Used 2022 Ford Ranger

The 2022 Ford Ranger does most things a midsize pickup truck has to do quite well. It’s strong and capable, relatively good on gas, and offers a nice choice of variants. In this particular arena, the Ranger is a decent contender.

The inevitable downside is that the 2022 Ranger is probably going to be the last of this generation. A fifth generation is expected for 2023. This might be confusing, since the current Ranger has only been on sale in the United States since 2019. But that’s when Ford brought it into the country, after many years of not having a midsize pickup offering. The same model has been sold in other parts of the world since 2011.

None of that has stopped the Ranger from winning Kelley Blue Book’s 2021 5-Year Cost to Own award for midsize pickups.

An engine that can work hard and drink lightly is definitely one of the 2022 Ranger’s greatest assets. It’s aided in its labors by a fine 10-speed automatic transmission.

The raised driving position and steering feel both seem like they come from an agreeable midsize SUV instead of a work truck. But the firm ride is a constant reminder of the Ranger’s weekday duties.

The FX4 and Tremor packages bring a terrain response system for the 4-wheel-drive system — with modes for a wide range of conditions, plus specialized instruments for yaw, pitch, and roll. The Tremor’s suspension, enhanced by Fox shock absorbers (Fox is a well-respected aftermarket company), delivers the best ride of the Ford Ranger lineup.

If rear passengers are going to be a regular thing, choose a 5-seater SuperCrew version of the 2022 Ranger. The SuperCab’s two rear seats have precious little legroom.

At the entry level, the Ranger XL follows the usual formula of basic amenities like vinyl flooring, cloth upholstery and a plastic steering wheel. It also has a relatively tiny infotainment display measuring just 3.5 inches on the diagonal. The XLT and Lariat models have an upgraded setup with an 8-inch touchscreen.

The dashboard is otherwise unremarkable, yet fairly easy to use. A shortage of storage spaces in the cabin attracts the wrong kind of remarks.

Power-adjustable front seats are standard in the top Lariat trim, or available as an option in the XLT. The new Splash package brings its exterior orange-and-black color scheme into the cabin.

Buyers considering a new Ford Ranger must decide which cab they want. The SuperCab has two main side doors, plus a pair of smaller rear doors that open out the other way. There are four regular doors with the SuperCrew cab.

The SuperCab comes with a 6-foot bed, the SuperCrew has a 5-foot bed. There’s no mixing and matching. Both trucks are 210.8 inches in length and maximum payload is 1,860 pounds.

The bare-bones XL has steel bumpers finished in black, as well as steel wheels. Higher trims have bumpers in the body color. Speaking of which, Hot Pepper Red Metallic replaces Rapid Red Metallic this year.

Various packages bring different cosmetic elements. The Chrome and Black Appearance packages are self-explanatory. The STX brings 17-inch alloy wheels and fog lights.

The Tremor package adds not-so-visible off-roading components like skid plates, as well as raising the ride height slightly, adding hoop steps, tow hooks, and black grille mesh, then removing the front air dam.

The biggest splash this year, though, is the new Splash package. This is an homage to the Ranger of the 1990s which also had the option of an orange-and-black color scheme. This time around, there are specific 18-inch alloy wheels finished in matte black, plus dedicated graphics.

TOW-OPTIMIZED BLIND-SPOT MONITORING
Blind-spot monitoring is undoubtedly useful. Now this system works when there’s a trailer connected. It can store up to three profiles in its memory and the trailers can be different lengths.

WI-FI
Even the base XL trim brings Wi-Fi into the 2022 Ranger and can connect up to 10 devices. This can be useful not just for things like checking a movie’s Rotten Tomatoes score, but also for work-related tasks.

To Ford’s credit, it equips the 2022 Ranger lineup’s most basic XL trim with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The infotainment system comes with Wi-Fi, while a remote start/lock/unlock feature is also included.

Otherwise, the XL sticks to the fundamentals, such as 16-inch steel wheels, manually adjustable side mirrors, vinyl floor covering, cloth upholstery, AM/FM radio, four speakers, Bluetooth, and one USB port.

Unless a new Ranger is required simply as a work truck, we think the mid-level XLT is a better choice. It adds power-adjustable side mirrors, carpeting, dual-zone climate control, and a remote-locking tailgate.

Safety systems in the XLT include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, trailer tow monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.

Infotainment is enhanced by Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, an extra USB port, and an 8-inch touchscreen.

Go for the Lariat trim and a greater number of convenience features come on board, such as keyless entry/ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed/heated/power-adjustable front seats, ambient cabin lighting, self-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors in the front shades, LED bed lighting, rear parking sensors, 110-volt outlet, and two more USB ports.

The XL offers extras like the upgraded infotainment system, carpeting and driver aids that come standard higher in the 2022 Ranger lineup. Likewise, the XLT can be ordered with the convenience features of the Lariat.

All three versions are eligible for a spray-in bed liner, crossbed tool box, bed cover, and running boards. They’re also eligible for FX2 or FX4 packages (depending on the number of driven wheels) bringing some off-road equipment — like wheels, tires, and a special suspension.

The most serious off-roading array, however, is the Tremor package, offered with XLT and Lariat in 4-wheel-drive/SuperCrew forms. This brings more underbody protection, Fox shock absorbers, simulated suede upholstery, trailer tow package, and six spare switches for winches, lights, etc.

The new-for-2022 Splash package is available with SuperCrew XLT and Lariat models. The XLT and Lariat also qualify for a Technology package that adds navigation and adaptive cruise control. And the Lariat also offers the option of an excellent 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Every new Ranger is propelled by a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. Some rivals offer the option of a V6 or a diesel engine, but this unit can still enable strong towing and payload figures while also being relatively easy on fuel.

Despite the presence of a turbocharger, the 2022 Ranger doesn’t need anything fancier than regular gasoline to produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends drive to the rear wheels (RWD) in standard form, or all four if the optional 4-wheel drive (4WD) system is installed.

A fuel-saving engine stop/restart function is standard and can be turned off if the driver wishes. These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relate to 2021, but we don’t expect any changes for 2022.

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
270 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg (RWD), 20/24 mpg (4WD), 19/19 mpg (Tremor 4WD)