2023 Ford Ranger XLT Review | Philkotse Philippines

The Ranger is one of the most important vehicles under Ford Philippines’ model lineup. But, it sort of went into hibernation as its segment rivals pushed on to reveal new and improved designs. Talk about the refreshed Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and even the Nissan Navara. Despite the offensive brought upon by its rivals in the past years, Ford didn’t pull the plug with the Ranger.

Ford Philippines launched a slightly revamped Ranger model to keep it afloat in the market–and one can agree that it has already been losing its charm in the local pickup truck scene. It’s difficult to find reasons as to how it can match up with its improved segment rivals. 

Not until July 2022. It was then that Ford Philippines launched the next-generation Ranger, featuring an all-new design inside and out. The Blue Oval brand brags that its next-gen pickup truck is designed with the consumers in mind by incorporating what the people want in the new Ranger. 

That said, is the next-gen Ford Ranger worth the wait? And more importantly, how does the mid-trim Ranger XLT variant stand against the competition? Here is Philkotse’s 2023 Ford Ranger XLT full review. 
 

Some of you might be thinking that the XLT trim lacks the current Ranger swag since it’s a mid-spec variant. If you’re one of those people, then you’re in for a surprise as the 2023 Ford Ranger XLT doesn’t look like it. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT

The Ranger XLT is fitted with LED headlights, C-shaped daytime running lights, halogen fog lamps, and a black grille with chrome garnish. The XLT’s front end will not make you think that it’s a mid-spec Ranger. The only distinctive difference you can easily spot is that it doesn’t come with the dual-tone fascia seen on the Wildtrak model. It also uses halogens for the fog lamps as compared to the LEDs fitted into the Wildtrak trim. Aside from those, the Ranger XLT pretty much makes a good offering. 

It still has a composed look when viewed from the side 

The Ranger XLT’s side profile also has a decent look. It comes with a smaller set of 17-inch alloy wheels, and it doesn’t have roof rails as well as a sports bar but that’s not much of a problem if you ask me. What matters is that it has the same 235mm ground clearance and 800mm water wading as the Wildtrak variants. 

It also has the same black cladding on the wheel arches as well as the step board. It is integrated with the added step board placed towards the rear of the bed, allowing easier access to the bed without opening the tailgate.

Confident and proud

The Ranger XLT is equipped with halogen taillights, which are less striking than the LEDs fitted on the Wildtrak. But again, that’s just a minor detail that I can let go of since the majority of the rear design is similar to the upper-end variants. 

The Ranger is meant to carry an assortment of stuff

Although, you have to take note that the Ranger XLT does not have an easy-lift tailgate feature. Regardless, the XLT trim surprisingly offers a solid exterior design, making you think that it’s not a mid-spec trim.

You’ll be greeted with a modern-looking dashboard layout when you step inside the cabin. I find the overall interior finish to be one of the best in its class. Despite the use of hard plastic materials, fabric seats, and manual seat adjustment, I find the Ranger XLT’s cabin more than fitting considering that it is a mid-spec trim. 

Modern-looking dashboard even though the XLT is a mid-spec Ranger variant

The overall design is almost similar to the Wildtrak trims. There are of course differences when it comes to the feature set but Ford did a good job in leveling up the Ranger XLT. Placed in the middle is the touchscreen infotainment system, giving the cabin a modern vibe. In addition to that, it is equipped with a digital instrument cluster. Not bad at all for a mid-spec trim, right?
   
The Ranger XLT’s center console is one of the stark differences when you compare it to the Wildtrak. It has a different layout due to the presence of still having a traditional handbrake but, the gear lever is the same as the Willdtrak. Even the gear indicator is the same, which I find odd. See, the Ranger’s gear indicator is printed in white text. While it does its purpose, I think Ford could have made it look more appealing since it looks like an afterthought. Moreover, the white text could fade through time. 

The Ranger XLT's front cabin

But despite that, Ford did a great job when it comes to how the cabin of the next-gen Ranger looks like. The straightforward and clutter-free dashboard works for me as it has lesser buttons. Although, only time can tell if Ford’s direction to integrate most of the vehicle functions into the touchscreen is a good move. 

