Ford is known for creating some of the most effective and comfortable cars on the vehicle market. If you want to go for an Australian-made vehicle, then the 2022 Ford Ranger is an option you must definitely consider.
As claimed by many people, the Ford Ranger line-up, including the Ford Ranger Sport, was imagined with Aussies at heart, so you can rest assured that it will be catered to most driving needs.
There are many Ford Ranger models out there which feature different trim grades and designs. Today, we'll focus on the Ford Ranger models for 2022, including the Ford Ranger Sport. Keep in mind this new Ranger Sport features the base engine, which is a 2.0-litre, twin-turbo, four-cylinder diesel one.
Everything You Must Know About the Ford Ranger (2022) Model
This new line-up of Ford Ranger models features several additions that will amaze you. Overall, the Ford Ranger Sport sits among the top variants for the "Ranger" line-up from Ford. Although it's not as powerful as the Ranger Wildtrak or Raptor variant, it will still prove to be an excellent option for most drivers who want a premium experience.
Keep in mind that, while we'll cover the 2.0-litre engine variant for the Sport variant, people can also choose a 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel, six-cylinder engine for an extra fee. Still, if you want a more "affordable" option the 2.0-litre engine will be more than enough.
How Safe Is the 2022 Ford Ranger Line-up?
The Ford Ranger 2021 got an outstanding five-star rating by the ANCAP, so people would expect nothing less from the 2022 model. Thankfully, the ANCAP tested the entire 2022 Ford Ranger line-up and gave it a five-star rating too.
What makes the Ford Ranger line-up safe? There are many additions that will certainly ensure a safer experience while driving, including:
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear disc brakes instead of drums
- Up to nine airbags
A nice touch from the airbags is that they include a centre bag, which was created to keep both the driver and passenger from colliding their heads in case of a side impact.
Drivers can also choose from six different terrain modes, which allows them to have a much more efficient and smoother experience while going into harsh terrains.
To summarize, the Ford Ranger line-up is perfectly safe, and considering the ANCAP rating it got, you can rest assured that you will not experience any issues while going on the road with this vehicle.
How Much Does the New Ranger Sport (and Its Other Variants) Cost?
Price is one of the most critical aspects to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. Generally speaking, the Ford Ranger (2022) has gone into a highly competitive, dual-cab Ute market.
As mentioned before, drivers can choose from a wide range of options, including the Ranger Raptor/Wildtrak, as well as the Ranger XLT, XL, or XLS. The Sport variant, in this case, sits as a high-end option.
Some of the rivals the 2022 Ford Ranger has gone up against include:
- Toyota Hilux
- Nissan Navara
- Mitsubishi Triton
- GWM Ute Cannon X
Now, what costs can you expect from the 2022 Ford Ranger? Here's an overview based on the 2.0-litre engine Sport model:
- Colour Price: It depends on the colour. The "Meteor Grey," for example, will cost approximately $675.
- Additions: Ford's "Touring Pack" will cost approximately $900, whereas a Spray-in Bedliner will cost you an additional $400.
Remember that the Ford Ranger Sport sits among the highest price ranges of the line-up. Here's an overview of the pricing for other Ford Ranger models besides the Ford Ranger Sport:
Compared to other vehicles in the dual cab Ute market, the Ford Ranger is slightly more expensive, even without considering the on-road costs. The Toyota Hilux, for example, which is one of its top competitors, stands at $50,645 for the standard model and $70,750 for the Rugged X model. Overall, the Rugged X model is slightly more expensive than Ford's Wildtrak V6. On the other hand, the Ford Ranger Sport is much more expensive than the SR5 model from Toyota ($58,680), which is considered a similar competitor based on specifications.
Still, the 2022 Ford Ranger is one of the top options for vehicles in the Australian market today. If you truly want to go for a better and safer experience while driving, this is definitely an alternative to consider.
What Features Can You Expect from the New Ford Ranger Line-up?
Let's get to the interesting part of this page: the features. Generally speaking, the 2022 Ford Ranger line-up (including the Sport variant) features a four-wheel drive, four-door Ute vehicle. Moreover, each of these vehicles includes interesting additions like:
- Steel underbody protection
- Rear differential lock
- Integrated fixing points for different accessories
- A step built into the vehicle's body (behind the rear-wheel drive area)
Now, let's cover the particular features of each 2022 Ford Ranger model, starting with the "Sport" variant:
Ford Ranger Sport
The 2022 Ford Ranger Sport features a rather modern yet classy style. It comes with leather-accented seats which have the word "SPORT" embossed in them.
