Ford Ranger 2022 Review

Midsize pickups are a great alternative for shoppers who need the utility of a truck but don't need the size and capabilities of a more expensive full-size truck. The 2022 Ford Ranger is an example of the latest crop of these smaller trucks, though maybe not the best. Despite its relatively recent appearance in the U.S., this generation of Rangers has been on sale around the world for almost a full decade and its age is showing.

For 2022, the bold colors of the '90s will be back in the form of a new Splash appearance package and a Splash Limited Edition for the Ranger. Otherwise, it returns mostly unchanged, and that makes sense given the rumors of a full redesign for 2023. At the moment, the Ranger remains a back marker in the midsize truck class. You can check out our Expert Rating to see where it comes up short against higher-ranked rivals that include the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma.

Which Ranger does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that is 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.

The base Ranger XL is pretty basic, with feature highlights that include:

• 16-inch steel wheels
• Manually locking tailgate
• Air conditioning
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Four-speaker sound system
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

To that, the available 101A package adds:

• Cruise control
• Power mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Larger central display screen
• Sync 3 infotainment system
• Six-speaker audio system

For more safety features, the available Co-Pilot360 package includes:

• Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

The midtier XLT trim includes all of the above plus:

• Alloy wheels
• Keyless entry
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

The XLT is eligible for additional options too.

The XLT 301A adds convenience items that include:

• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 110-volt household power outlet
• Choice of Sport, Chrome or Black exterior appearance package

The 302A package can be added to the 301A and brings:

• Remote ignition
• Power-folding mirrors
• Manual-sliding rear window
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats

The Technology package requires at least the 301A package, and it adds:

• Front parking sensors
• Navigation system
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)

The top Lariat trim adds most of the XLT's 302A package as well as:

• LED headlights
• Leather upholstery

The Lariat's 501A package adds the Technology package plus:

• Remote ignition
• Automatic wipers
• 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Universal garage door opener

The Tremor Off-Road package is available with the XLT or Lariat trims. The SuperCrew body and four-wheel drive are prerequisites. It includes:

• Revised suspension and 0.8 inch more ground clearance
• Off-road-specific Fox shocks
• 32-inch all-terrain tires
• Auxiliary switches for user-specified accessories
• Side steps
• Additional recovery hooks
• Underbody protection