2022 Ford Ranger Pros vs Cons

The Ranger pickup truck has been a part of Ford history for decades now. The popular compact-truck version of the Ranger was dropped from the Ford lineup after 2011 when the automaker decided to focus solely on their full-sized trucks and SUVs. Thankfully, the Ranger made a triumphant return in 2019, this time as a mid-sized truck.

The Ranger offers great performance and impressive capabilities. Smaller pickup trucks are seeing a big resurgence in popularity. The Ford Ranger will have strong competition from the Toyota Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado in 2022. Here are ten of the best reasons to buy a new Ford Ranger, along with some negatives to be aware of before making a final decision.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 Ford Ranger gets a new Splash trim package. This package features unique body graphics. It also comes with a set of 18-inch black wheels. The exterior gets some orange and glossy black trim as well. The interior gets pin-striped trim and orange contrast stitching for the upholstery.

The Splash trim has a distinct 90s vibe to celebrate a high point in the Ranger's history and popularity. Ford plans to release several versions of a Splash Limited Edition in various colors. These will be released one at a time, every few months in 2022.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Ford Ranger – The Pros

1. The Strong Powertrain

The 2022 Ford Ranger only has one powertrain option, but it's a strong one. The Ranger comes equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. The turbocharger uses unique technology to virtually eliminate any lag. The EcoBoost engine also features direct injection, 16 free-breathing valves and Start/Stop technology. This engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

2. Towing and Hauling Capabilities

The Ranger offers surprisingly high towing and payload capacities for a mid-sized truck. A stock model of the Ranger can tow around 3,500 pounds. This can be increased up to 7,500 pounds with some extra, optional equipment. The Ford Ranger's payload capacity maxes out at about 1,860 pounds.

3. Performance and Handling

The 2022 Ford Ranger has excellent acceleration from a dead stop. It also offers exceptional steering and handling. It feels downright agile and can even take on tight curves with ease. This is especially true of the Ranger XL models, largely due to this trim level's lighter weight.

4. Impressive Off-Road Performance

Not only does the Ranger handle well on pavement, but it's an impressive off-road performer as well. While the Ranger comes stock with 4X2 rear-wheel drive, 4X4 all-wheel drive is available for every trim level. The Ranger features a tough, solid frame and a robust suspension system. The available Terrain Management System adjusts the engine responsiveness and transmission shift points for optimal performance in different situations.

5. Beautiful Exterior Design

The 2022 Ford Ranger is a handsome pickup truck. It blends classic design elements from the Ranger's past with a modern aesthetic. There's a great balance here that makes the Ranger look both rugged and elegant. This is a tough combination to pull off, but the Ranger manages to do it. For something unique, the Splash package and special editions will help the Ranger to really stand out on the road.

6. An Attractive and Comfortable Interior

The interior of the Ford Ranger is equally attractive when compared to its exterior. While the interior features a lot of plastics, a good amount of high-end materials are mixed in as well. Everything is smartly designed and laid out for both looks and convenience. The well-padded, supportive seats and Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control are sure to keep everyone nice and comfortable.

7. Good Fuel-Economy Numbers

The 2022 Ford Ranger's engine isn't just powerful, it's also highly efficient. When compared to other pickup trucks in its class, the Ranger won't cost you too much at the gas pump. Owners can expect around 22 miles-per-gallon in the city and 26 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

8. It's Easy to Park and Maneuver

The convenient size of the Ford Ranger is a definite perk, providing one doesn't need the towing and hauling capabilities of a full-sized truck. The Ranger comes in at 211-inches long, 78-inches wide and 72-inches high. That's not too much larger than your average four-door sedan. It's much easier to get in and out of parking spaces in a Ranger than it is with a Ford F-150.

9. The Infotainment System

While the base model infotainment system is a bit sparse, the higher trim levels come with the excellent Ford Sync 3 System. This system features Bluetooth Technology for streaming music. Voice-Command Technology allows the driver to access features while keeping their hands safely on the steering wheel. It also allows for hands-free phone calls. There's even a built-in navigation system.

The infotainment system has an 8-inch, full-color touchscreen display. There are two smart-charging USB ports for phones and other devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fully compatible with the Sync 3 System. The Lariat trim level also gets a B & O Premium Sound System with six speakers by Bang & Olufsen.

10. Modern Safety Features

Every trim level of the 2022 Ford Ranger has front and seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger. There's also Ford's Safety Canopy, a proprietary side-curtain airbag system. There are three-point seat belts with Ford's Active Restraint System. There are also anchors and tethers for child safety seats.

Every model of the Ranger features rear-seat, child-proof locks. There's a Tire-Pressure Monitor system to help make sure the tires always remain safely inflated. All models also have four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes. Ford's Co-Pilot 360 Technology includes a rear-view camera and AdvanceTrac with Roll-Stability Control. Curve Control helps when cornering by adjusting the speed to a safe level automatically.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Ford Ranger – The Cons

1. It's a Smaller Truck

This might seem like a strange complaint, but it's something to consider before buying a mid-sized truck. It doesn't have the payload and towing capacities of its bigger full-sized counterparts. This isn't exactly a negative, but all buyers should assess their needs before deciding if the Ranger can get the job done.

2. Infotainment System Is Lacking on the Base Model

The infotainment system for the base model of the Ranger is very basic. Thankfully, this is rectified on the higher trim levels. High-end infotainment systems are becoming common and expected features for all vehicles these days. Many of the Ranger's competitors offer much more in this category, even at the starting trim level.

3. The Ride Quality Needs Improvement

The venerable pickup truck has come a long way in improving the stiff ride quality that trucks used to be known for. Sadly, the Ford Ranger is still lagging behind in this area. It's not the worst ride quality on the road, but it could certainly use some improvements.

4. A Lack of In-Cabin Storage

The 2022 Ford Ranger needs more in-cabin storage space. The SuperCrew models fair better in this area than the SuperCab variations of the Ranger. Even the small-item storage spaces are lacking inside of the Ranger. It could use more pockets, cubbyholes and cup holders.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Ford Ranger vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is an attractive and capable truck that's roughly the same size as the Ford Ranger. It comes in at a higher base price than the Ranger. Both trucks have comparable off-road performance. Both have similar convenience features, driver-assist tech and safety equipment.

The Ford turbocharged engine provides more power and torque. Consequently, the Ranger can tow and haul more than the Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma is more comfortable on the inside and also provides a smoother ride. The Ford Ranger is much more capable, and with it's lower starting price, it's the better truck here.

2022 Ford Ranger vs 2022 Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado will be another tough competitor for the 2022 Ford Ranger. Both vehicles have an almost identical starting price. Both have nearly identical towing capacities and similar payload capacities. The Ranger has more horsepower and torque when compared to the Colorado's base engine. The Colorado does, however, offer a 308 horsepower, V-6 engine.

Both vehicles have similar driver-assist technology and safety features. The Ford offers more standard convenience features at a comparable price. It also provides better acceleration and handling. The Ford Ranger is again the better bargain when compared to its competition.

Conclusion

Full-sized trucks aren't for everyone. Not everyone will need a heavy-duty work truck. Mid-sized trucks like the 2022 Ford Ranger fill a certain niche in the marketplace. The Ranger has impressive towing capabilities and can haul a decent-sized payload. It's also an impressive off-road machine. And this all comes in a smaller, more manageable package.

The Ranger is nimble, athletic and easy to maneuver. It's easier to park than it's full-sized counterparts too. This is a fun and practical truck that's perfect for anyone looking for a mid-sized pickup.