2023 Ford Ranger XL (inc. 0-100) review: One of the cheapest Rangers you can buy!

It's one of the cheapest Ford Rangers on sale - but does the Ranger make sense at the lower end of the price range? Paul Maric drives it to find out!
Hardness tester, noise and lane keeping results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
More Ford content: www.carexpert.com.au/ford
More Ford Ranger content: www.carexpert.com.au/ford/ranger
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 1:03
Interior 5:58
Infotainment 7:35
Safety tech 9:29
Practicality 10:48
On the road 15:19
0-100 19:52
Verdict 23:01
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#ford #ranger #review

[@kmuinde]

l love it always when you test the base models too not everyone has need for the top spec ones

[@emmett3067]

Good model for the apprentice to do the morning break run in.The all-terrain tyres will come in handy when running over the exit at the Maccas drive through while towing the Jet-ski / Concrete mixer.

[@nelsonkaiulo402]

Sounds very Aussie tradie

[@markymark8472]

Won’t be going to maccas there’s no chip holder 🍟 lol

[@MrMerxes]

That's the most Aussie comment if I ever seen one 🤣🤣

[@vetaiapettitt9749]

😂

[@nelsonkaiulo402]

@@Paradoxical124 in Papua New Guinea it will be for recreational purposes. XLT and upwards are more for the expatriates.

[@josiahfolau3122]

Hey Paul, great job as always. I hope you can do some more lower spec car reviews, I know it might seem like a waste of time but some of us appreciate an in depth review of budget car options. Loving everything the channel is putting out though!

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review, thank you! I was given on Friday a hire car for the day it was a brand new Wildtraks with 3600 on the clock and she was an absolute beauty to drive

[@shaynenb4262]

Hi CarExpert, I've just seen the CURRENT AFFAIR regarding the issues of the current FORD RANGER. Issues such as suddenly braking at 80 km/h, dash board screen showing nothing and poor customer service. In your future videos, COULD YOU PLEASE INCLUDE CURRENT ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE (any vehicles) and WHAT THE MANUFACTURERS DOING ABOUT IT (fixes). Your videos influences how our hardworking Australians buy their knew vehicles. You will provide GREAT SERVICE to our community by providing not just the POSITIVE and NEGATIVE reviews about the vehicle but also the actual issues with it. This way, the MANUFACTURERS can be put on notice, up their standards and giving the manufacturers the idea CUSTOMER SERVICE should be their number one priority. Now that's a concept, PASSIONATE ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

[@daniel-it2lw]

for a work car the hard plastic is actually really hard wearing and easy to clean. i prefer it to soft surfaces

[@BomberFletch31]

Steel wheels, unpainted mirrors and door handles, and hard plastics. Just like the old days when you can actually tell the poverty spec apart from the top spec. I like that.

[@User-cb4jm]

It does feel cheap of them to do on a $50k+ car. Like how much do painted plastics and a set of small alloy wheels even cost - not to mention the dim halogen headlights on a car this price.

[@jaylee8542]

Poverty spec at at premium prices.

[@enfantterrible4868]

if i use this as a work vehicle hard plastic is preferred. you can simply wash shit off

[@lueyR]

$53k for pov spec

[@rileyanderson9622]

I would love to see a base model Toyota Hilux review!!

[@alexmukoya1899]

Spot on on the price Paul. Why would anyone pay such an amount for a base model when you can get the range topping GSR in Mitsubishi. I should also point out that the GLS is cheaper and way stacked!

[@harleyboo6951]

Depends on what you want? Ranger has 150kg more payload and a higher towing capacity than GSR, also Ranger has better inbuilt towing function.