Another thing I appreciate is the decision to use separate buttons for the climate controls. This allows the driver and the front passenger to adjust the fan speed and cabin temperature easier. And oh, it has hidden door handles that are the same as the Wildtrak trims. It is hidden seamlessly in the arm- or elbow-rest on the door panels.   

Plenty of room at the rear seats

Rear passengers get a decent leg- and head-room. I also like the fact that it comes with grab handle bars for easier ingress and egress. Although, rear aircon vents are not available in the XLT trim.

This is another category that makes the XLT an enticing Ranger variant to drive home. It’s equipped with amenities that will make you wonder if it is really a mid-spec trim. 

The Ranger XLT's infotainment touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay

Starting off is the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. Yes, the touchscreen is a bit smaller than the one fitted on the top-spec trim. But, I don’t see that as an issue since it has the same responsive functionality and crisp resolution. It also has a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Not just that, the 2023 Ford Ranger XLT also has a wireless mobile phone charger. Now that’s a one-two punch combo you have there: wireless CarPlay, and wireless charging, two features that I consider essential in this smartphone era.

The only dilemma I had during my time with the Ranger XLT is that the Apple CarPlay gets disconnected. But, it was fairly better as compared to what I experienced when I was testing the top-spec Ford Everest Titanium 4x4. But despite that little setback, the next-gen Ford Ranger is offering a lot to car buyers.

The rear camera comes with dynamic guidelines

While it lacks sensors and a 360-degree view, the Ranger XLT does come with a rear camera, which is more than enough in assisting you when parking the vehicle. The resolution is clear, especially in the daytime but it does get a little grainy at night. Regardless, it helps a lot when parking the Ranger in tight spaces.

This mid-spec Ranger also has an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, the same as the one you can find in the Wildtrak. Considering all the features mentioned so far, the Ranger XLT seems to be a bargain.

It also has a digital gauge cluster, not bad for a mid-spec variant

It doesn’t come with the advanced driver assist tech found on the top-spec Ranger Wildtrak 4x4, which is expected. But the Ranger XLT is equipped with the essential safety package that you can expect in modern cars. 

It has the standard cruise control, hill start assist, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), immobilizer, and ISOFIX. Add to that, it has six airbags (driver, front passenger, side, and curtain).

The Ford Ranger XLT is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that puts out 168 hp and 405 Nm of torque. The engine is then connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Powered by a 2.0-liter single turbo diesel engine

Despite only having a single turbo diesel engine, the Ranger XLT delivers adequate power. It also has a good throttle response, giving you confidence when you need to overtake slower vehicles on the open highway. This shows that the 2.0-liter single-turbo diesel is more than enough to power the pickup truck. 

Another thing I appreciate is the smooth characteristics of the Ranger XLT’s six-speed automatic transmission. It has minimal to no hint of shift shock, which adds to the overall drive and ride comfort. It also downshifts right in time in case you need that extra push. As such, driving within the urban jungle as well as on the open highway is not a problem. 

Look at that proud Blue Oval brand emblem

It also has a light steering feel, considering that it is a pickup truck. This lessens driver fatigue as it makes parking maneuvers easier. It also gets a tad firmer when you start to gain speed, giving you better control. When it comes to riding comfort, the Ranger showed improvements as compared to its predecessor. It feels more stable and planted while the body roll is kept in check when tackling tight turns. 

The Ford Ranger XLT posted a fuel efficiency rating of 8 km/L while driving within the city at an average speed of 12 km/h. On the open highway, it registered 15 km/L while cruising at speeds of 80 km/h. 

The Ranger XLT yielded close fuel eco ratings when compared to other pickup trucks Philkotse has tested. To put things in perspective, the Isuzu D-Max got 10.5 km/l while driving at an average speed of 20 km/h, and 14 km/l while driving at 90 km/h.

2023 Ford Ranger XLT

Currently priced at Php 1,374,000, the Ford Ranger XLT is an enticing option. Its overall design and feature package can change one’s perception of how a mid-spec pickup truck should be. Not to mention, it also comes with a 5-year or 150,000 kilometers bumper-to-bumper warranty, whichever comes first. Indeed, one can consider that the Ranger XLT is a bargain.