The 2023 Ranger seems like a competitive truck based on its specs and features list. But its ride quality and interior come across as carryovers from several years back, not something cooked up new to expressly serve the needs of U.S.-market customers in a competitive midsize-truck field.
While the big trucks may get more sales and attention, midsize pickups should not be overlooked, as they provide more than enough capability for most people and fit better into parking spaces. The 2023 Ford Ranger fits this niche even as it shows its age. The Ranger is getting long in the tooth (this generation debuted in 2011), but thankfully this is the last model year before a new Ranger, based on an all-new global platform, debuts in 2024.
Since it's the last model year of the current generation, there are no major changes to the Ranger. It competes with a mix of rivals, from the car-based Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Fe to off-road specialists like the Jeep Gladiator, not to mention the omnipresent Toyota Tacoma. Each of those models is newer and has a higher Expert Rating than the Ranger, which feels dated by comparison (especially inside the cabin). The Ranger's charm continues to come from its strong turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but that might not be enough to power it past this strong set of competitors. See below to find out more about what our experts think about the 2023 Ranger.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
6.8
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Ford Ranger on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
How does the Ranger drive? The Ranger has one main trick: a stout turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder. It doesn't make the most horsepower in the class, but it's not far off the mark. The result is a gutsy engine that delivers plenty of punch as long as you're in Sport mode. In Edmunds' testing, our 4WD crew-cab test truck covered 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is quick for a midsize truck.
Beyond that, though, the Ranger stumbles. The 10-speed automatic is great in other Fords, but in the Ranger's Normal mode it's unresponsive and slow to downshift. The steering is too light and numb, the suspension is unsettled in corners with bumps, and the truck's nose dives significantly with sudden braking.
Comfort
6.5/10
How comfortable is the Ranger? Aspects of the Ranger's ride could be a deal-breaker for some. Even mild road undulations generate very springy and bouncy ride motions. This too soft, underdamped feel seems to amplify the size of certain bumps you pass over, and more than one of our passengers actually got queasy.
On the other hand, the front seats are nicely shaped, comfortably padded and able to accommodate a variety of body types. The crew cab's rear seatbacks are a little more upright than we'd like, but they are otherwise acceptable. Wind, tire and road noise is nicely controlled. We found it hard to use the climate system. The four vents cannot be shut off individually, and the system has numerous small control buttons that are hard to distinguish.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? The Ranger's front seats are roomy and easy to get in and out of. The driver's seat is nicely placed to reach the truck's controls and see over the hood, but some of our drivers found it difficult to find an ideal reclining angle for the seat. The tall bedsides constrain rear visibility.
The drawback to the Ranger's interior comes from the irritating switchgear. The controls are grouped well from an overall point of view, but their operation falls short at the end-user level. The total lack of hard infotainment controls and the climate system's many small buttons are two examples.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? We like most of what the Ranger has to offer, especially if you buy an XLT or higher. Those come with multiple USB ports and the Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Also standard at this level is the Co-Pilot360 suite of driving aids, which includes forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance and a blind-spot warning.
But the touchscreen could stand a few shortcut buttons, and folks without a smartphone and reliable data service will need to opt for the Technology package to get built-in navigation. The Sync 3 system's voice commands work reliably, and they respond to many natural language commands to access music, radio stations and certain navigation functions.
Towing and Storage
6/10
How are the towing and storage? The Ranger posts strong towing and payload capacities. There are six tie-downs in the bed, and we appreciate how the central locking system includes the tailgate. But the tall bedsides can hamper loading, and the undamped tailgate and steel bed are rather plain offerings.
The Ranger comes up short on interior storage. You can't easily store stuff underneath the rear seat, and the fact that it's a one-piece bench makes it impossible to seat three in the rear with a portion of the seat flipped up for cargo. A small center console and door cubbies mean there's not much small-item storage either.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? On paper, the Ranger has the best gasoline fuel economy of the bunch. The EPA says you can expect 22 mpg in combined driving (20 city/24 highway) with 4WD. That's a little bit better than V6-equipped rival trucks. But past experience with other Ford turbocharged engines makes us wonder if this one will deliver that advantage in the real world. Our test truck's best observed tank was 20.9 mpg, but more investigation and seat time are needed.
Value
7/10
Is the Ranger a good value? The Ranger can end up getting a little expensive if you want a reasonably well-equipped model. That would be OK if we thought you got a lot in return, but the Ranger's interior, with its mediocre interior quality and dated design, doesn't help its case. Warranty coverage is in line with the rest of the class.
