Variant Check: The 8 trim levels of the 2023 Ford Ranger

The Philippines' midsize truck market has never been more diverse, but the 2023 Ford Ranger has stood well above the competition by providing tough styling, performance, and technology that has never previously been found in a vehicle.

For the local market, there are now a total of eight different pickup variations that reflect the pickup model’s traits. The entry-level Ranger XL 4x4 MT, XLS 4x2 MT, XLT 4x2 AT, Sport 4x2 AT, Wildtrak 4x2 AT, and Wildtrak 4x4 AT are among them.

So, which of these Ranger variations is best for you, and how do you tell them apart? Let this be your guide to do all of the above.

Exterior

To begin, consider the dimensions. The length, breadth, and height of all 2023 Ford Ranger variations are 5.3 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, and 1.8 meters tall. All trims have a 3.270-meter wheelbase and a ground clearance of 235mm.

The Wildtrak models, on the other hand, have a distinct front grille and Matrix LED headlights. Meanwhile, the midspec Sport and XLT types retain LED headlights, albeit the Sport gets a blacked-out grille while the XLT gets a chrome-trimmed grille. Meanwhile, the XL has a non-glossy grille, but the XLS has a painted grille. The last two also have halogen reflector headlights.

The XL and XLT models also lack the LED daytime running lights found on the rest of the lineup. The only trim without front fog lamps is the base XL, albeit the pair on the XLT are halogens. Meanwhile, the remainder get LED front fog lamps.

The XLS and XL also have manual folding and electrically adjustable side mirrors. The remainder receive power-folding side mirrors. All grades include rear box steps and mud flaps, albeit the XLS and XL do not have a bedliner.

Roof rails are also available only on the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak trims. Top-spec models and Sport trims now receive an easy-lift tailgate and dual front tow hooks. The remainder, in turn, have a single front tow.

The wheels on the XL 4x4 are 16-inch steelies. The XLT, on the other hand, receives 16-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the XL4 4x2 has 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport and Wildtrak trims have 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

All 2023 Ford Ranger grades can comfortably seat up to five people. The Wildtrak then has a dual-zone automatic climate control system, while the others have manual air conditioning. Furthermore, only the top-spec Wildtrak includes two 230-volt inverter outlets on the second row and cargo bed as standard.

The Wildtrak, Sport, and XLT trims have a leather steering wheel for the driver. The XLT, XLS, and XL, on the other hand, do not feature the photochromic rear-view mirror found on the other trims.

The Wildtrak's seats are made up of a mix of leather and synthetic materials. The Sport receives a comparable seat material but without the Wildtrak stitching and design. Meanwhile, the XLT, XLS, and XL have cloth seats.

The front row seats on the Wildtrak are likewise power-adjustable, and the two top-spec trims are the only ones featuring dual USB ports for the first and second rows.

Convenience and Safety Technologies

The top-spec Wildtrak trims come standard with a 12-inch touchscreen headunit for entertainment. Meanwhile, the Sport trims, XLT, XLS, and XL models have a 10-inch touchscreen. However, both the larger and smaller headunits include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The base XL has four speakers, while the Wildtrak, Sport, XLS, and XLT trims have a total of six. The Wildtrak, Sport, and XLT models additionally include a USB plug situated on the windscreen and a wireless phone charger.

Only the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 AT has adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, lane departure and lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, a 360-degree-view camera, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist as standard features.

Hill launch aid and roll-over mitigation are standard on all trims, as are an engine immobilizer, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, and other features.

The Wildtrak 4x2 is the only model with a rear parking sensor, whereas the Wildtrak 4x4 has both front and rear sensors. The two Wildtrak grades are also the only ones having seven airbags, while the rest only have six.

Engines and Transmissions

The Wildtrak 4x4 AT stands out from the crowd because to its 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine, which produces up to 208 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It is also the only option with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Sport 4x4 AT and XL 4x4 MT are the only 2023 Ford Ranger versions featuring a 4x4 drivetrain and an electronic locking rear differential.

The XL, Sport, Wildtrak 4x2, Sport 4x2, and XLS models are powered by a single turbo 2.0-liter diesel engine. It is less powerful than the bi-turbo engine, producing 168 horsepower and 405 Newton-meters of torque. This engine is then coupled to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

A front disc brake and a rear drum brake are used on the XLT, XLS, and XL. The rear drum brake is replaced with a disc brake in higher-spec versions. Only the Wildtrak trim level includes an electronic parking brake. The rest rely on a regular, hand-operated parking brake.

All 2023 Ranger models feature a double-wishbone front suspension and leaf springs in the back.

Conclusion

If you want a truck that can handle real off-roading, the Ranger variation lineup includes the top-spec Wildtrak 4x4 AT, the entry-level XL 4x4 MT, and the mid-spec Sport 4x4 AT. All three feature locking rear differentials and are 4x4 vehicles.

Only the Wildtrak 4x4 AT, on the other hand, can balance going all-out on features, safety, and off-roading capability. The Sport falls somewhere in the center, while it does offer an appealing aesthetic package that many people will like.

If you only need a vehicle that works and can haul things, the XLS and XLT may be more appealing. They aren't as basic as the XL, and coping with traffic is made easier by their automatic transmissions.

On the opposite end of the range, if you want a more utilitarian ride, the XL might be the truck for you.

You won't be short of options with the 2023 Ford Ranger.

Photos from Ford and Dylan Afuang