Moreover, you will get a powered driver's seat, which will make your body feel more relaxed. Aside from the "comfort" options available to drivers, you can also enjoy a nice touchscreen that will show you different items surrounding your vehicle through the dedicated off-road display.
The off-road display will show you the vehicle's steering angle, the sideway and forward degree of inclination, and a front-camera view. As for the steering wheel, you can expect an 18-inch size, which is slightly bigger than its predecessor. Each steering wheel is covered with Bridgestone rubber.
Finally, the 2022 Ford Ranger Sport comes with a recovery hook on each corner of the vehicle to improve extraction options. You can also adjust your driving modes to cover sand, mud, and ruts.
Ford Ranger XL
Although this is a lower-end version of the Ford Ranger, it still comes with many useful features. In fact, the 2022 Ford Ranger XL is supposed to do heavy lifting, which is perfect for many companies.
This vehicle features much head/legroom for those who want to have more space when they're sitting. Moreover, it features vinyl flooring to promote easier clean-ups.
Some of the additional features you can expect from the 2022 Ford Ranger XL include:
- Single-zone climate control
- Powered windows
- Remote start through the FordPass app
- Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay
- 10.1-inch touchscreen and an 8.0-inch driver's display
If you're getting the "Base" version, you can expect a physical handbrake, halogen headlamps, and rear drum brakes.
Ford Ranger XLS
The XLS model features a slight upgrade from the previous one. You can expect side steps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and fog lamps.
Moreover, you will get carpeted flooring and a higher speaker count compared to the last model. Here, you will be able to choose different drive modes, including "Eco," "Normal," "Slippery," and "Tow/Haul."
Ford Ranger XLT
Here, you'll get dual-zone climate control, which will benefit both the driver and passenger. Moreover, this model will provide drivers with SATNAV, digital audio, and voice recognition.
As for the brakes, you will get discs on all wheels, which will be an inch bigger than the previous model. An interesting addition to this model is the electronic park brake.
The final price for the XLT model will give you LED headlamps, a tow bar, an electro-chromatic rear vision mirror, a push-button start, and keyless entry options.
Finally, you will get a drop-in bedliner. In essence, this 2022 Ford Ranger is an outstanding variant you can get if you're considering something with many "modern" features.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
The Wildtrak model is one of the most powerful ones on the list. You can expect the following features:
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Alloy roof rails
- Tie-down rails
- Exterior puddle lamps
- Sailplane sports bar
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Powered roller shutter
- Adjustable hooks on the tub's top
- Ambient lighting
- 12.0-inch touchscreen
Ford Ranger Raptor
This is the most expensive 2022 Ford Ranger, and for a good reason. It features a wide range of additions, including:
- Anti-lock braking
- Dynamic stability control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Heated front seats
- Cruise control intelligence
- Auto climate control
- Load adaptive control
- SATNAV
- Premium sound system
- and more
Ford Ranger Engines
What can you expect from the engines in the 2022 Ford Ranger line-up? It depends on what line-up you go for. You can expect three different diesel engines.
- Ranger XL - Standard 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission (upgradable to a twin-turbo diesel engine.) Output: 125kW and 405Nm.
- Ranger XLS, XLT, and Sport - Standard 2.0-litre, twin-turbo diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Output: 154kW and 500Nm.
- Ranger Wildtrak - 2.0-litre four/six-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel engine. Output: 284kW and 600Nm.
- Ranger Raptor - 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 engine. Output: 292kW and 584Nm.
Keep in mind you can also get the 3.0-litre V6 engine in the XLT and Sport variants. If you're looking to tow many items, then this will be the perfect option to consider.
Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
If you're looking for an alternative with a considerable towing capacity, this section is for you. Each 2022 Ford Ranger vehicle features a particular towing capacity, and we outlined everything you need to know about each model below:
General Braked Towing Capacity
3500kg or 2500kg for the Raptor model.
