2023 Ford Ranger XLT Review | Philkotse Philippines

Updated Feb 02, 2023

Editor's: 4.1/5
Breaking the norm on how a mid-spec pickup truck should be.
2023 Ford Ranger XLT Review | Philkotse Philippines

In this review...

  1. Introduction
  2. Exterior
  3. Interior
  4. Tech & Safety
  5. Engine & Performance
  6. Fuel Efficiency
  7. Verdict
  8. Variants & Price
  9. Color Options
  10. Specs

2023 Ford Ranger XLT Review: Introduction

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. 
 

4.1/5

Ford Ranger 2023 Review

How we do our reviews
  • aesthetics
    4.0/5

    Overall exterior & Interior design, build quality, form vs function

  • Safety & Technology
    4.0/5

    Number of safety & tech features, consistency during usage

  • Performance
    4.0/5

    Power delivery, acceleration, transmission, suspension, handling

  • Comfort & Practicality
    4.0/5

    Overall Ride Comfort, Space, Storage Areas

  • Value for Money
    4.5/5

    Sticker price vs overall package

2023 Ford Ranger XLT Exterior Review: Standing its ground

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 front profile shot2023 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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT side shotIt 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.

2023 Ford Ranger XLT rear profile shotConfident 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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT bedThe 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.

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2023 Ford Ranger XLT Interior Review: Leveling up the mid-spec game

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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT interior dashboardModern-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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT dashboardThe 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.   

2023 Ford Ranger XLT rear seatsPlenty 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.

2023 Ford Ranger XLT: Tech & Safety Review

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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT infotainment touchscreenThe 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.

2023 Ford Ranger XLT rear cameraThe 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.

2023 Ford Ranger XLT steering wheelIt 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).

2023 Ford Ranger XLT: Engine & Performance

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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT enginePowered 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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT rear shotLook 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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT Review: Fuel Efficiency

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. 

2023 Ford Ranger XLT rearThe 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 Review: Verdict

2023 Ford Ranger XLT front shot2023 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.
 

2023 Ford Ranger: Variants & Price

Ford Ranger Variants & Price in the Philippines

Ford Ranger 2.0L Turbo XL 4x4 MT

Php 1,198,000

Ford Ranger 2.0L Turbo XLS 4x2 MT

Php 1,198,000

Ford Ranger 2.0L Turbo XLS 4x2 AT

Php 1,278,000

Ford Ranger 2.0L Turbo XLT 4x2 AT

Php 1,374,000

Ford Ranger 2.0L Turbo Sport 4x2 AT

Php 1,479,000

Ford Ranger 2.0L Turbo Sport 4x4 AT

Php 1,599,000

Ford Ranger 2.0L Turbo Wildtrak 4x2 AT

Php 1,579,000

Ford Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT

Php 1,885,000

2023 Ford Ranger: Color Options

Ford Ranger Color Options

Absolute Black, Arctic White, Luxe Yellow, Snowflake White Pearl, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Gray, Blue Lightning, Sedona Orange

2023 Ford Ranger: Specs

Overall

Make

Ford

Name

Ranger XLT 4x2

Body Type

Midsize Pickup Truck

Dimensions & Weight

Lenght

5370 mm

Width

1918 mm

Height

1884 mm

Wheelbase

3270 mm

Ground Clearance

235 mm

Water Wading

800 mm

Seating Capacity

5

Engine & Transmission

Type

2.0L Turbo

Fuel Type

Diesel

Displacement

1,996 cc

Transmission

6-speed AT

Horsepower

168 hp

Torque

405 Nm

Exterior

LED Headlights, LED daytime running lights

Halogen taillights

Halogen fog lamps

Power Adjustable, Power Folding, with Side Turn Indicators Side Mirrors

Black Grille with Chrome Garnish

Rain-Sensing Wipers

Side Steps

Rear Box Steps

With Bedliner

17-inch alloy wheels

Power Tailgate with Hands Free function

Front and Rear Mud Flaps

Interior

Remote Key

8-inch Digital Instrument Cluster

10-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Tilt & Telescopic Steering Wheel

Speed sensing door lock

Single-Zone Manual Air Temperature Control

Wireless Mobile Phone Charger

Fabric Seats

6-Way Manual Driver & 4-Way Manual Adjust Passenger

Bench Seat with Center Armrest and Fold-up Function

Integrated Controls on the Leather Steering Wheel

Auxiliary 12-Volt Power Outlet in Cabin x2 (1st row and 2nd row)

6 Speakers

Safety & Tech

Adjustable Speed Limiter

Cruise Control

Hill Launch Assist & Roll Over Mitigation

Six Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, Side, Curtain)

Rear View Camera

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Immobilizer

ISOFIX

Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection

ESP with Traction Control System

Suspension

Front

Double Wishbone with Coil Spring and Anti-Roll Bar

Rear

Leaf Springs

Brake

Front

Ventilated Disc

Rear

Drum

Martin Aguilar

Martin Aguilar

Author

Martin is a BA Literature graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He started his writing career as an editorial assistant and writer for various magazines under ABS-CBN Publishing. Before being the Content Editor of Philkotse, Martin was a writer for Autoindustriya then shifted gears in 2017 to become the editor for AutoDeal.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martin.aguilar21

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-angelo-aguilar-27456775/

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