[@meddlem]

Base model hilux is more $ and way worse

[@BomberFletch31]

yeah, but it's a Mitsubishi 🥱

[@MiggyMndza]

@BF31 still more reliable than a Ford 🤭

[@MiggyMndza]

@@Paradoxical124 ignorance is a bliss 😊

[@michaelc7236]

Hi Paul, Thank you for the review! I have a XL Supercab chassis Bi-Turbo 4x4 on the way, just some input on the pricing, yes its insane for a Pov Pack, but its in the same relm as the rest of the pack, BT50 and Dmax were even more by around $1000 once adding tow pack etc.

[@bencampitelli1061]

I certainly found that they had better deals overall compared to Isuzu and bt50. Get my duel cab XL in may. Beats my 2014 single cab Triton!

[@glenwhatbox9813]

I have just bought a SuperCab Ford Ranger XL 2WD. Options were limited to the 2ltr single turbo auto. I couldn’t be happier. I traded in a V6 Isuzu 3.2 petrol. The Ranger is far faster than the old Isuzu. The Ranger has more than adequate power around town and it gets to 100km on the open road in no time. I’d prefer the 3 ltr / bi turbo manual but this wasn’t an option with the super cab. The Ranger sits on the road solidly, has a huge cabin, and is a delight to cruise on long trips. The back suicide doors are very practical. I can seat four people with a pinch. My only gripe is I paid extra for a reverse camera that doesn’t have lines on the screen image. Overall I love my new car.

[@rrphotography3600]

Thanks for reviewing the lower model. Have been considering this over the other models. Don't want carpet, and don't want an e hand brake. The other short comings meantioned are still all upgrades for me. Just wish I could get the 360 camera on this model. It's something I have found to be very handy, especially coming from a kei car. Maybe in future ford will offer it as an option, along with the hev or phev that has been spyed.

[@A861967]

53k+ is just silly.. give it a few months and these will be discounted even in this overinflated environment. I have the 3.2 only 2 y old the XLS and to step up to the new XLS ITS 63k+ 😅 Ford will loose new owners to other companies for sure. Great review Paul as always.

[@weetbix2083]

inflation is only because the money printer has been going brrrr like crazy the past couple years.

[@1969cmp]

Considering the 4x2 twin cab for my 'grand fishing tour'. Some light camping, a couple of kayaks, bbq and swags.

[@vladthe3rd414]

53k for absolute poverty lol but still good to see some base model reviews

[@nelsonkaiulo402]

Thanks Paul!!

[@reubs91]

They should option the XL range with a V6, including the single cab and extra cab - it would sell like hot cakes

[@skylovescars69420]

Taxi Ford Ranger

[@kjacometti1985]

Nice to see a lower model review but yeah way to much. I was in the market for a dual cab with a canopy for work. Ended up getting the Pajero Sport GLX 4x4, better 4x4 system ten year capped price servicing and warranty and I can have a larger roof rack.

[@AdamAus85]

How do you like the indicator stalk in that thing? I hired a Kluger rental once and they had to give me a Pajero Sport. A nice car mostly, but the indicator stalk felt horrible to use, nasty action to it.

[@pieterleroux4841]

Actuality my preferred spec. Would really like LED lights. But these base specs are great empty canvases

[@mrsmoncada]

Hey Paul, great video! I hope you review the 2.0 single turbo!

[@tyroneclarke1666]

The base model with the vinyl floor covering should have a drain hole like a shower recess to hose out the mud n sand lol.

[@NCHuntSA]

I'd like to see a test of the the 2.0 SiT engine mated to the 6Speed Autobox. How that engine performs compared to when it had the 10spd autobox in the previous Ranger. Seeing as the BiT is an option on the XL I'd guess more people will go for the SiT to bring that purchase cost down especially if it is just used for jobs site work.

[@SS-yw7vo]

$50K! That's insane!

[@greggee5695]

Hi Paul the dealer lent me a new XL2.0ltr single turbo while my 2019 XLS 3.2 was in for repairs. I was actually surprised by its performance I thought I would have to get one of the kids to push us away from the lights it would be that slow, but it wasn't all that bad considering. It's a pity you didn't test this model as this is the true "base model" and only has a 6 spd trans. Pricing, interesting when the people that sell them say they are drastically over priced.

