Is the 2023 Ford Ranger Worth Waiting For?
We’re pretty excited about the new Ford Ranger. This midsized truck is finally getting a few upgrades. But we might have to wait for the 2023 Ford Ranger to arrive. Let’s see what to expect to determine if it’s worth the wait.
The 2023 Ford Ranger is all-new
We’re a little disappointed that Australia gets the 2023 Ford Ranger before we do! But the people down under must like the midsize truck a lot. It was actually never discontinued over there.
Australia also had the current generation Ford Ranger before it was introduced in the United States. So, we shouldn’t be surprised when the teasers about the new Ranger are coming from Australia!
What to expect with the new Ford Ranger
From the 2023 Ford Ranger teaser images and videos, we can see a brand new shape. But the truck is covered in a camouflaged body wrap. The wrap includes QR codes to scan and the #NextGenRanger hashtag.
It seems like a pretty clever way to drum up attention without giving all the secrets away. But we can see ned LED taillights, alloy wheels, and the rear bumper has corner steps built-in. Also, the fender flares are wider. The front has remained hidden, but it’s expected to resemble the Ford Maverick with C-shaped headlights.
If you want a Volkswagen Amarok, you can go for the Ranger. It will be on the same platform. This is a part of the Volkswagen and Ford joint venture to co-develop commercial-grade vehicles.
We hope to see the addition of a beefier Ford Ranger Raptor trim. Perhaps the new model could be revealed sometime in 2022. While the current generation Raptor is excellent for towing and hauling, it could benefit from off-roading upgrades.
The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 310 hp is expected to be carried over. However, rumors suggest that a plug-in hybrid Ranger has been spotted in testing. The Ranger PHEV could have up to 362 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. The setup could be based on the 2.3-liter gasoline engine.
When will we learn more about the 2023 Ranger?
The 2023 Ford Ranger is expected to enter production in May 2023 at the Ford Michigan Assembly plant. So, we might gain more clues about the American version for a few months. But the Australian models should come out sooner.
In other markets, the new Ranger could gain a new V6 diesel engine to replace the inline-five unit. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine could be available too.
To give rivals competition, the new Ranger will need to have higher quality materials in the cab. It will most likely gain a larger infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity too.
The 2021 Ranger has an MSRP of $24,820. The price for the 2023 model will most likely increase with all the new upgrades. With the new Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma redesign on the wat, we aren’t sure if this truck is worth waiting for.
There are a few excellent options out there already. The new Ranger will have to bring the heat. We will keep you updated as we learn more.