2022 Ford Ranger XLT Review

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT, shall we? This mid-size pickup truck has been a solid contender in the market, and for good reason. It blends capability, comfort, and a touch of modern tech. In this review, we'll cover everything from its performance specs to its interior features, helping you decide if this truck is the right fit for your needs. We'll be looking at the XLT trim specifically, as it offers a great balance of features and value. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview: What Makes the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT Stand Out?

The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT sits in the sweet spot for many truck buyers. It's not as massive as a full-size truck, making it easier to maneuver in city traffic and park. But it's still incredibly capable when it comes to hauling cargo and tackling off-road adventures. The XLT trim is the second-tier offering, sitting above the base XL and below the more luxurious Lariat and the off-road-focused Tremor. This means you get a solid set of features without breaking the bank. Think of it as the Goldilocks of the Ranger lineup: just right. Key features of the XLT include a comfortable cabin, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a powerful engine that can handle a variety of tasks. It's a versatile truck that can serve as a daily driver, a workhorse, or a weekend adventure companion. The 2022 model year saw some minor updates, building on the already successful design of previous years. Overall, the 2022 Ranger XLT offers a compelling package for those seeking a mid-size pickup that's both practical and enjoyable to drive. The Ranger has consistently been praised for its blend of capability and refinement, and the XLT trim embodies this perfectly. It provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior, a capable engine, and a range of features that make it a great choice for both work and play. The Ranger's mid-size dimensions also make it more manageable in everyday driving scenarios than larger trucks.

Why Choose the XLT Trim?

So, why the XLT specifically? The XLT trim is often considered the best value proposition in the Ranger lineup. It adds a number of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and style compared to the base XL trim. You'll typically find things like alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, and a more refined interior with upgraded cloth upholstery. These upgrades make a noticeable difference in the overall driving experience, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable cabin. The XLT also often includes features like fog lights, which improve visibility in challenging weather conditions, and a chrome grille, which adds a touch of style. These are the kinds of extras that really make a difference day to day. While the Lariat trim offers even more luxury and the Tremor focuses on off-road prowess, the XLT hits the sweet spot for most buyers, providing a well-rounded package without the premium price tag. The XLT trim strikes a perfect balance between features and affordability, offering a range of upgrades over the base model. This makes it an ideal choice for buyers who want a comfortable and well-equipped truck without spending a fortune. The XLT trim includes a number of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and style, such as alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system, and a more refined interior. These upgrades make a noticeable difference in the overall driving experience. Furthermore, the XLT trim often includes features that improve safety and convenience.

Performance and Capability: Power Under the Hood

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that's surprisingly powerful. It cranks out 270 horsepower and a robust 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifts. That's a lot of power for a mid-size truck, and it means the Ranger XLT has plenty of get-up-and-go for merging onto the highway, passing slower vehicles, and even towing. The Ranger XLT has a maximum towing capacity of around 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. That's enough to haul a decent-sized trailer, a boat, or even a small camper. The payload capacity is also impressive, allowing you to carry a significant amount of cargo in the bed.

Towing and Payload Capacity

When it comes to the nitty-gritty, the 2022 Ranger XLT shines. When properly equipped, this truck can tow up to a whopping 7,500 pounds. This makes it a serious contender for those who need a truck that can handle some heavy lifting. This capacity is more than enough for towing things like small campers, boats, or utility trailers. The payload capacity is also notable, allowing you to carry a significant amount of weight in the bed of the truck. This is super handy for hauling building materials, camping gear, or anything else you might need to transport. Remember to always check the specific towing and payload ratings based on the configuration of your Ranger XLT, as these numbers can vary depending on the options you choose. This level of capability makes the Ranger XLT a versatile workhorse, capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from everyday commutes to weekend adventures. The robust engine and transmission combination provide ample power for towing and hauling, making the Ranger XLT a reliable choice for various needs. The Ranger's impressive towing capacity is a significant advantage for those who need a truck that can handle heavy loads.

Interior and Technology: Comfort and Convenience

Now, let's step inside the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT. The interior is designed to be both functional and comfortable, with a focus on practicality. The XLT trim offers upgraded cloth upholstery, which is more comfortable than the base model's vinyl seats. The front seats provide good support, and there's plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and front passenger. The rear seats offer decent space, although they might be a bit tight for taller adults on longer trips. The layout is well-organized, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system.

Infotainment and Features

The infotainment system is a key highlight in the 2022 Ranger XLT. It typically features an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is responsive and easy to use. Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system is intuitive, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, so you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. You'll also find features like Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports for charging your devices. The XLT trim often includes additional features like a premium audio system, which enhances the listening experience. The cabin also has plenty of storage spaces, including a center console, door pockets, and a glove compartment, to keep your belongings organized. The available technology features enhance the overall driving experience and provide a level of convenience and connectivity that modern drivers expect. The infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with features, making it easy to stay connected on the go.