[@Wex_6]

50k is just insane.. and i thought ksa has highest selling prices in cars then i realised that the wildtrack costs even less than 50k here

[@HondaMonkeyMan]

Some of us want a supercab 4x4. XL is one of only 2 available in the range.

[@arad907]

I believe Americans build the best pick up trucks yet, they have more experience than others and include lots of useful features such as those side steps you mentioned in the video as well as bed door with step…

[@davidball.]

Yeah but durability wise in Australian conditions they fall apart, not as much anymore because it’s really hard to buy a lemon in 2023

[@teddyruxspin8480]

Toyota is the best .... North American trucks are junk ! they were good 30 years ago

[@benmiocevich9679]

Have you had a look at the ranger platnium yet review on that would be good to see, loving all the other reviews 👌

[@TlokzTong-lv6mc]

I love the white club cab 4x2

[@hedydd2]

That ladder rack is superb and has done me Stirling service for the last nine years on my ‘Limited’ Ranger. This is in rainy old South Wales, not the New one. The bulkhead has bent forward a bit and the tailgate bent out but it really does look like new. I wish my new Wildtrak had the same rack rather than the totally useless plastic rubbish and the electric roller top that is fitted.

[@coreydark8795]

Ford need to offer the V6 for the lower trims. Also offer all Everest with V6 and 5 seats

[@barron204]

The XL 4x4 in black would be my choice, but the start price is $62,000 where I am. Paint colours are all no cost options, but no other options are available, including the trailer package. (Ford NZ).

[@mrz1281]

good to see a base model review, seems fancy enough for a farm hack or apprentice car. headlight housing is massive though kind of fugly though. digital speedo and big touch screen adds some luxury though.

[@Patty-vo4nz]

Apprenticd car or farm truck for 53k no way

[@samy4288]

You're right, mate base one $53000 before ORC! Extra few thousand's, and you can get Nissan Navara Pro X or even Mitsi Triton or even GWM

[@MiggyMndza]

Great review as always, but I do hope we also see the same treatment with other utes... Like also reviewing top-spec, mid-tier and base BT-50, Navaras, Tritons(when the new one comes out) since you've done so for the Ranger. As much as the Ranger is that "interesting", we're hoping you'd also give the same attention also to others. Here's hoping we'll get some insider news too for the new Triton, like what you guys did before the new Ranger was launched and the like 😉

[@Lotrioni]

Hes obviously obsessed and biased towards the ranger

[@MiggyMndza]

@Lotrioni well, hoping they're really professional.

[@cymans1164]

Im my country ford ranger xl 4x4 only came with manual transmission but still sell well compare to a base 4x4 hilux

[@Chif_GT]

I drive a previous generation XL 2.2, I use that space behind the backseat to hide my laptop. South Africa is a special place.

[@matthewhallows9232]

Look at a Ranger but ended up getting a GWM Ute 46k drive away fully loaded 7 years warranty for me it was a no brainer!!

[@bluecat1993]

is gwm good?

[@leskiss220]

I wish they’d bring the new Ford Bronco to Australia.

[@slingerriggin5226]

It blows my mind what’s standard on a Australian spec XL. I had to order my Bronco with the luxury package to get adaptive cruise control. And here you get a 4 inch screen on an XL anything Ford.

[@JohnAgustinScuderia458595]

Damn you guys get the Bi-Turbo engine even for the Base XL!

[@calullysses1646]

The interior is very complete for a base model , that’s good . I’d like to see the manual version of this XL

[@samyeomans6710]

There is no manual

[@tristanhilston]

@@samyeomans6710 such a bland interior

[@samyeomans6710]

@@tristanhilston personally I think base models of most cars are easily the way to go. Not in the ranger. Base model is crap

[@calullysses1646]

@@samyeomans6710 yes it has a manual version of the XL

[@damoontwo4725]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Ranger Platinum, just put a deposit on one and there isn't a lot of content on them to give me the confidence that I am doing the right thing.

