2023 Ford Ranger Performance

• "The steering is too light and numb, the suspension is unsettled in corners with bumps, and the truck's nose dives significantly with sudden braking." -- Edmunds
• "The 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine performs with verve, and the 10-speed automatic transmission helps the Ranger respond smartly when drivers demand power. The Ford can move from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, and it gets a relatively good 20 mpg overall. But the engine is unduly noisy at low speeds." -- Consumer Reports (2022)
• "Its unusual, standard turbocharged engine delivers ample power and above-average fuel economy." -- Autoblog (2021)

Engine Options, Horsepower and Acceleration

• Engine: turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque
• Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic

The Ranger’s engine impresses with good straight-line speed and sufficient torque for hauling heavy loads. The automatic transmission earns praise for smooth shifts, but its sluggish downshifts can impede acceleration and make highway maneuvering a bit more difficult.

• "The Ranger has one main trick: a stout turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder. It doesn't make the most horsepower in the class, but it's not far off the mark. The result is a gutsy engine that delivers plenty of punch as long as you're in Sport mode. … Beyond that, though, the Ranger stumbles. The 10-speed automatic is great in other Fords, but in the Ranger's Normal mode it's unresponsive and slow to downshift." -- Edmunds
• "The fact that the Ranger only has a four-cylinder engine shouldn’t be a concern. The 2.3-liter turbo is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the powertrain provides plenty of readily available power. We clocked the 0-60 mph acceleration at a competitive 7.4 seconds." -- Consumer Reports (2022)
• "An engine that can work hard and drink lightly is definitely one of the 2022 Ranger’s greatest assets. It’s aided in its labors by a fine 10-speed automatic transmission." -- Kelley Blue Book (2022)

MPG Estimates

The 2023 Ranger gets above-average fuel economy for the compact pickup truck class.

• Ranger, RWD: 20-21/26 mpg city/highway
• Ranger, 4WD: 20/24 mpg 
• Ranger with Tremor package, 4WD: 19/19 mpg

Handling and Braking

The Ranger is a mixed bag when it comes to ride and handling. It drives fairly well for a body-on-frame pickup truck, but this translates to vague steering and a frequently jostling ride. On the other hand, it performs well off the beaten path compared to unibody rivals like the Honda Ridgeline.

• "The Ranger handles like a typical pickup truck. It has mushy, imprecise steering and feels clumsy through corners. The greatest shortcoming is its stiff, jumpy ride. And the suspension lets sharp motions transmit through the cabin, tossing passengers around." -- Consumer Reports (2022)
• "The raised driving position and steering feel both seem like they come from an agreeable midsize SUV instead of a work truck. But the firm ride is a constant reminder of the Ranger’s weekday duties." -- Kelley Blue Book (2022)
• "It isn’t as capable as the Tacoma TRD Pro or Gladiator in the rough, but it’s much nicer to drive on pavement than they are. Conversely, the Honda Ridgeline is far smoother on pavement but lacks the Ranger’s ruggedness." -- Forbes (2022)