2022 Ford Ranger XLT Review: A Truck You'll Love
Hey guys! If you're in the market for a mid-size pickup truck, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT should definitely be on your radar. This truck is a real workhorse, packed with features, and offers a comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for both everyday drivers and those needing a reliable vehicle for work or play. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into everything the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT has to offer, from its impressive performance and fuel efficiency to its comfortable interior and cutting-edge technology. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore why the Ranger XLT continues to be a top contender in the highly competitive truck market. This review will cover its specs, performance, interior, technology, and overall value. Whether you're a long-time truck enthusiast or a first-time buyer, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let's get started and see what makes the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT a standout in its class. We'll explore everything from its engine options and towing capacity to its safety features and infotainment system. By the end of this review, you'll have a complete understanding of why the Ford Ranger XLT is such a beloved truck, and whether it's the right choice for your needs. We'll also take a look at how it stacks up against its competitors, so you can see how it performs in the real world. Get ready to discover why the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is more than just a truck; it's a lifestyle. We'll even discuss its long-term reliability and what to expect in terms of maintenance. The goal is to provide a complete picture, ensuring you're fully informed before making your purchase. Ultimately, this review aims to help you decide if the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is the perfect truck for you.
Performance and Capability
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what really matters: performance! The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT offers a robust and capable driving experience, thanks to its powerful engine options and impressive towing and payload capacities. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which is a real powerhouse, generating a solid 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, providing excellent acceleration and responsiveness whether you're cruising down the highway or navigating city streets. This combination delivers a balance of power and efficiency that's hard to beat in the mid-size truck segment. The EcoBoost engine's turbocharging adds a level of pep that makes the Ranger XLT feel surprisingly nimble. The 10-speed transmission further enhances the driving experience, optimizing gear changes for both performance and fuel economy. For those needing even more capability, the Ranger XLT doesn't disappoint. It offers impressive towing and payload capacities, making it ideal for hauling trailers, ATVs, or equipment. With the proper equipment, the Ranger XLT can tow up to 7,500 pounds, which is more than enough for many recreational and work-related needs. The payload capacity is also substantial, allowing you to carry a significant amount of cargo in the bed. This makes the Ranger XLT a versatile truck, capable of handling a wide range of tasks. The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD), but for those who need enhanced off-road capability or improved traction in challenging conditions, four-wheel drive (4WD) is available. The 4WD system provides excellent grip on various surfaces, allowing you to confidently tackle rough terrain, snowy roads, or muddy trails. The Ranger XLT's suspension is also well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride even when the truck is loaded. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, making long drives more enjoyable. The truck's steering is precise and responsive, giving you a sense of control and confidence behind the wheel. The Ranger XLT's overall performance package is designed to provide a blend of power, capability, and comfort. Whether you're using it for work, weekend adventures, or everyday driving, the Ranger XLT is a truck that can handle it all with ease. The engine's responsiveness and the transmission's smooth shifts contribute to a pleasurable driving experience.
Interior and Comfort
Alright, let's talk about the inside β because, let's face it, you're going to spend a lot of time there! The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT offers a surprisingly comfortable and well-appointed interior, designed to make your driving experience as pleasant as possible. The cabin is spacious, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives, with available upgrades like premium cloth or leather upholstery. Ford has done a great job of creating a functional and user-friendly interior. The layout is intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a clear instrument cluster. You won't be fumbling around trying to find the right button. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, giving the Ranger XLT a refined feel. While it's a work truck at heart, it doesn't skimp on the details. The design is modern and clean, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The XLT trim level includes several features that enhance the overall driving experience. These include power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a larger touchscreen display. These upgrades make the interior feel more luxurious and convenient. Storage is also well-considered. There are plenty of compartments, including a center console bin, door pockets, and a glove compartment, to keep your belongings organized. The rear seats fold up, providing additional storage space for larger items. The Ranger XLT also offers a quiet ride, thanks to effective sound insulation. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, allowing you to enjoy conversations or listen to your favorite music without distraction. The climate control system is effective, quickly warming or cooling the cabin to your desired temperature. The interior also offers a comfortable ride. The cabin is spacious, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The overall design emphasizes functionality, comfort, and user-friendliness. The layout is intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a clear instrument cluster. You won't be fumbling around trying to find the right button. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, giving the Ranger XLT a refined feel. While it's a work truck at heart, it doesn't skimp on the details. The design is modern and clean, with a focus on practicality and comfort.
