Overview
Ford’s mid-size Ranger pickup truck will be redesigned for the 2023 model year, and from the looks of things the new model will adopt bolder front-end styling from the larger F-150. Ford hasn’t released much info yet other than a teaser photo, but we expect the same turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine as the current truck with rear-wheel drive as standard. A four-wheel drive system will undoubtedly be optional and we could see a hybrid powertrain option join the lineup too, but we’re most excited about the prospect of a high-performance Raptor variant. From spy photos we can see two distinct body styles, both a four-door crew cab and an extended cab model with two rear half-doors.
What’s New for 2023?
This next-generation Ranger will be all-new, and its debut is scheduled for November 24th, 2021, leading us to believe it will go on sale in 2022 as a 2023 model.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Without more details about the new Ranger’s pricing or its standard and optional features, we can’t make a recommendation on which one is the best value. But we’d suggest the roomier crew cab model for anyone who’s planning on using the rear seat for toting passengers. When more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with details.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
While Ford could pull a switcheroo, we think the new Ranger will come with the same turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder as the outgoing model. In our experience, this engine provides ample power to hustle the mid-size truck around, and we don’t expect that to change with the new model. Like the newly-minted compact Maverick pickup, the new Ranger could also debut with a hybrid powertrain as well, but we’ll have to wait until closer to the truck’s on-sale date to know for sure.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The current model is capable of towing up to 7500 pounds, which puts it near the top of its class for mid-size pickups. We expect the new model to offer similar capability.
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
