The Ranger returned to the Ford product lineup in the United States in 2019 after selling in other global markets since 2011. The midsize pickup truck has a 7,500 lb towing capacity and is available as a four-door SuperCrew with a five-foot bed or a two-door SuperCab with a six-foot bed.

There are three 2023 Ford Ranger trims, with each level offering different features. One trim level, in particular, has caught the attention of Ford Ranger shoppers more than all the rest.

The 2023 Ford Ranger trims explained

The 2023 Ford Ranger has an MSRP ranging between $27,400 and $35,500 before destination fees and government taxes.

The entry-level 2023 Ford Ranger XL trim has a starting price of $27,400 for the SuperCab configuration. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost® inline four-cylinder engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generates 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Many of the package upgrades are standard on the next trim level. According to Autotrader, “The most basic Ranger doesn’t offer much in the way of luxury or advanced driver-assist systems.”

The Ranger XLT trim starts at $31,460 for the SuperCab and $33,420 for the SuperCrew. Utilizing the same engine setup as the base model, the XLT builds off the XL trim, offering an enhanced cabin, improved safety features, and impressive exterior upgrades. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The high-end Lariat trim has an MSRP starting price of $35,500 for the SuperCab configuration. The fully-loaded truck includes all the XLT features with the addition of LED fog lights, power-folding heated side mirrors, rear parking sensors, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, and a rear sliding window. Intelligent Access keyless entry allows for a push-button start with door handle sensors for unlocking doors.

Other upgrades to the Lariat’s cabin include leather-trimmed seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a 6-way power passenger seat, both with power lumbar support. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is a highlight of the SuperCrew configuration.

What 2023 Ford Ranger trims are consumers most interested in? 

In the Edmunds “Select a trim” dropdown, the XLT is listed as the most popular, meaning it is the trim in which most consumers are interested. Shoppers are most likely drawn to the mid-range price point, aware that the XLT offers better value for the price and is much better equipped than the entry-level XL trim.

Interior upgrades on the XLT include carpeting instead of the black vinyl floor covering found in the base model. A dual-zone electronic climate control replaces the single-zone manual air conditioning, and premium cloth seats are a welcome upgrade compared to the basic cloth seating in the XL trim level.

The XLT trim also includes a 4.2-inch instrument cluster color display and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

The Ford Co-Pilot 360 offers a full suite of driver-assist safety features and is standard in the XLT. The technology package includes front parking sensors, enhanced navigation, and adaptive cruise control.

An optional Tremor Off-Road Package, available only in the 4×4 SuperCrew, offers optimal suspension, hoop steps, skid plate protection, and a Terrain Management system.

What trim level does Car and Driver recommend?

Car and Driver recommend the 2023 Ford Ranger XL extended-cab (SuperCab) model “if you’re going for value and performance.” It offers similar power and ride quality of the other trims, but with a smaller cab and less standard equipment, it is not as heavy, helping the pickup get up to speed faster.

However, Car and Driver explain their first choice is the mid-level XLT trim crew-cab (SuperCrew) configuration with four-wheel drive. They recommend adding a bed liner, off-road suspension, and the 302 add-on package, which includes improved features such as the touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated seats.