Technology and Infotainment
Let's dive into the tech! The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is packed with technology that enhances both your driving experience and your connectivity. At the heart of the infotainment system is a user-friendly touchscreen display, typically 8 inches, that allows you to control various features, from audio to navigation. The display is responsive and easy to navigate, with intuitive menus and clear graphics. The system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music directly from the touchscreen. This integration makes staying connected on the road simple and safe. The Ranger XLT also offers a range of other tech features. These include a premium sound system for an enhanced audio experience, a Wi-Fi hotspot for on-the-go connectivity, and multiple USB ports for charging your devices. The inclusion of these features makes the Ranger XLT a modern and well-equipped truck. The Ranger XLT also boasts a variety of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and convenience. These features can include: * Lane-keeping assist: This system helps keep you centered in your lane, providing a gentle steering correction if you drift too close to the lane markings. * Adaptive cruise control: This system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, making highway driving less stressful. * Blind-spot monitoring: This system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot, helping you avoid collisions when changing lanes. These technologies contribute to a safer and more confident driving experience. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that you can easily access the features you need. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows for seamless smartphone integration, while the available premium sound system provides an immersive audio experience. The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT truly excels in the technology department, blending cutting-edge features with user-friendly design. It's a truck that keeps you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. From the intuitive touchscreen display to the advanced driver-assistance technologies, the Ranger XLT is equipped with the latest innovations. It's a truck that truly understands the needs of modern drivers, providing a blend of convenience, safety, and connectivity that sets it apart from the competition. It's a truck that's designed to keep you connected and safe on the road. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music directly from the touchscreen.
Trim Levels and Features
The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal; it comes in a few different configurations, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences. The XLT is a mid-range trim level, offering a great balance of features, value, and capability. The Ranger XLT is available in SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (four-door crew cab) configurations. The SuperCab offers more cargo space behind the front seats, while the SuperCrew provides more passenger room in the back, making it a better choice if you frequently carry passengers. Each configuration is designed to provide you with a specific set of advantages, depending on what you're looking for in a pickup truck. Here's what you can generally expect from the XLT trim: * Exterior: The XLT trim typically features stylish exterior upgrades. These often include alloy wheels, chrome accents, and fog lights, which enhance the truck's appearance and functionality. * Interior: Inside, you'll find a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The XLT usually includes cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These features add to the overall comfort and convenience of the truck. * Technology: As mentioned earlier, the XLT is equipped with a modern infotainment system, including a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You'll also find a suite of driver-assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring, designed to enhance safety and convenience. * Packages: The XLT trim also offers a range of optional packages that allow you to customize the truck to your specific needs. These packages may include features such as a tow package, off-road enhancements, or additional technology upgrades. The XLT offers a perfect blend of features and value. It's a great option for those who want a capable and well-equipped truck without breaking the bank. The range of options allows you to create a Ranger XLT that is perfectly suited to your needs. The SuperCab offers more cargo space behind the front seats, while the SuperCrew provides more passenger room in the back. Each configuration is designed to provide you with a specific set of advantages, depending on what you're looking for in a pickup truck. With the different trim levels and available packages, the Ranger XLT ensures there's a perfect match for everyone. The XLT trim usually includes a range of features. These often include alloy wheels, chrome accents, and fog lights, which enhance the truck's appearance and functionality.
Driving Experience
Alright, let's talk about what it's like to actually drive the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT. The driving experience is a key factor in any vehicle, and the Ranger XLT delivers on this front. The Ranger XLT offers a smooth and comfortable ride, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The suspension is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, making for a pleasant ride even on longer journeys. The steering is precise and responsive, providing a confident feel behind the wheel. The Ranger XLT is easy to maneuver, making it surprisingly agile in various driving conditions. The engine options deliver ample power, allowing for confident acceleration and effortless highway merging. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, while the 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and responsive gear changes. The available four-wheel-drive system enhances the driving experience, providing added traction and stability in challenging conditions. The driver-assistance technologies also play a role in enhancing the driving experience. Features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control make highway driving less stressful and more enjoyable. The interior is well-designed, with an intuitive layout and easy-to-use controls, further contributing to a comfortable and convenient driving experience. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing adequate support for long drives. The overall driving experience is a blend of power, comfort, and technology, making the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT a pleasure to drive. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Ranger XLT delivers a driving experience that is both enjoyable and reliable. The steering is precise and responsive, providing a confident feel behind the wheel. The engine options deliver ample power, allowing for confident acceleration and effortless highway merging. The available four-wheel-drive system enhances the driving experience, providing added traction and stability in challenging conditions. The driver-assistance technologies also play a role in enhancing the driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for any vehicle purchase, especially with the fluctuating gas prices we've been seeing. The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT offers respectable fuel economy figures for its class, which is a significant advantage in today's market. With the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the Ranger XLT achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway with the rear-wheel-drive configuration. If you opt for the four-wheel-drive version, you can expect slightly lower figures, typically around 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These numbers are competitive for the mid-size pickup truck segment and make the Ranger XLT a cost-effective option for daily driving and longer trips. The Ranger XLT's fuel economy is a testament to its efficient engine and transmission. The 10-speed automatic transmission plays a key role in optimizing fuel efficiency by providing smooth and timely gear changes. The EcoBoost engine's turbocharging technology also contributes to better fuel economy by providing power on demand without sacrificing efficiency. The Ranger XLT's fuel efficiency is an important selling point, especially for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness. The truck's ability to deliver good fuel economy while still providing ample power and capability is a testament to Ford's engineering prowess. Remember, actual fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance. However, the Ranger XLT consistently delivers respectable fuel economy figures, making it a practical and economical choice. This combination ensures that the Ranger XLT offers both impressive performance and responsible fuel consumption, making it a compelling choice in the mid-size pickup truck segment. The EcoBoost engine's turbocharging technology also contributes to better fuel economy by providing power on demand without sacrificing efficiency.