[@ardenharvey]

Wonder what your thoughts are on the Single Turbo XLT. Lastly, being a Saffa, are you wearing a pair of "vellies/veldskoen", perhaps purchased on your last trip to South Africa? :)

[@costapapas8515]

In Australia XLT start Standard with biturbo only XL, XLS can be equiped with single Turbo

[@wallacetakendu8869]

The ford Ranger is a great ute however there is a bit of concern with several owners of the next gen experiencing catastrophic failures with the electronics as seen on A Current Affairs.

[@THEAC83]

Hey Paul! Is there a chance that you will review the BMW X1 xDrive20i with the M Sport package and all the options? Please say yes, please! Haha

[@keamovdm6929]

Hi Paul, can you please do a full detailed review of the AMG GLS 63.

[@sarvdevwadhawan849]

Great review. Just had a random question, do you know if Honda sells any Accords in NZ or Aus. What do you reckon about that car?

[@yorkshireoz9416]

Hi Paul Does the XL model have traffic sign recognition? Love the channel, Thanks

[@andrewg2618]

Paul, Ford don't want people buying this model (other than fleets and farmers maybe). They want you to up spec. Pay a bit more and you get this, pay even a bit more and you get that.

[@AdamAus85]

Fark man. My work SR dual cab even has the handy cup holders at the AC vents, and better looking steelies (in black). All it really needs is that blind spot monitoring I think. Door open mechanism inside reminds me of old Ford Explorers. Some of them had a weird handle thing in or near the door pull handle.

[@froggy0162]

I think it looks the best. The rest are a bit wannabe looking… It’s a 4WD utility vehicle - it should be simple and functional.

[@PaddyBoy644]

Why do ute makers use cream coloured for pillars and roof liners? There work cars and get dirt so easily! Thanks for the review. Cheers Pat

[@DTollz]

The problem with the Ford Rangers is that such a huge chunk of the price is due to the engine. You can get a great 2.0 SiT XLT model with much better trimmings etc. for the same price as that bi-turbo. In South Africa we don't get a BiTurbo XL or XLS, you can only get it on the XLT model, but the price difference between the engines is ridiculous!

[@arad907]

Hi mate, I left the same question on other pages which is why don’t you review the auto cruise feature? It is a really important feature and could provide a lot of comfort in daily bumper to bumper traffics. It is certainly more important than soft touch materials 😂

[@CarExpertAus]

We test the lane keeping tech :-) it's mentioned in the video. You can see it in action here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIKwpKqKZ5iohZY

[@arad907]

@@CarExpertAus Thank you for answering, it means a lot. I mean testing the adaptive cruise in a bumper to bumper traffic(with stop and go), I believe this feature should be for that situation. For example, creating a video in which, do a compare of adaptive cruise in Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota and Honda could be great. In my opinion, self-driving feature is one of the most important factors at buying a car. Daily heavy traffic in major cities could be exhausting for drivers, and these features can ease the situation up a lot. I believe, car reviewers do not pay enough attention to it. All car’s auto cruises do not perform well in traffics, some of them brake late and or too hard, some others do not accelerate fast enough after a long stop, so they need to be tested as other aspects of cars get tested in reviews.

[@DW-10]

Genuinely surprised that there would be demand for a review of these features. Personally I wouldn’t pick a top spec in most vehicles because they are often inundated with these “aids” which often cannot be completely turned off. They can be useful for sure, but not something I would prioritise over chassis dynamics or engine/transmission behaviour.

[@S9RUT]

So this is almost $20k over the starting price? I kinda want to see the cheapest version and how it performs!

[@djjames6576]

Clearly aimed at Fleets, like councils, govt departments etx Doesn't need frills. Price point is taking the piss though.