Payload Capacity
- XL - 1204KG
- XLS - 958KG
- XLT - 959KG
- XLT (V6 Engine) - 949KG
- Sport - 942KG
- Sport (V6 Engine) - 934KG
- Wildtrak - 939KG
- Wildtrak (V6 Engine) - 951KG
- Raptor - 750KG
Ford Ranger Dimensions
This next-generation Ranger line-up will provide you with different dimensions, depending on the model you choose. Here's an overview of each model:
Sport
- Length: 5370mm
- Width: 1918mm
- Height: 1884mm
- Wheelbase: 3270mm
XL
- Length: 5359mm
- Width: 1850mm
- Height: 1815mm
- Wheelbase: 3220mm
XLS
- Length: 5359mm
- Width: 1850mm
- Height: 1815mm
- Wheelbase: 3220m
XLT
- Length: 5351mm
- Width: 1850mm
- Height: 1821mm
- Wheelbase: 3220m
Wildtrak
- Length: 5389mm
- Width: 1850mm
- Height: 1848mm
- Wheelbase: 3220m
Raptor
- Length: 5381mm
- Width: 1922mm
- Height: 1955mm
- Wheelbase: 3270mm
How Fuel-efficient Is the 2022 Ford Ranger (Sport, Wildtrak, XL, etc)?
Fuel economy is one of the primary deal breakers for most buyers. While most variants share a similar efficiency, there are a few differences here and there.
The XL model, for example, claims a 7.9-litre/100km efficiency with its 2.0-litre engine. On the other hand, the rest of the models using a 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine will, allegedly, use 7.6 litres/100km.
Those vehicles using the V6 engine will get a fuel efficiency of 8.4 litres/100km, regardless of the vehicle you get.
Compared to competitors like the Mazda BT-50 or Isuzu D-Max, the 2022 Ford Ranger line-up have a considerable advantage with up to 0.4 litres more in efficiency.
How Does It Feel to Drive a Ford Ranger?
Ford has made a tremendous effort to make the Ford Ranger line-up more refined and comfortable for the average consumer. Whether you get the 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre engine, you will get more than enough for daily usage.
Generally speaking, you will get smooth power delivery that doesn't compromise on torque in some situations like overtaking. Moreover, the Ford Ranger line-up for 2022 offers little engine vibration, and it does a much better job at shunting the driveline every time you change gears.
Even though the steering wheel is a bit heavier than previous models, it's still easy to maneuvre in most conditions. As for your driving position, you will notice you feel lower than usual, but you will still get great visibility out of the cabin.
In harsh conditions like rain, you won't experience any slipping. Most users claim to feel enhanced ride comfort on most surfaces.
How Does the New Ford Ranger Compare to Older Models?
It may not seem like it, but Ford Australia certainly made some changes between the 2021 and 2022 models for the Ford Ranger Sport. Here's a list of things that make the new Ford Ranger different from the old Ford Ranger:
- Different Engine: The previous line-up featured a 2.3-litre turbo-four engine, whereas the current line-up offers a standard 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine and an optional V6 engine for better performance.
- Braked Towing Capacity: Previous line-ups featured an approximate 3,400KG towing capacity. Newer models (excluding the Raptor variant) offer a slightly higher 3,500KG capacity.
- Payload: The payload also got improved in newer models. Overall, the 2021 line-up featured a base payload of 843KG, approximately. On the other hand, the new 2022 line-up comes with payloads ranging from 939KG all the way up to 1,204KG.
- Interiors: Newer 2022 Ford Ranger models come with additional features, including a larger touchscreen, driving modes, and more.
- Splash Package: This package wasn't available for previous models, and they give off a nod to the 90s models. It features an orange and black hood, gloss-black accents, orange accent stitching inside, and more.
In essence, the 2022 Ford Ranger will give users an upgraded experience to 2021's Ranger. If you're looking to save up some money and don't mind the extra features, the 2021 line-up will do just fine. On the contrary, if you want the absolute best, then make sure to go for the 2022 models.
Bottom Line - Should You Buy the Ford Ranger?
Now that you know everything about the Ford Ranger 2022 line-up, let's answer the main question: Should you buy one?
Ford's Ranger line-up for this year is one of the best representations of a Ute vehicle. It includes everything that made its predecessor a premium choice among customers and improved on those small details to create the perfect driving experience.
Even if you're a new Ute user, you won't have any issues using these vehicles, as they're easy to learn and also provide many improvements in vibrations and noise.
The Ford Ranger 2022 line-up may not have the best materials on the market, but it still features a sturdy build that with last for many years to come, as long as you provide your vehicle with proper maintenance.
In essence, it checks all our boxes as an excellent Ute vehicle, and you should definitely consider it if you're looking for a premium-grade vehicle.
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