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Click Here for Featured Specials
Randall Reed Family Owned & Operated Since 1992
Thanks to a class-exclusive turbocharged gas engine coupled with a high-strength steel frame, the midsize Ford Ranger can carry you and up to four passengers along smooth roads and difficult terrain alike. Although there’s only one engine available, you can customize the performance with one of Ford’s optional packages, such as the Tremor or FX4. Let's discuss all your engine, powertrain, and trim level options with the latest Ford Ranger.
The Ford Ranger is available in a 4x4 or 4x2 drivetrain, and all models use the same 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. As far as customizing the power and driving experience, your options boil down to the drivetrain and other choices that affect performance. For instance, the 4x4 version includes an Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly system, or ESOF, letting you turn a dial to switch between 4x4 high or 4x4 low. You can also switch in and out of a two-wheel mode for paved roads.
This midsize truck keeps it simple with three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. You'll also have to pick between the SuperCrew and SuperCab body designs. SuperCrew models have five seats, four doors, and a 5-foot bed, while the SuperCab gets four seats, two doors, and a 6-foot bed.
The 2022 Ranger also has convenient off-roading modes within its infotainment system, offering detailed live information on your driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch, and roll angle. To help you find the right Ford Ranger, here's an overview of the three trim levels and new optional packages.
The entry-level XL includes 16-inch silver steel wheels, automatic on/off headlamps, and a halogen cargo lamp integrated with a center high-mounted stop lamp. You also get a black grille, bumpers, and other dark exterior elements. On the rugged side, this model has two front tow hooks on 4x4 editions and four cargo box tie-down hooks.
The 2022 Ranger also offers special editions called Appearance Packages, some of which can customize the XL. The STX Appearance package adds silver-painted 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, premium ebony-insert four-way cloth seats, and more to the regular XL build.
Opting for the XLT grade gives you 17-inch silver aluminum wheels, halogen fog lights, silver surrounding accents to the black mesh grille, and a body-color front and rear bumper. This middle trim level can also come with the Sport Appearance package and the FX4 special edition. Try the 2022 Ranger XLT if you'd prefer the more advanced Ford SYNC 3 software and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Lariat has 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with stealth gray pockets, LED lights in each exterior category, a black and chrome grille, power-folding side mirrors, security approach lamps, and more. It's the most luxurious model on the inside as well, with leather seat upholstery and ambient lighting.
You can enhance all three trim levels with a Chrome Appearance package, with different degrees of chrome exterior accents and parts. A similar, Black Appearance package works the same way. The Splash package, available on the XLT and Lariat SuperCrew, adds 18-inch wheels along with orange and black exterior highlights. With that, let's discuss the latest Ford Ranger engine and powertrain.
The latest Ranger's engine sends its power to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to smooth operation and near-full power at lower rpm, the Ranger can comfortably accelerate off the line, even whether towing or hauling, and it travels from zero to 60 mph in as little as seven seconds.
The 2022 Ford Ranger has a payload capacity of 1,860 lbs and can have a max tow rating of 3,500 to 7,500 pounds. To get the highest rating, you’ll need the Trailer Tow package, a low-cost upgrade available on all three trims. Fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which are very solid numbers for a midsize pickup truck.
Apart from the engine's contribution, the Ford Ranger's advanced brakes provide competitive stopping power, and the tight suspension provides a stable but enjoyable ride on most roads while minimizing body lean. The weighted but agile steering system makes the Ranger equally at home at a parking lot, campground, or cul-de-sac. Models with rear-wheel drive have 8.4-inch ground clearance, while those with four-wheel drive have 8.9 inches, so both can easily handle off-road paths or puddles.
With the XLT and Lariat models, you can choose several packages that improve or expand on the Ranger's capabilities. The FX4 package upgrades four-wheel drive models with a more capable suspension, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. The Tremor package for CrewCab XLT and Lariat models only adds a more off-road-ready suspension, an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, metal side steps, new graphics, all-terrain tires, and auxiliary power switches to set up Ford accessories.
Both the Tremor and FX4 add off-road cruise control suited to demanding paths. The FX4 also adds monotube off-road-tuned shocks, an additional radiator, electronic power-assist steering, a fuel tank guard, trail control, and more in the name of heavy-duty off-road climbing.
Choosing the Tremor or FX4 packages gets you a terrain management system, which automatically adjusts factors like transmission gearing and engine reactivity to enhance the truck's performance on various types of terrain. Terrain management has five selectable drive settings: Normal, Mud/Ruts, Grass, Gravel/Snow, or Sand.
Although the Ranger has one engine, it makes for a customizable midsize truck that can be more of a rugged or trail-roaming vehicle if you let it. For the hard-working folk of Dallas, many of whom require an effective, capable midsize pickup truck at a reasonable price, the 2022 Ford Ranger is a fine pick. Your choice of trim level, packages, drivetrain, and more can add up to a truck that feels uniquely your own. Demand for Ford trucks is always high, so to get one with your preferred options, check out our inventory of new Ford vehicles at Planet Ford Dallas.
Photo Credit: Ford Ranger Raptor 2022 by RL GNZLZ is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
