By: Joshua Lee
November 22, 2022
Most people would get an SUV for the family or hauling cargo but if you needed more utility and capability, a pickup truck is something you can turn to. You might be intimidated by getting a full-size truck but there are compact and midsize classes to choose from. The Ford Ranger fits nicely between the compact Maverick and the full-size F-150, and it should be an ideal contender on your list.
Ford Canada has given us the 2022 Ford Ranger Lariat for the week so we can see how easy it is to live with for a family of four. The Ranger is powered by a 2.3L four-cylinder Ecoboost engine that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque at 3,000RPM. This is a highlight for this truck as the engine is lively and accelerates well from a standstill. It is very easy to drive this truck as the steering feels light and the transmission is smooth to shift.
With all that torque, the Ranger is also capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds (3,401 kilograms). Our truck is fitted with the $1,400 FX4 Off-Road Package which includes an off-road tuned suspension, electronic-locking rear differential, terrain management system with Ford Trail Control, skid plates, exposed front tow hooks, and exposed steel bash plate. On paved roads, the Ranger rides like a normal car and it does equally well on dirt roads too. Even driving over ruts, the Ranger feels controlled and solid.
Our Oxford White Ranger Lariat also has the optional $1,700 Splash Package which makes the truck look sporty with its black exterior accents, orange accents in the grille, body side and tailgate graphics, and 18-inch matte black wheels on 265/60R18 Hankook Dynapro AT-M tires. The Lariat comes in only the SuperCrew configuration with a 5-foot truck bed.
The Splash Package continues inside with black leather-trimmed bucket seats with orange accent stitching. Seats are comfortable with enough bolstering to keep you planted and of course provide great visibility as you sit high. The cabin is quite dated compared to its competitors, but controls are easy to find and use. The SYNC 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is reliable on the 8-inch touchscreen and video quality is clear from the back-up camera. We also have the optional 10-speaker including a subwoofer B&O sound system which sounds good but don’t expect it to be the same quality as in a premium car. The rear seats provide enough room for two adults and can fold down for more storage space or fold up to access under-seat storage.
The Ranger Lariat comes standard with pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Step up to the $3,405 Lariat 501A package and it adds remote start, rain-sensing wipers, two 4.2-inch screens in the instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control forward sensing system, and voice-activated navigation.
The fuel economy rating for the Ford Ranger Lariat is 11.9L/100km city, 9.7L/100km highway for a combined 10.9L/100km which is exactly what we got during our test.
The Ford Ranger starts at $36,605 for the XL, $38,540 for the XLT SuperCab, $40,340 for the XLT SuperCrew, and $44,890 for the Lariat. Our truck came in at $53,415 with our optional packages, Toughbed spray-in bedliner, splash guards, and trailer tow package.
The 2022 Ford Ranger Lariat was truly enjoyable for the week. For those who have never driven a truck before, it feels the same as if you were driving a midsize to a full size SUV. It is a great option for families who like outdoor activities, and it isn’t difficult to maneuver this truck in urban settings. The engine provides plenty of power and is quite fuel efficient. Overall, the Ranger is a nice truck to be in, but its rivals do stand out more in terms of styling. If you don’t mind the dated looks, this truck is more than enough for everyday use and capable anywhere you’ll take it.
