and a 110V outlet.
Some notable dealer-installed options for the box include soft or hard covers, an extender, and storage boxes.
With the $1,495 destination charge, the 2023 Ford Ranger XL SuperCab comes to $28,895. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment works out to about $519. See 2023 Ford Ranger XL models for sale near you
2023 Ford Ranger XL includes:
- Automatic emergency braking – This system can detect people or cars in the Ranger’s path at low speeds and alert the driver. If the driver fails to react, the system can automatically slow or stop the vehicle before a collision can occur.
- Driver’s seat lumbar support – Manual lumbar support helps lessen lower back fatigue.
- Available FX4 Off-Road Package – Turns your humble XL into a bona fide off-road warrior.
2023 Ford Ranger XLT: $31,460 (SuperCab), $33,420 (SuperCrew)
The Ford Ranger XLT comes much better equipped than the XL, which explains why it’s the best-selling trim in the lineup.
Building off the XL, the XLT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, body-color bumpers, power side mirrors, rear privacy glass, a rear window defroster, and remote keyless entry with a tailgate lock. All-Season tires come standard on the 4×2, while the 4×4 gains All-Terrain tires.
The XLT cab upgrades to full carpeting, dual-zone electronic climate control, a 4.2-inch color instrument cluster display, and an overhead console.
Additional features include cruise control, Ford’s MyKey programable key fob, premium cloth seats, and an outside temperature display.
The XLT’s infotainment system gets a big boost with the SYNC 3 system, which adds an 8-inch color touchscreen, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and six speakers.
The Co-Pilot360 driver-assist system comes standard.
The 301A Group adds a 110V outlet, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Sport Appearance Package.
The 302A Group builds off the 301A, adding an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a 6-way power passenger seat with power lumbar support, a manual sliding rear window, heated side mirrors, and remote start.
Optional equipment above the XL includes the Tremor Off-Road Package (4×4 SuperCrew only), which adds an off-road suspension with Fox dampers, off-road hoop steps, trail control, the Terrain Management system, 17-inch wheels with A/T tires, and skid plate protection.
Interior enhancements include an off-road screen cluster and vinyl bucket seats with suede inserts.
The Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and navigation with a pinch-to-zoom function.
The Splash Package adds more visual pop with 18-inch matte-black wheels, orange exterior accents, Splash graphics, and black seats with orange accent stitching.
Standalone features include an electronic locking rear differential, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and unique exterior graphics.
With the $1,495 destination charge, the 2023 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab comes to $32,955. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment works out to $592. See 2023 Ford Ranger XLT models for sale near you
2023 Ford Ranger XLT includes:
- Co-Pilot360 – Ford’s extensive suite of driver assists makes you a safer driver, warning of possible danger and even employing the brakes and steering to help prevent a collision.
- SYNC 3 – The XLT’s infotainment system includes an 8-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and enhanced voice recognition capability.
- Available Tremor Package – An even better off-road package than the FX4, the Tremor Off-Road Package brings beefier off-road suspension and a few more visual perks to the Ranger.
2023 Ford Ranger Lariat: $35,500 (SuperCab), $37,460 (SuperCrew)
The Lariat includes all the XLT features, then adds power-folding heated side mirrors, LED fog lights, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, and a manual rear sliding window.
LED headlights replace the XLT’s halogen lights, while Intelligent Access keyless entry adds a push-button start and door handle sensors that unlock the doors when touched.
The Lariat’s cab gains a 110V outlet, ambient interior lighting, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and a 6-way power passenger seat with power lumbar support.
Checking the box for the Lariat 501A Group brings a 10-speaker B&O sound system (SuperCrew only), rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, navigation, remote start, and a universal garage door opener.
A limited production Splash Jungle Edition is offered on SuperCrew. It adds Eruption Green exterior paint, 18-inch matte-black alloy wheels, and gray accent stitching over the black leather seats.
With the $1,495 destination charge, the 2023 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCab comes to $36,955. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $665. See 2023 Ford Ranger Lariat models for sale near you
2023 Ford Ranger Lariat includes:
- Power front seats – The Lariat’s power front seats offer a more comprehensive range of motion and power lumbar support.
- Power folding side mirrors – A useful feature when parking in a tight spot or squeezing through a narrow trail when off-roading.
- Available B&O sound system – With speakers and a subwoofer designed by Bang & Olufsen, this upgraded audio is a must-have for music lovers.
