Overview

What's New for 2023

The 2023 Ford Ranger is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive adds $3,645 to the price of an XL and $3,485 to the bottom line of the XLT and Lariat. The XLT is the most popular trim and it's the one we recommend. We'll explain why below.

XL

The base XL starts at $28,895 (including a $1,495 destination fee) and comes with 16-inch steel wheels, a 3.5-inch "productivity" screen in the gauge cluster, a 3.5-inch screen in the center of the dashboard, manual single-zone A/C, manually adjustable cloth seats, power windows, automatic headlights, and an AM/FM stereo system with Bluetooth and four speakers.

XLT

The XLT ($32,955) adds 17-inch wheels, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, premium cloth seating, additional safety equipment, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. We recommend the XLT trim based on the upgraded touchscreen interface alone, not to mention the numerous other features that it adds as standard equipment.

Lariat

Priced at $36,995, the Lariat builds on the XLT's equipment list. It includes 18-inch wheels, a 4.2-inch color "productivity" screen between the gauges in the instrument cluster, a leather shift knob, ambient lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Lariat also comes with power-adjustable leather seats (heated in front), LED headlights, a reverse sensing system, and push-button start.

The Ford Ranger's cabin is slightly tight compared to some in the class, such as the Honda Ridgeline, so it doesn't feel quite as roomy as we'd like. The front seats are comfortable, but on SuperCrew models, the rear bench seat is perched high with barely enough headroom for an average adult. It's fine for short trips, but we wouldn't choose this truck for a road trip with four tall passengers.

Unlike some midsize trucks, the Ranger comes in one wheelbase and one overall length, no matter which cab you select. And that means buyers must choose between extra space in the cabin or bed. The SuperCrew models have a 5-foot bed, and the SuperCab models use a 6-foot bed. The Ranger was redesigned for the 2019 model year, but its interior is already old news. For example, it still uses a parking hand brake instead of an electronic brake. That's a lot of real estate between the front seats that could be used more efficiently, perhaps for a larger center console. An all-new Ranger is expected for 2024.

The 2023 Ford Ranger scored an overall safety rating of four stars (out of five) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2023 Ranger a top Good rating in four of its six crashworthiness tests.

The Ranger is a safety-tech leader among midsize trucks. It comes standard with automatic halogen headlights, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, and dynamic brake support. The XLT grade also gets Ford's Co-Pilot 360 safety system, which bundles automatic high-beam headlights, a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow monitoring, lane-keeping assist, plus a driver alert system.

The 2023 Ford Ranger doesn't offer an entry-level four-cylinder engine, V6, or a diesel option like other midsize trucks. Instead, Ford goes its own way with a single powertrain. We rank the truck's overall refinement slightly behind the Chevrolet Colorado and the carlike Honda Ridgeline. Its off-road capability is a step behind the Jeep Gladiator, the 4X4 leader. But the Ranger offers much to like, including the most payload of any midsize truck and the highest standard towing capability. The Ranger also is one of the most fuel-efficient pickups in the segment. In all, the Ranger deserves to be on the shopping list of everyone looking for a midsize truck.

Ford Ranger vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Ford Ranger vs. Honda Ridgeline

Ford Ranger vs. Jeep Gladiator