Which 2023 Ford Ranger variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

Ford Philippines has finally launched the all-new 2023 Ford Ranger. This event took place in July 2022, and the pickup now has a total of eight new variants for the local market. All of them assume a new exterior style, and most are kitted out with all-new features. 

The 2023 Ford Ranger (Wildtrak variant shown)

These include the entry-level Ranger XL 4x4 MT, XLS 4x2 MT, XLS 4x2 AT, the XLT 4x2 AT, Sport 4x2 AT, Sport 4x4 AT, Wildtrak 4x2 AT, and the Wildtrak 4x4 AT. So which of these Ranger variants is the right one for you? 

Let’s help you find out. 

Ford Ranger Variants: Exterior 

To begin, let’s start with dimensions. For length, width, and height, all variants of the new Ranger clock in at 5,360mm, 1,918mm, and 1,884mm respectively. All trims also have a wheelbase length of 3,270mm and a ground clearance of 235mm. 

When it comes to styling though, the Wildtrak variants come with a unique front grille and Matrix LED headlamps. The mid-spec Sport and XLT variants meanwhile still come with LED headlights, though the Sport, in particular, gets a blacked-out grille, while the XLT comes with a chrome-trimmed grille. Meanwhile, the XL gets a plain non-glossy grille, while the XLS gets a painted grille. The last two also come with reflector halogen headlights. 

The Ranger Wildtrak from the rear

Furthermore, the XL and XLT also lack the LED daytime running lights that are present in the rest of the lineup. The only trim that doesn’t have front fog lamps is the entry-level XL, though the pair on the XLT are halogens. The rest meanwhile get LED front fog lamps.  

Also, the XLS and XL get manual-folding and power-adjustable side mirrors. The rest then get power-folding side mirrors. All trims come with rear box steps and mud flaps, though the XLS and XL lack a bedliner.  

Also available exclusively on the Wildtrak trims are roof rails. The top-spec variants and the Sport trims also get an easy-lift tailgate, as well as dual front tow hooks. The rest in turn have single front tow hooks.  

The entry-level Ranger XL

For wheels, the XL 4x4 has a set of 16-inch steelies. The XLT in turn gets 16-inch alloys. The XL4 4x2 meanwhile is fitted with a set of 17-inch alloys, whereas the Sport trims and Wildtrak trims ride on a set of 18-inch alloys. 

Ford Ranger Variants: Interior 

Inside, all Ranger trims can comfortably seat up to five. The Wildtrak then comes with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, whereas the rest get a manual air-conditioner. Also, only the top-spec Wildtrak comes standard with two 230-volt inverter outlets on the second row and cargo bed.  

For the driver, the Wildtrak, Sport, and XLT variants come with a leather steering wheel. The XLT, XLS, and XL though, do not have a photochromic rear-view mirror that is present on the rest of the trims. 

The 2023 Ford Ranger's interior (Wildtrak shown)

For seating, the Wildtrak gets a combination of leather and synthetic covers. The Sport also gets a similar material for its seats but without the Wildtrak stitching and styling bits. The XLT, XLS, and XL meanwhile come with fabric seats. 

The Wildtrak’s front-row seats are also power-adjustable, and the two top-spec trims are the only variants that come with dual USB ports for the first and second rows. 

Ford Ranger Variants: Tech and Safety 

For entertainment, the top-spec Wildtrak trims are kitted out with a 12-inch touchscreen headunit. The Sport trims, XLT, XLS, and XL variants meanwhile, get a 10-inch touchscreen. In terms of connectivity, however, both the larger and smaller touchscreens both come with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

A closer look at the 2023 Ranger's 12-inch touchscreen

For speakers, the entry-level XL gets four, while the Wildtrak trims, Sport trims, XLS, and XLT trims get a total of six. The Wildtrak, Sport, and XLT variants also provide a windscreen-mounted USB port and a wireless phone charger. 

For safety, only the Wildtrak 4x4 AT comes with adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, lane departure, and lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, a 360-degree-view camera, evasive steering assist, as well as reverse braking assist.  

All trims come equipped with hill launch assist and roll-over mitigation, an engine immobilizer, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, etc. 

The status of the 2023 Ranger Wildtrak's many driver-assist features is displayed on its digital gauge cluster

Only the Wildtrak 4x2 gets a rear parking sensor, while the Wildtrak 4x4 has both front and rear sensors. The two Wildtrak trims are also the only variants that get a total of seven airbags, while the rest make do with six.  

Ford Ranger Variants: Engine and Performance 

Under the hood, the Wildtrak 4x4 AT stands out from the pack thanks to its 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that can make up to 208 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It is also the only variant that has a 10-speed automatic gearbox. 

The only variants that are available with a 4x4 drivetrain and an electronic locking rear differential are the Sport 4x4 AT, and the XL 4x4 MT.  

The XL, Sport, along with the Wildtrak 4x2, Sport 4x2, and XLS variants use a single turbo 2.0-liter diesel mill. It is less powerful than the bi-turbo engine with an output of 168 horsepower and 405 Nm of torque. This engine is then paired to either a six-speed automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual tranny.  

The Wildtrak 4x4 AT's 2.0-liter biturbo diesel engine

For the XLT, XLS, and XL uses a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. For the higher-spec trims, the drum brake for the rear is swapped for a disc brake. Only the Wildtrak trims come with an electronic parking brake. The rest use a standard, manual hand-operated parking brake.  

For suspensions, all 2023 Ranger variants come with a double-wishbone front suspension, and leaf springs for the rear. 

Ford Ranger Variants: Pricing 

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Ford Ranger Variants: Conclusion 

If you are considering a truck that is capable of serious off-roading, then out of the Ranger variant lineup, the options you have are the top-spec Wildtrak 4x4 AT, the entry-level XL 4x4 MT, and the mid-spec Sport 4x4 AT. All three have locking rear differentials, and all three are 4x4 models. 

Then again, only the Wildtrak 4x4 AT can balance going all-out on features, and safety with off-roading capability. The Sport is the middle ground in this regard, though it offers an attractive styling package that many might like. 

The 2023 Ranger Sport on an off-road course

If you just need a truck that works and is great at carrying stuff, the XLS and XLT might be more to your liking. They aren’t as barebones as the XL, plus, dealing with traffic is easier thanks to their automatic gearboxes. 

On the other end of the spectrum, the XL might be the truck for you if you prefer a more utilitarian ride.  

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