2023 Ford Ranger Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Although extremely popular the world over, North America has had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the Ford Ranger. Having enjoyed a...

Although extremely popular the world over, North America has had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the Ford Ranger. Having enjoyed a fairly happy relationship since debuting in the early 80s, things began to sour for the compact pickup when the market became increasingly unsatisfied with smaller vehicles. The Ford F-150, however, was bigger, brawnier, and brought in larger profit margins. So, the Ranger was discontinued in North America after the 2012 model year. That breakup would last seven years.

The Ford Ranger returned for 2019 in what amounts to a revenge body of sorts. Now a buff Michigan-born, mid-size truck, the Ranger could compete in a segment that had also grown during its time away. But that new-to-U.S. Ranger was old hat in global markets.

Enter the next-generation Ford Ranger, which was recently unveiled with an even toner body plus more off-road, technology, and utility features. Developed in Australia and to be built in Thailand and South Africa (depending on the market), the all-new pickup will go on sale by mid-2022 in Australia and then Europe by year’s end. No launch timing was announced for other regions, including North America, but being a global-market vehicle, what has been released is a good indicator of what’s to come.

Industry gossip has the new truck arriving stateside as a 2023 Ford Ranger. Regardless of when it lands ashore, the Ranger will fit in nicely with the rest of the Ford pickup family. Completely redesigned, the Ford Ranger exudes the boxy shape of the smaller, unibody Maverick but with body-on-frame athleticism, like more prominent wheel arches. The all-new Ranger also features LED headlights for the first time, which are C-shaped like the Maverick’s, and matching taillights that will be either halogen or LED.

The all-new Ranger is outfitted with more utility as well featuring built-in sidesteps, a tailgate work surface with clamp pockets, an onboard inverter to plug in tools, integrated slots within the bed to fit dividers, and a cargo management system to safely stow items.

The cabin is also worlds different, thanks to new soft-touch materials, a digital instrument panel, and a standard 10.1-inch infotainment display. Ford’s 12-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen will also be available. Regardless of screen size, both systems will feature SYNC 4 meaning more connectivity than ever, including wireless device charging. No further interior specs were revealed but it could be roomier since the new Ranger is physically larger by nearly two inches in both wheelbase and width.

The powertrain options for the redesigned Ford Ranger will be a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, single- and twin-turbo versions of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, and a 2.3-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder. These can be mated to either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. North American buyers, don’t hold your breath for any of the diesel engines as we’re likely to get the well-known 270-horsepower EcoBoost inline-four. However, a gas-powered twin-turbo V6 is not out of the realm of possibility (hi, Ranger Raptor) nor is the stick shift (thanks, Bronco).

Of course, Ford updated the Ranger’s driving dynamics and off-road handling, too. The front wheels have been pushed forward about 2 inches for improved approach angles and articulation, and the rear suspension dampers have been repositioned to increase ride comfort. There will also be two four-wheel-drive systems offered (electronic shift-on-the-fly and a new full-time 4WD) as well as up to six drive modes.

Again, the corporate office is mum as to when the North American-spec Ford Ranger will grace us with its redesigned presence, but it is indeed coming. And if the overwhelmed order books for Ford’s recent slew of all-new trucks and SUVs are any indication, the next-generation Ford Ranger will be just as successful.