The Ford Ranger is back from the grave, only now it’s a midsized option instead of a compact truck. It’s pretty exciting! This decision was made so that Ford could compete against other midsized trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline. Still, there are a few Ranger aspects that could be improved. 

Potential Ford Ranger issues

One of the first red flags with the Ford Ranger is its price. You can drive off the lot in a new one for about $24k. This is a pretty good economical option for a work truck.

Now a lower price doesn’t always mean that the vehicle is terrible. The Honda HR-V is pretty cool and starts around $20k, but that’s a compact SUV, not a Ford truck. Heck, the Chevy Colorado starts at $21k, and it’s ranked as one of the least reliable options to buy. 

This price brings us to question the quality materials used with building this truck. Reports from 2019 include that the body facing corrosion issues and the paint peels, showing that there really may be some quality issues. 

Ford Ranger power 

The Ford Ranger only offers one engine option. It’s a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 240 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. At first, these numbers don’t seem so bad, but with all this power, the Ford Ranger can only tow up to 3,500 lb, unless equipped with the tow package.

When properly equipped with the highest trim option and tow package, the maxim towing capacity can be increased to 7,500 lb. But bust out your checkbook, because those options quickly drive up the price. 

The Toyota Tacoma has an output of 278 horsepower, which isn’t that much more and can tow up to 6,800 lb. So, for spending just a little more, you can gain a lot more off-roading capability. 

However, the crew cab Ford Ranger can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, making it one speedy truck. The Toyota Tacoma takes 7.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. 

Ford Ranger Features 

The automatic 10-speed transmission that comes in the Ford Ranger is supposed to be smooth, but Edmunds disagrees. There are complaints about the suspension being bumpy, loud, and rattling. 

On top of that, people aren’t having fun driving the Ford Ranger. Its engine is loud, and it’s handling is very stiff with a choppy transmission. There are also reports of the Ford Ranger having a lot of leaks. The transmission leaks, the engine leaks, the fuel leaks, and more. 

On a positive note, drivers can spend little more for the off-roading package to access the mounted steel bumpers, skid plates, and suspension to protect the undercarriage of their truck.

Also, you’ll have to pay a little more to access the optional 8” infotainment center, which is pretty average unless you shell out even more cash for satellite navigation and the optional LTE Wi-fi hotspot. 

We suggest downloading the WAZE app and trying it out before considering this truck, too, because it’s equipped with the WAZE navigation system. Some people love WAZE, and others can’t stand it. 

So far, the Ford Ranger seems to be adequate instead of having an epic comeback. But Ford is working to improve things. There could even be a new Ford Ranger Raptor. We suggest if the 2022 Ford Ranger has any notable upgrades to fix its current issues.