[@frankmccarthy5020]

The price is good when you compare it to the Hilux workmate. The hilux workmate 2.4l (110kw 6 spd) 4x4 usually go for high $40k. No intermittent wipers, no bed liner, no prox sensors, 2 speakers. Really really basic. Ranger is much better value.

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Agree, the Hilux is the real povo pack

[@kobusmoolman8901]

Hey Paul can you test the xlt single turbo 6 speed vs xlt 10 speed bi turbo

[@starlxrd868]

can you do a video like this with the base model of the hilux both 4x4 and 4x2?

[@DLKNLI1907]

12:17 Why is there a key logo and layout for keyfob inside the centre console?

[@sierracharlie7293]

Any chance of a review on the Triton GXR ?

[@stevenl7509]

Nice package but for $53k you'd rather the other brands & get something more higher up... Raptor/Wildtrak or Nothing in my eyes... It's like buying a 4cyl Mustang if you buy these 4cyl Rangers in my opinion

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Tradies are not interested in higher spec models, these are work vehicles, they are for carrying 1 ton of shit in the back, and need to be relatively comfortable and not easily damaged inside.

[@TheXennner]

It almost feels like Ford deliberately didn’t add thing like the normal LED light system to prevent people buying the low end model which I think is pathetic on their part. 53k+ isn’t cheap and it is completely unnecessarily stripped out of things that won’t even make a pricing change. The whole thing is very poor of Ford.

[@pattslessor3739]

Basic equals simple and less problems

[@truter5243]

It's a joke how expensive these things are, but I want to see that upsell to the XLT 😂 Chip holder and a wiggly plastic bit for your drinks. Oh, and we put a hole in your dash $10k 😂😂😂

[@mvnorsel6354]

I remember the Valiant Ranger.

[@tonybennett638]

Me too they still being sold when I started my apprenticeship.

[@mvnorsel6354]

@@tonybennett638 Easy apprenticeship on those , plenty of space to work on. 👌

[@tonybennett638]

@@mvnorsel6354 so much easier those day and not a cup holder to be seen 🤪

[@taylorjay5918]

What happened to base models having manual transmissions🥺

[@SebastianMaharaj_915]

Hi Paul if you reading this can you review the Ford ranger XLS thank you

[@DaveoAU]

Keep it coming, my Wildtrak’s not due until July need to live vicariously until then 😂 Any chance of a halogen vs standard vs matrix led video?

[@simoncouch1523]

He’s already done a headlight review comparing the candle light halogen and the much better LEDs :)

[@CarExpertAus]

Like this one? 😛 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3bPdmyVh6t3faM

[@DaveoAU]

@@CarExpertAus love it! Such an important part of the satisfaction with the driving experience and almost impossible to test at the dealership.

[@bogdanshchekin729]

You really need to start adding rear facing child seat test, I swear if you ever need to put a child seat that front passenger would feel it with their knees

[@alibahrami633]

Just as a suggestion, your latest reviews are all based on utes especially Ford, there are many new versions of other cars there to review too. Like Outback turbo version, manual Supra, etc.

[@CarExpertAus]

Outback Turbo hasn’t launched yet, manual Supra isn’t on the press fleet yet.

[@jbarclay83]

@@CarExpertAus hey Paul? Great review. Can you please review a ford transit double cab chassis for all the tradies out there. Cheers!!

[@darcybolton920]

Sorry Paul, just confirming, this is the base model?

[@derser541]

The answer to your question is contained within the first 9 seconds of the video.

[@kareembaba7498]

I’m not a ute guy, bud I’d rather wait for the Hilux GR Sport. It’s (hopefully) fast for a ute

[@dondehne5370]

53k for a compact pickup your outta your mind. Low 30s is what this should be priced at

[@bibinms4436]

Best lemon ford

[@AsifAli-et9hx]

Paul isn’t impressed by the head lights set up and the missing chips holder 🤣🤣

[@bboy5610]

Can it rear view camera upgrade ford ranger XL 2023?

