2023 Ford Ranger Review by KBB.com

The 2023 Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck is capable and offers a decent choice of variants. Pricing starts at $27,400.

One more model year is squeezed out of this generation. Even though the Ranger only debuted in the United States in 2019, Ford has been selling this same model in other countries since 2011. So, it’s time.

For anyone who needs a Ranger right now, preferably yesterday, this 2023 version could well do the trick. It’s competitive from a towing and payload point of view, doesn’t guzzle gas, and costs a little less than its rivals.

The 2023 Ford Ranger starts at $27,400. That’s for an XL version with the smaller SuperCab and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Adding 4-wheel drive (4WD) costs $3,645. Or $3,485 if ordering it with either of the top two trims.

At the higher reaches of Ranger ownership, a Lariat SuperCrew with 4WD, premium paint, upgraded tech, and the Tremor Off-Road package can hit the $50K mark. The XLT trim is the most popular, and easy to recommend. It’s an acceptable balance of content and price, and the best seller of the three trim levels.

• 2023 Ford Ranger XL SuperCab: $27,400
• 2023 Ford Ranger XL SuperCrew: $29,585
• 2023 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab: $31,460 | Popular
• 2023 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCrew: $33,420 | Popular
• 2023 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCab: $35,500
• 2023 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew: $37,460

These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include the $1,495 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge). Here’s a side-by-side comparison of a selection of 2023 Ranger models.

As it turns out, the Ranger is priced competitively. But bear in mind that this generation is about to be replaced.

For context, the Toyota Tacoma comes in at $27.7K, while the Nissan Frontier and new-for-2023 Chevy Colorado both start at $29.2K. The also-new GMC Canyon is priced in the high $30K range, reflecting a higher level of standard equipment.

Slightly offbeat, there’s also the Honda Ridgeline and the Jeep Gladiator, both in the $38.8K region.

If you want to go bigger before going home, the Ford F-150 full-size truck has greater towing and payload capacity, starting at $34.5K. Or if smaller is better, the compact Maverick pickup offers a hybrid powertrain and begins at $22.2K.

Before buying a new Ranger, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values are average — better than the Colorado, but not as strong as the Tacoma.

What’s New for 2023

There are no major changes to the 2023 Ranger midsize truck and there’s an extremely good reason why. It’s about to be replaced by a new generation coming in the 2023 calendar year, but designated a 2024 model. There might be a hybrid option, and there’s talk of a Raptor off-road specialist variant.

A firm suspension works well during the week when there are loads to be carried, but it’s less appealing for long weekend outings. At least there’s not the vague steering that often plagues pickups — the Ranger’s system feels more like one from a midsize SUV.

There’s only one engine in the 2023 Ranger, but it does the job and doesn’t ask for too much gasoline in return. The 10-speed automatic transmission complements it nicely.

XLT and Lariat SuperCrew variants with 4-wheel drive (4WD) are eligible for the Tremor off-roading package that brings a dedicated suspension (which is also more comfortable on-road than the standard setup), plus an array of special features. This doesn’t quite put it on the same level as the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, but it’s pretty good.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of midsize pickup trucks, including this Ford Ranger.

The 4-passenger SuperCab is actually not that super if you’re sitting in the back of the 2023 Ranger midsize truck, as there are only two small seats. The 5-passenger SuperCrew has extra space and is recommended if transporting more than two people.

Following the usual pickup lines (no pun intended), the Ranger’s, um, range starts with a really basic model with the XL (vinyl flooring, cloth seats, plastic steering wheel, etc.) and goes up to something much plusher in the Lariat (power-adjustable front seats with leather seating surfaces, carpet, leather-wrapped steering wheel).

Infotainment screens stick to a similar script, with a small 3.5-inch version in the XL, and 8-inch displays in the XLT and Lariat.

SuperCab has two full-size doors along with two half-doors behind them that open out the other way. This cab is paired with the 6-foot bed.

SuperCrew brings four full-size doors and more space for rear occupants. A 5-foot bed is the other part of the combination.

Tremor package
Available with SuperCrew 4WD versions of the XLT and Lariat, this off-road performance package provides many specialized features and technologies. For example, Trail Control is an off-road cruise control.

Forward collision warning
Standard with every Ranger, this technology warns when a frontal collision appears likely and will apply the brakes if the driver fails to react. Pedestrian detection is included.

Ford Co-Pilot360
Optional in the XL and standard in the upper trim levels, the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology package includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and more.

FordPass Connect
Standard with all Ranger trucks, this system enables certain features like remote lock/unlock. It also includes Wi-Fi.

Automatic on/off headlights
A photosensor recognizes when ambient light diminishes enough to require headlights, engaging them automatically.

Dual-zone automatic climate control
Standard in the XLT and the Lariat, this set-it-and-forget-it system divides the cabin into left and right regions, providing separate temperature settings for each and maintaining the preset temperatures automatically.

A turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine running on regular gasoline propels the 2023 Ranger with a substantial 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This goes through a 10-speed automatic transmission to a standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, or an optional 4-wheel drive (4WD) system.

Some rivals offer options like a V6 or a turbodiesel engine. But this works well enough.

2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
270 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg (RWD), 20/24 mpg (4WD), 19/19 mpg (Tremor 4WD)

More Ranger fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Towing & Hauling Capacities

The 2023 Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds when fitted with the optional Trailer Tow package. The 2023 Chevy Colorado can handle 7,700 pounds. Both the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier come in under 7,000 pounds.

The Ranger’s maximum payload is 1,905 pounds — more than the Colorado (1,684 pounds), Tacoma (1,685 pounds), and Frontier (1,610 pounds).

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Ford’s new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. This includes 24/7 roadside assistance for the same time or distance. The powertrain is covered for five years of 60,000 miles. These provisions are all typical for the midsize truck class.