Exterior Design: A Modern and Functional Look

Moving to the outside, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT sports a modern and functional design. It has a bold front grille, muscular lines, and a rugged stance that gives it a commanding presence on the road. The XLT trim typically features alloy wheels, which add a touch of style and enhance the truck's overall appearance. The bed of the truck is designed to be practical, with features like a durable bed liner (often an option) and tie-down points to secure your cargo. The Ranger's exterior design is both stylish and functional, offering a combination of ruggedness and modern aesthetics. The truck's proportions are well-balanced, and its overall design reflects its capability and versatility. The exterior design incorporates practical features that enhance the truck's functionality.

Key Exterior Features

Key features of the exterior include a durable bed, providing a versatile space for hauling cargo. The truck's design is focused on functionality. The bed is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Exterior features such as fog lights, chrome accents, and alloy wheels contribute to the overall appeal of the vehicle. The exterior design is carefully crafted to create a balance between style and function. The Ranger XLT's exterior design elements enhance its overall aesthetic appeal while maintaining a practical and functional design. This design incorporates a combination of style and practicality to meet the needs of a wide range of users. The exterior design incorporates elements that enhance both style and functionality, making it a well-rounded and appealing mid-size pickup truck.

Safety Features: Keeping You Safe on the Road

Safety is a top priority, and the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT comes equipped with a range of safety features to help protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features typically include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The XLT trim often includes advanced driver-assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. These features can help prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. Ford has consistently prioritized safety in its vehicles, and the Ranger XLT is no exception.

Advanced Safety Technologies

The Ranger XLT is often equipped with advanced safety technologies to enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents. These technologies include lane-keeping assist, which helps to keep the vehicle within its lane, and blind-spot monitoring, which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. A rearview camera provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. These advanced safety technologies enhance driver awareness and help to prevent accidents. Ford's commitment to safety is evident in the inclusion of these advanced features. These features contribute significantly to the overall safety of the vehicle.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding the Right Fit

The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is positioned in the middle of the Ranger trim lineup. You've got the base XL, the XLT we've been discussing, the Lariat, and the Tremor. Each trim level adds features and upgrades, so the price increases accordingly. The XLT offers a great balance of features and value. Pricing for the XLT varies depending on the configuration and any optional features you choose, but it generally falls in a range that makes it accessible to a wide range of buyers. Always check with your local dealer for the most current pricing and any available incentives.

Comparing Trim Levels

Here’s a quick rundown of how the trims stack up: the XL is the work-focused trim, the Lariat adds premium features like leather upholstery and more advanced technology, and the Tremor focuses on off-road capability with features like upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires. The XLT hits the sweet spot for many buyers, offering a good mix of features without breaking the bank. Choosing the right trim depends on your needs and budget. The XLT trim provides a well-rounded package of features and value, making it an excellent choice for a variety of users. Understanding the differences between the trim levels helps you to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. The XLT trim offers a blend of features and value that appeals to a wide range of buyers. The XLT trim strikes a balance between features and affordability, offering a range of upgrades over the base model without the premium price tag.

Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options

Let's break down the good and the not-so-good about the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT.

Pros

• Versatile Performance: The Ranger XLT offers a powerful engine that's suitable for both city driving and off-road adventures. The truck's engine and transmission provide ample power and responsiveness, making it a great choice for various driving scenarios. It handles a wide range of tasks and is a reliable choice for work or leisure.
• Comfortable Interior: The XLT trim features a comfortable and well-equipped interior with upgraded cloth upholstery. It has comfortable seats that provide good support, and there's plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and front passenger. The cabin is well-organized with easy-to-reach controls.
• User-Friendly Tech: The infotainment system is intuitive and offers features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to stay connected on the go.
• Towing and Payload Capacity: The Ranger XLT has an impressive towing and payload capacity. It can haul a significant amount of weight, making it a versatile workhorse.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: The rear seats can be a bit tight for taller adults on longer trips. The rear seats offer decent space, but they might be a bit cramped for taller passengers, especially on extended journeys.
• Fuel Economy: While the EcoBoost engine is powerful, fuel economy isn't the best in its class.
• Optional Features: Some desirable features might be optional, increasing the overall cost.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT Right for You?

So, is the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT the right truck for you? If you're looking for a mid-size pickup that offers a great blend of capability, comfort, and technology, the answer is likely yes. The XLT trim provides a sweet spot of features and value. It's a versatile truck that can handle work tasks, weekend adventures, and daily commutes with ease. However, if you regularly need to transport multiple adults in the back, or if fuel economy is a top priority, you might want to consider other options or explore other mid-size truck offerings. Overall, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is a solid choice in the mid-size pickup truck segment. It's a well-rounded truck that delivers on performance, comfort, and practicality. The Ranger XLT is an excellent choice for a variety of users. If you are looking for a reliable, capable, and well-equipped mid-size pickup truck, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT is definitely worth considering.