[@dolguldur4706]

Ute is the biggest selling in australia....even they sell this 60grand,people still buy it...trust me...even 6-12month waiting period 😂 we think its expensive,but others who have a lot of money,they dont care...thats the reality of the world we live in today 🤘🏻

[@yorkshireoz9416]

Does it have traffic sign recognition? Thanks

[@curlzbean]

64.5k quote driveway in Perth for this.(tbar + spray bed liner + all terrains and white paint)....hopefully pricing drops but not holding my breath

[@sim_o9081]

Definitely has its place in the market but 53k for the base, you would buy the triton every day.

[@samsoares1900]

So happy you did this, as tradie. I just want solid car that will cop a beating and decent 4x4 for camping grounds. Soft touch points don’t do well with tradies, I had LTZ Col that came with all leather and soft touch point and it just couldn’t handle my work man’s hands. And I could never get all dust and dirt off the carpet floors during 1 time year I would clean it for family holiday during Xmas break. You need hard touches to withstand the beating it will get as work ute and easy clean with blower. The only issue is the price, needs to be around 49k and around 53k with tray back.

[@jackmcbride5966]

This truck is based on the Maverick.

[@pikesubaru7673]

Can you do a ranger top end 4x2/wildtrak 4x2 single turbo thanks.

[@dolguldur4706]

This base spec sold in malaysia/thailand/indonesia/philipines for around 35k-40k ausd...be smart aussie people 🤘🏻😁😬

[@kaustubhs_]

Can you review the Mercedes benz glb 35 amg?

[@kaustubhs_]

@@user-vk4vd7vr5t yea i know but i thought u could comment whatever car u would like Paul to review on hence why i said the glb

[@vevohoeyo]

The xl Is the best model

[@meddlem]

Now do the base model duel cab hilux mate

[@warren3967]

Can someone please explain to me, why I would buy a ute and care about the 0-100 times, it's a ute FFS.

[@plang42]

Nothing wrong with steel wheels, I you break an alloy wheel while you are kms from anywhere , it's into the bin. But a steel wheel can be fixed enough to be usable. $50,000 is ridiculous and as same spec car sold in the US would be $20,000 less (corrected to AU dollars)

[@ernestochang1744]

This looks something that would have been made in 2003 especially when i look at the rims, it doesnt help that i thought the title said 2003 😂

[@danemiller1242]

I find it unrealistic to be casting a shade on the functionality of certain aspect of the WORK TRUCK spec , too much complaints about lack of pretty appearance items soft surfaces and the roll bar it's very functional.....or you prefer a flashy plastic bar that can't support steel or lumber loads , decent review as usual though

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

@ Dane Miller Precisely, it's an entry level truck, they have to sacrifice some things to push you into the next model if that extra stuff appeals to you, Reviews that always bitch about you don't get this or you don't get that annoy me, it's a bloody entry level vehicle, not everyone needs or wants a Wildtrak or Raptor, these are useless as work vehicles.

[@Bloxfruitdealer2]

I know right. And I find it annoying as he keeps laughing and mocking for the lack of flashy stuffs.

[@jameswilson4712]

Doesn’t the Platinum get the bigger monitor as well?

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Yes

[@thenorthwatch777]

If this is meant to attract Tradees, should it not be the one with power in the back tub? Halogen lights should just be outlawed, they should be regarded as a safety hazard now.

[@14bqdonk]

NOTHING can beat yellow/amber halogen light in the RAIN and FOG! White light sucks in these situation

[@StephenPHall]

At least $10k too much, and no petrol options on non Raptor models sucks. Be good to get single cabs with decent petrol engines. Coyote option would be great.

[@SkiRacingOz]

Wish they made the barra elsewhere

[@johannesamatdarso6200]

Hoi Paul...please review the 2023 hilux

[@markhansford5930]

Halogen headlights are a joke at that price point.

[@aussieadventurestimetoplay]

Keeps breaking down still haha