2022 Ford Ranger Lariat FX4 – Road Test

The present-day Ford Ranger arrived in North America as an all-new model back in 2019, even though it wasn’t actually new – it debuted in Australia back in 2012. Back in 2019 we got our hands on the Lariat version and last year we had the phenomenal Tremor version – probably by far our favourite truck ever. This time we’re driving a Lariat with the FX4 off road package – it sits somewhere between our two previous Rangers. It’s essentially the final time to try the Ranger because the All-New from the ground up version will arrive early next year, as a 2023 model.

What Is It?

Mid-size Pickup
3 Models: XL, XLT and Lariat.
XL & XLT come with SuperCab + 6’ box.
SuperCrew + 5’ box is optional on XLT and standard on Lariat
And the option of adding an FX4 Off-Road Package
Test vehicle is the Lariat with the FX4 Off-Road Package
Only one engine is available – a 2.3L Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft. of torque
10-Speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission
4WD (standard in Canada, 4×2 is an option in the U.S.)
Auto Start-Stop
Heated Wiper Park (Windshield Wiper De-Icer) – this is very handy for those of us in the colder climates

How Does It Look?

It may be 10 (!!) model years old, but it’s still the best looking pickup truck available today
Our neighbour made the same statement, so it’s not just our bias viewpoint. Everyone we talked to comment what a great looking truck it was
We weren’t sold on the hockey stick stripe at first, but it grew on us after a couple of days
The size is just about perfect – not everyone wants or needs a big F-150
The standard version has body-coloured lower front bumper (my preference)
Adding the Splash Pkge removes the chrome grill and replaces it and the coloured lower bumper with black
The rims on the standard version are more appealing to me with the chrome instead of black finish

What’s It Like Inside?

Standard in the Lariat are L=leather-trimmed heated front seats, with 8-Way Power Driver and 6-Way Power Passenger Seat – both heated, with power lumbar and manual seat back adjustment
w/orange accent stitching and carbon grain weave tuxedo stripe and bolsters adds a nice touch to the interior
The seats are VERY comfortable, but we found it rather odd that the seatback adjustment is manual, while everything else is power adjustable
The B&O Sound System (Bang & Olufsen by Harmon) pumps 675 watts of digitally processed sound through 10 high-performance speakers and is a MUST have – comes standard in Equipment Group 501A
Centre dash is attractive and easy to get used to the various button and knobs
Dual-Zone Electronic Climate Control
Abundance of legroom for rear passengers – virtually flat floor
Flip the rear seat up and there’s plenty of storage in the compartments under the rear seat. While they aren’t very big, but they offer something rather than nothing…
Very quiet and hushed interior

So How Quick Is It & How Does It Handle?

It’s pretty quick – there’s plenty of low-end grunt
It doesn’t ever feel heavy or lethargic, but did feel somewhat disconnected or ‘loose’ – my wife pointed this out right away and after she said that, I noticed it too. We both LOVED the Tremor version, so it must be the different set up/suspension bits of the FX4 package that made the difference
The 2.3L Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine is a perfect match to this Ranger
Steering input is very good – heavy when needed, light in slow manoeuvers
Brakes are superb, they just grab and stop without any fuss
Also has Trailer Sway Control and more as standard
Payload Capacity: 1,860-lbs (best in class)
Towing Capacity: Standard 3,500-lbs / 7,500-lbs (best in class – gas) with Class IV Trailer Tow Package ($600)
Tows and hauls more than the V-6 gasoline offerings from GM and Toyota

Horsepower: 270 @ 5,550 rpm
Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Top Speed: 177 km/h / 110 mph
0-60 mph (sec): 7.3 (estimate)

What Does It Cost?

For up-to-date pricing and options visit: www.Ford.ca

To Buy… Lariat base price is $44,640
Base Price: $42,688
As Tested: $51,420

Optional Equipment…

Equipment Group 501A: (B&O Sound System + Navigation, Sync3 + Technology Package + Adaptive Cruise Control + Forward Sensing System + Remote Start + Rain-Sensing Wipers + (2) 4.2” Drivers Digital Instrument Cluster + Garage Door Open) – $3,405

+ Splash Package: (Graphic + 18″ Matte Black Wheels) – $1,700

+ Toughbed Spray In Bedliner – $600 – one thing to note: it doesn’t pray down between the box and tailgate like the aftermarket companies do, that’s just asking to be a rust spot in the future

+ Splash Guards/Mud Flaps FR/RR – $150

+ Trailer Tow Package – $600

+ SecuriCode Keyless Keypad – $125

+ FX4 Off-Road Package: (Off-Road Tuned Suspension + Terrain Management System + Trail Control + Skid Plates + Electronic-Locking Diff + A/T Owl Tires + Off-Road Screen in Cluster) – $1,400

TRAIL CONTROL (acts as a low-speed cruise control, maintaining your selected speed from 1 to 30 km/h. It manages acceleration and braking – sending power and braking to each individual wheel as needed)
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (select any of the 4 modes – Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Sand. The system automatically calibrates engine responsiveness, transmission gearing, and vehicle control systems to provide the optimum traction, driveability and performance)

To Operate…

Rated at (L/100 km): City -11.9 / Highway – 9.7 / Combined – 10.9
Annual cost to operate (Transport Canada – 20,000 kms / $1.00/litre): $2,180
We averaged 10.0 – 11.5 L/100 km around town and
8.8 L/100 km consistently on roads where there was no lights/stop signs @ 70 km/h
Highway was mostly in the 10.4 L/100 km range
Auto Start-Stop is a nice bonus to squeeze even more out of the fuel tank while you sit at the lights – once you remember to not take your foot off the brake once you’ve stopped!

Warranty:

Basic: 3 years/60,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
Roadside Assistance: 5 years /100,000 km

The Competition
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good: It does everything – just right
The Bad: No heated steering wheel and only the driver’s window is one-touch up/down
The Ugly: Interior storage compartments are very limited

What’s The Verdict?

Everyone… and I mean EVERYONE loved the look of this truck. We loved it too, but if it was our money we’d pay a little extra and go for the Tremor – or save some money and not get the FX4 package. It just didn’t feel right – but hey, we’re not off-roaders so this isn’t a concern for those that do. For sure we’d get the steps/running boards, they make it easier to get in and out – especially since there’s no grab handle for the driver on the A pillar, but also keep some of the dirt/mud/slush off the bottom the truck.

Text: Iain Shankland / Images: Iain Shankland