Ford Ranger 2023 Review

The current Ford Ranger has only been available in the U.S. since 2019, but it's been on sale in the rest of the world for much longer than that. That means it's time for a redo, and Ford has a new Ranger planned for the 2023 model year. The redesigned Ranger just broke cover, but it's the global version, meaning that not all aspects of the vehicle you see here will make it to the U.S. The new Ranger is developed in Australia, hence all the right-hand-drive interior photos. Details for the American-spec Ranger are still under wraps, but plenty of what you see here should make it to our shores.

First, let's talk about styling. Ford said it conducted more than 5,000 interviews with customers to find out what they wanted in the new Ranger, and a tougher look was high up on the list of priorities. The boxier front end is complemented by a new grille and C-shaped daytime running lights akin to those on the Maverick and Ford F-150. The flat sides give the Ranger a more classic truck look, and the rear fenders are more pronounced.

Underneath the new sheetmetal is a chassis carried over from the current Ranger, though the wheelbase and width have each grown by 2 inches. Increasing the wheelbase should translate to a roomier cabin, in addition to improving the Ranger's approach angle during off-road antics. The rear shocks, meanwhile, have been moved outboard of the frame rails. The result, Ford says, is a more comfortable ride all around.

The global Ranger will likely also come with a number of cab configurations and bed lengths, but Ford isn't talking specifics yet. One thing we are able to glean from photos is the selectable four-wheel-drive system (which borrows its knob from the Bronco). Rear-wheel drive, 4-Hi and 4-Lo all look to be selectable from the knob, and while we don't know if all of these modes will make their way to the U.S.-spec Ranger, we think it's a safe bet.

The current Ranger, while capable enough, wasn't ready for the U.S. market when it showed up in 2019. It was a truck designed for the rest of the world, and American buyers typically expect more capability and more amenities from their pickups. The new Ranger has set out to right some of those wrongs, and we hope that Ford has made a pickup truck that can finally rival the best from Chevy and Toyota.

The current Ranger is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder backed up by a 10-speed automatic. We expect the 2023 Ranger to keep an iteration of this tried-and-true engine and transmission combo. The only powertrains currently confirmed for the global Ranger are three different diesel engines, but the chances of those coming to the U.S. are slim. However, Ford said that the more spacious engine bay of the new Ranger "helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies."

What does that really mean? Two things. First, the possibility of a Ranger hybrid is real, as we've seen Ford deploy this strategy with both the Maverick and the F-150. It would be more surprising if a Ranger hybrid didn't happen at this point. Second, it also means there might be room for a turbocharged V6, and that leaves the door wide open for the possibility of a Ranger Raptor.

The 2023 Ranger's interior is a massive departure from the current truck, and that's very good news. The cabin is completely new, and the space looks both functional and intentional. The HVAC controls are physical, making them easy to use while wearing gloves. The center console is clutter-free and Ford says the cubby beneath the armrest is spacious, as you'd expect in a pickup. We can also see a few USB ports and a wireless charging pad. All in all, the interior space looks both clean and functional, but we'll wait until we've driven the new Ranger to pass final judgement.

Front and center is a portrait-oriented infotainment display, similar to what you'll find in the Ford Mustang Mach-E. There's also a new digital driver display that mirrors what we've seen in other Ford products too. There's no word on what kind of other technology features are in store, but we expect more information closer to the U.S. model's launch sometime next year.

The word isn't out yet on how much the Ranger can tow or haul, but we expect Ford will improve upon the current truck's 1,860-pound maximum payload and 7,500-pound maximum tow ratings.

The current model hasn't been quite as capable or as nice to be in as its main rivals, but the redesigned 2023 Ford Ranger will likely help remedy both of those gripes. If you're considering buying a midsize pickup truck and want a Blue Oval adorning the hood, you might want to wait for this new Ranger.