Wildcard
6/10
The Ranger doesn't necessarily live up to expectations. It posts some good marquee numbers, and it has a powerful engine. But these things can't really mask the fact that this is a hand-me-down truck that was new in 2011 in other world markets.
2023 Ford Ranger trim level differences
The 2023 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck offered as either an extended cab (SuperCab) with a 6-foot bed or a crew cab (SuperCrew) with a 5-foot bed. It is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT and Lariat. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (270 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that drives either the rear or all four wheels. Compare the 2023 Ford Ranger trim levels in-depth.
Which Ranger trim does Edmunds recommend?
The midrange XLT trim represents our pick in the Ford Ranger lineup. The XL feels too bare-bones and we also like the XLT's flexibility. With the XLT, you can add on the convenience and tech options you need as well as the Tremor Off-Road package if you plan to take the Ranger off pavement.
The 2023 Ford Ranger has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #4 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#4 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$433/yr
vs. $451/yr for Average Midsize Truck
Frequency
1x/yr
vs. 0.79x/yr for Average Midsize Truck
Severity
12.1%
vs. 13.6% for Average Midsize Truck
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
4 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V685000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25SA4
Manufactured from:
2021-05-10 to
Number of vehicles affected:
59006
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Defect Consequence:
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed October 24, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Recall Number:
25V442000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25S72
Manufactured from:
2019-04-25 to
Number of vehicles affected:
200061
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Defect Consequence:
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Recall Number:
23V379000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
23C18
Number of vehicles affected:
29607
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:
An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
Recall Number:
23V283000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
23S17
Number of vehicles affected:
1434
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.
Defect Consequence:
Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 1, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S17.
I purchased a new 2022 Ranger XLT extended cab. Ever since I purchased it the 10R80 10-speed transmission can't find it's gears. Engine revs up to 3000rpm from cold start caused with a delay in the transmission finding first gear; gear shifting is hard until you get to cruising speed. Engine vibrates shaking the truck between 10-30mph. Taken the vehicle to the dealer no less than 4 … times; Twice they follow 2 TSB from Ford to reset the computer controlling the transmission. The result is same- no change- problems persist way after time for the computer to 'learn' the computer re-programing. I learned that Ford has had numerous complaints regarding this 10R80 transmission (the product of a partnership between Ford and & GM). No less than two class action lawsuits have been filed regarding this transmission against Ford, one filed in Federal court just this April. Ford appears to care little about fixing the problems by coming out with TSBs to its dealers that don't address the problem. It appears they only want to kick the can down the road, let the warranty end, and leave the buyer holding the bag. I've given up on Ford and will NEVER buy a Ford product again, and I will encourage anyone who asks me to consider at other manufacturers.
The electric 10 speed transmission was a deal breaker. It decided when to shift, sometimes from a slow or rolling stop, the transmission would rev up in first, then go to neutral, and finally jump into third. I had two dangerous situations happen when I was entering into traffic. The dealer spent time with the truck, made a repair, recommended by central repair and it didn't repair … anything.
I've owned a 1988 Ranger XLT and a 2020 XLT V6. I miss both of them. This 2022 Ranger has a very awkward cabin, nothing is easy to reach from the driver's seat. The dealer is a great company, and we worked out an arrangement that I agreed with.
After Ford has had such bad troubles with the focus and fiesta transmissions, you would think they would make sure the power train in all their vehicles would be perfect.
Owned my 2022 Ranger XLT for about 4 months, prior to that I had a 2015 F150 Platinum. Love the Ranger, with that said there are a few things that need work. Has a vibration at low speeds on acceleration ( pinion needs shimmed) the hvac fan is so loud on high you cannot almost carry on a conversation, they also need to include the bed bulkhead rail so you can mount a tonneau cover as it … is 1” lower than the rest of the bed. Even so its a great little truck, especially with the FX4 package. I’ve gotten comments on how it looks like a mini raptor. Not sure about that, but it does look good.
Love the truck, 2023 crew cab xlt- Only problem & a big one is the bed’s bulkhead is 1” lower than sides w/ plastic rails? This creates a gap in most tonneau cover tops. I’ve tried to get a part number for the missing bulkhead space/gap to fill the space but there isn’t one? Pretty disappointing considering a brand new truck/product?
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Ford Ranger, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ranger since its last redesign.
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