Ford Ranger Sport 2023 review

Is the Ford Ranger Sport any good

Ranger Sport – The revamped Ford Ranger has been a massive success and for good reason. Last week we drove the popular Sport version that sits about mid-way through the range.     2023 Ford Ranger Sport front grillIt’s also possibly the best balance between features and price.

First up it comes with a choice between the 2.0L Bi Turbo or the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engines both with 10 speed AT. I drove the 2.0L version

Ranger Sport comes only in the Double cab Pick-Up body style with some exterior bling like LED front fog lamps, dark exterior highlights, 2 front mounted tow hooks, skid plate and 18 inch alloys with all terrain tyres.

2023 Ford Ranger Sport wheels and tyres

TO LISTEN TO THE RANGER SPORT RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Inside it comes with ebony leather with Sport logo. Driver’s seat is 10 way adjustable and the passenger has 6 adjustments. Other little additions are wireless phone charging and an off road screen. This includes driveline & Electronic Diff Lock indication, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and 360 degree camera.

2023 Ford Ranger 4wd controls

The 2.0L 4 cylinder engine is sporty enough with 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It will tow 3500kg.

Ranger Sport has that big Ute feel, but maintains an above average ride and handling dynamic on road as well as prodigious off road capability.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

2023 Ford Ranger 4wd features 4 pics

Specific Ranger Sport Features

Engine & Transmission

  • 0L Bi-Turbo with 10-speed automatic or 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel with 10-speed automatic
  • 4×4 only
  • Rotary Select Drive Modes – Additional Off-Road modes – Sand, Mud/Ruts

Available Body Style

  • Double Cab Pick-up

Grille & Headlamps

  • Dark accent grille to provide a more aggressive look
  • LED front fog lamps

Exterior

  • Dark Exterior Accents
  • 2 Front-Mounted Tow Hooks
  • Skid plate

Wheels

  • 18-inch alloy wheels and spare with machined-face and Asphalt Black accent
  • All Season Tyres

Interior

  • 2 x Front Mats

Infotainment

  • Wireless Charging
  • Off-road screen

Seats

  • Ebony Leather Accented Seats with ‘SPORT’ embossing
  • 8-Way Driver Power seats
  • 6-Way Passenger manual seat

2023 Ford Ranger Sport front interior

What is good?

  • Power and torque
  • 4WD and Towing
  • Standard tech and safety

What is not so good?

  • Getting pricey
  • Lane assist intrusive
  • Central screen functionality a little complicated

2023 Ford Ranger rear seats

Also Look At

The dual cab 4WD Ute segment is crowded and extremely competitive.

Perhaps you could look at SsangYong Musso Ultimate XLV, Mitsubishi Triton, GVM Cannon, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D Max, LDV T60 Luxe  Mazda BT-50 and Toyota HiLux

2023 Ford Ranger Sport 5EF Ute driver instruments 4 pic

Ford Ranger 

Model Ranger Sport
Model Price $63,690 MLP*
Engine 2.0L 4Cyl Twin Turbo diesel
Drivetrain 10 Sp Sports AT Dual Range 4WD
Power 154kW @ 3,750rpm
Torque 500Nm @ 1,750 – 2,000rpm
Safety Five Star ANCAP (tested July 2022)
0-100kmh / Top Speed TBC
CO2 Emissions 189 g/km Euro 5
Economy ADR 7.2L/100km / 80L capacity
Economy on test 10.0L/100k
Servicing $329 per service 4 Yrs. / 60,000km service plan
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km
Road side Assist 5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2023 Ford Ranger Sport profile

Overall Rating    

86/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 8
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 8
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing / 4WD 10 – 5 Towing / 5 4WD
Technology/connectivity 9
Value for Money 8

2023 Ford Ranger rear tub

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 5370mm
Wheelbase 32705mm
Width 1918mm
Height 1884mm
Wheels 18×7.5 Alloy
Tyres 255/65 R18
Max ground clearance Up to 234mm
Wading Depth TBC
Approach 30 degrees
Rampover TBC
Departure angle 25.6 degrees
Turning Circle KTK TBC
Boot Capacity Min N/A
Boot capacity Max 1280L
Tub length 1540mm
Tub Height 540mm
Tub width 1540mm
Distance between arches 1200mm
Kerb Weight 2242kg
Payload (kg) 988kg
GVM (kg) 3230kg
GCM 6350kg
Towing Capacity 3500kg
Tow Ball rating 350kg

2023 Ford Ranger rear side step

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  • 8.6/10
    Rating - 8.6/10
8.6/10

Summary

Ranger Sport – The revamped Ford Ranger has been a massive success and for good reason. Last week we drove the popular Sport version that sits about mid-way through the range.

Ranger Sport has that big Ute feel, but maintains an above average ride and handling dynamic on road as well as prodigious off road capability.

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About Rob Fraser 2507 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.