Safety Features
Safety is, without a doubt, a top priority when choosing any vehicle. The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include: * Anti-lock brakes (ABS): This prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control. * Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This helps to maintain vehicle stability, especially during turns or evasive maneuvers. * Traction Control: This prevents wheelspin, helping to maintain control on slippery surfaces. * Airbags: Multiple airbags, including front, side, and side-curtain airbags, are strategically placed to provide protection in the event of a collision. In addition to these standard features, the Ranger XLT offers a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies that further enhance safety. These include: * Lane-Keeping Assist: This system helps keep you centered in your lane, providing a gentle steering correction if you drift too close to the lane markings. * Blind-Spot Monitoring: This system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot, helping you avoid collisions when changing lanes. * Rearview Camera: This provides a clear view of what's behind the truck, making parking and backing up easier and safer. These features help to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Ford has consistently prioritized safety in the design of the Ranger XLT, and the 2022 model is no exception. The truck's robust construction and advanced safety systems provide a high level of protection. With its combination of standard and advanced safety features, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT provides peace of mind. The Ranger XLT's comprehensive safety package makes it a safe and reliable vehicle for both everyday driving and work-related tasks. Ford has consistently prioritized safety in the design of the Ranger XLT, and the 2022 model is no exception. The truck's robust construction and advanced safety systems provide a high level of protection.
Pros and Cons
To give you a complete picture, let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT. ### Pros: * Powerful Engine: The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides ample power and responsiveness, making it a joy to drive. * Comfortable Interior: The cabin is well-designed and spacious, providing a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers. * User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. * Good Fuel Economy: The Ranger XLT offers respectable fuel economy figures for its class. * Available 4WD: The option of four-wheel drive enhances off-road capability and provides improved traction in challenging conditions. * Strong Towing and Payload Capacities: The Ranger XLT can handle a variety of work-related and recreational tasks. * Advanced Safety Features: The truck comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants. ### Cons: * Ride Can Be Bumpy: The ride can be a bit rough on certain road surfaces. * Infotainment Screen Size: The base model's infotainment screen might seem a bit small compared to some competitors. * Limited Bed Options: The bed options might be limited compared to some other trucks in its class. In summary, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is a well-rounded truck that offers a compelling combination of performance, comfort, technology, and safety. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons, making it a great choice for those in the market for a mid-size pickup. With its powerful engine, comfortable interior, user-friendly technology, and impressive safety features, the Ranger XLT delivers a satisfying driving experience. Overall, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is a solid choice. The pros and cons help you get a clear view. The advantages, from its powerful engine to its array of safety features, make it a strong contender in the mid-size pickup truck market. The cons, such as a potentially bumpy ride on certain roads, are relatively minor in comparison to the benefits the truck offers. With a balance of power, comfort, technology, and safety, the Ranger XLT is a compelling package. Overall, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is a solid choice. The advantages, from its powerful engine to its array of safety features, make it a strong contender in the mid-size pickup truck market. The cons, such as a potentially bumpy ride on certain roads, are relatively minor in comparison to the benefits the truck offers.
Overall Value and Verdict
So, what's the bottom line? Is the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT worth it? Absolutely! The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT offers excellent value for its price, providing a versatile and capable truck that can handle both work and everyday driving tasks. Its combination of a powerful engine, comfortable interior, user-friendly technology, and impressive safety features makes it a standout in the mid-size pickup truck segment. The XLT trim strikes a perfect balance between features and affordability. You get a well-equipped truck without breaking the bank. With its impressive towing and payload capacities, the Ranger XLT is ready for work and play. Whether you need a truck for hauling equipment, towing a trailer, or simply running errands, the Ranger XLT is up for the challenge. Its fuel efficiency is also a plus, especially with the rising fuel costs. The Ranger XLT's competitive fuel economy figures make it a cost-effective choice for daily driving. The Ranger XLT's strong resale value further enhances its overall value proposition. Ford trucks are known for holding their value well, which means you can expect a good return on your investment when you decide to sell or trade it in. The Ranger XLT also offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the truck to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you want to add a tow package, off-road enhancements, or additional technology upgrades, the possibilities are endless. Considering all these factors, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a mid-size pickup truck. It offers a winning combination of performance, comfort, technology, safety, and value. The Ranger XLT is a truck that delivers on all fronts, making it a smart and practical choice for both everyday driving and work-related tasks. Its strong resale value further enhances its overall value proposition. The Ranger XLT offers excellent value for its price, providing a versatile and capable truck that can handle both work and everyday driving tasks.