What’s New With the 2022 Ford Ranger?
The 2022 Ford Ranger has received some profound changes for the new model year. The aging design of the compact pickup truck needed replacing, and this is the first step. Since the Ford Maverick is brand new and looks a lot different than the Ranger, we assumed the new model would share a lot with its little brother. According to Motor1, the front fascia and headlights are nearly identical.
The 2022 Ford Ranger is a little bigger
One of the most noticeable changes with the new model year is the overall size of the vehicle. The Ranger slots between the F-150 and Maverick in size, but it was closer to the Maverick than Ford might’ve wanted. Now it will be a little bit more toward the F-150’s size and distinguish itself from the newbie pickup truck. The result is more rear legroom, a higher lift, and more.
The wheelbase is now almost two inches longer than the 2021 model. The front wheels are closer to the front of the vehicle, giving a better approach angle and extra passenger space. In addition, the track is now two inches wider as well, which makes for a larger loading area in the rear. According to Ranger vehicle engineering manager Anthony Hall, that’s just enough space for a sheet of plywood.
You won’t recognize the interior cabin
The 2022 Ford Ranger’s interior looks completely different, which is fantastic news. It now comes with a SYNC4 infotainment system with a 10.1- or 12-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. The interior has been modernized, ditching the old gear lever, drive mode selector, and electric handbrake. They’re redesigned to look more modern, sleek, and luxurious instead of cheap and bulky.
The intention behind the interior changes is for passengers to feel like they’re riding inside a car. The Ranger’s new soft-touch materials throughout the cabin assist in establishing that feeling. In addition, the rear suspension dampers are now outboard of the frame rails, which smooths the ride.
Does the 2022 Ford Ranger have a new engine?
There is a new engine available for the 2022 Ford Ranger. This one is not the standard engine in each model but is an upgraded version of the optional diesel from previous model years. The pickup truck’s inline-five 2.5-liter diesel is gone, and in comes a V6 turbodiesel with a 3.0-liter displacement. An engine like this one is just another step to ensure the Ranger feels bigger.
The official statistics for the new engine have not been revealed. However, Motor1 noted that the similar PowerStroke available to F-150s produces 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost in addition to another optional setup. The last option is the 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder with either a single or a twin-turbo system.
The Splash limited edition trim is all-new
The newest trim to enter the lineup for 2022 is called Splash and is making its return. It was first offered in 1993 but is making a bit of a comeback. The Splash package is available on both XLT and Lariat models for $1,495 and adds primarily cosmetic changes.
The Splash package includes orange and black body-side graphics, 18-inch matte-black wheels, orange grille trim, and gloss-black exterior accents. In addition, the interior gains orange contrast stitching on the seats and pin-striped trim in the cabin. A variety of colors will eventually be available, but they’re being rolled out one at a time in clusters of a few hundred models.
What does the 2022 Ford Ranger share with the Ford Maverick?
Although many of the 2022 updates to the Ranger intentionally make it stand out from the Maverick, the two pickup trucks still share some similarities. Most notably, the front fascia of the Ranger looks much more similar to its hybrid little brother than in previous model years. The grille, bumper, and especially the C-shaped LED headlights are very similar to a Maverick.
The 2023 Ford Ranger is getting a complete redesign, and the 2022 model is preparing us for that. There are so many changes some parts of the Ranger are unrecognizable. Specifically the interior of the pickup truck, which was looking a bit outdated anyway. The slightly larger and more comfortable Ford Ranger is a welcomed upgrade to the American automaker’s pickup truck lineup.
