New Ford Ranger XL and XLT joined by luxury Platinum model

• XL, XLT, Wildtrak, Platinum and Raptor models
• Latest SYNC4 infotainment
• On sale now from £27,550 (ex. VAT)

The highly anticipated entry-level XL and XLT versions of the new Ford Ranger pickup truck are now on sale, with prices starting at £27,550 (ex. VAT). This comes as the ‘Blue Oval’ also announces a new range-topping luxury model, dubbed the Ford Ranger Platinum. Sharing its name with luxury versions of the larger F150 pickup, that’s popular in the US but isn’t sold here, the Platinum gets an array of exterior styling tweaks, a high level of standard equipment and a more opulent interior.

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We’ve recently driven the all-new high-performance Ranger Raptor, and you can read our thoughts here. The outgoing standard Ranger has arguably made pickups more popular with UK buyers, and the new model will look to continue the success of its predecessor when first deliveries arrive in Spring 2023. It’ll rival the 2023 Carbuyer Pickup of the Year, the SsangYong Musso, as well as the Toyota Hilux and the forthcoming next-generation Volkswagen Amarok, with which the Ranger shares many of its parts.

2022 Ford Ranger: trim levels & specifications

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From launch, the new Ford Ranger will be available in three distinct bodystyles: Chassis, Single Cab and Double Cab – with the former two reserved exclusively for the base XL model. Starting from £27,550, £28,275 and £29,800 (ex. VAT) for each bodystyle respectively, trucks in XL trim come as standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen with a four-speaker stereo, an interior heater, lane-keep assist, cruise control and a reversing camera.

The XLT model starts from £31,150 (ex. VAT) and adds several luxuries such as 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a power-locking tailgate and a six-speaker stereo. Wildtrak models start from £39,350 (ex. VAT) and get a wider selection of powertrains as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission, rugged exterior styling tweaks, 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and a larger 12-inch portrait touchscreen.

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Finally, speccing the new luxury-oriented Platinum trim will set buyers back £44,400 (ex. VAT). This model boasts exclusive ‘silk chrome’ exterior trim as well as 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, quilted leather upholstery, an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and maple wood interior panelling. 

There’s also the range-topping Ranger Raptor model which sets itself apart from the rest of the lineup with its muscular petrol V6 engine, sporty styling and host of off-road performance upgrades. Given this is not classed as a commercial vehicle, pricing starts from £48,300 (incl. VAT).

Engines & powertrains

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While all models come as standard with four-wheel-drive, the Ford Ranger is offered with four distinct powertrains: three diesel and one petrol. Only available on XL and XLT trims, the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel comes fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and produces 168bhp.

The mid-range diesel utilises the same 2.0-litre engine as the entry-level car, this time tuned for a punchier 202bhp and paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Range-topping diesel models use a larger and even more powerful 3.0-litre V6 unit with 237bhp, although this is likely to be less economical than its four-cylinder counterparts.

The sole petrol engine is somewhat of a niche offering and is only available in the high-performance Ford Ranger Raptor. This outputs a muscular 288bhp and can propel the over two-tonne pickup truck from 0-62mph in an impressive 7.9 seconds.

Interior & technology

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The old Ranger’s interior was perhaps what dated it most, however, the new model’s cabin is full of the latest tech and could have almost been pulled straight out of a family SUV. Most notable is the giant central touchscreen (measuring 10 or 12 inches, depending on specification) which runs Ford’s latest SYNC4 infotainment system.

Drivers are also greeted by a set of digital dials behind the steering wheel; these can be configured to show several pieces of important vehicle information and change appearance depending on which of the Ranger’s many drive modes you are currently in.

Of course, there are also a handful of optional extras to choose from. The Technology package includes several driver assistance features such as self-parking, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system – this starts from £1,100. For around £1,400 buyers can also add a powered roll top for the bed to keep valuable items secure and out of the weather, while Ford will prep the Ranger for towing for £500.

Want to carry large items but don’t want a pickup truck? Check out our list of the cars with the biggest boots