2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT (AT) Review

In recent years, the local pickup truck market has remained popular, and consumer demand for pickups has shifted from purely utilitarian to "household use + light off-road" multi-scenario adaptability. The 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT (AT), as Ford's core model in the mid-size pickup segment, has been a candidate for many families and off-road enthusiasts due to its balanced configuration, reliable power, and practical space. This time, we got the real vehicle and focused on testing its performance in daily commuting, family trips, and light off-road scenarios to see if it can balance urban comfort with outdoor capability.

At first glance, the 2022 Ranger 2.0 XLT’s tough American pickup styling stands out. The body dimensions reach 5370mm in length, 1918mm in width, and 1884mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3270mm, delivering a well-proportioned and imposing appearance. The front fascia features a large trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome trim and LED headlights, offering a high level of recognition; LED daytime running lights come as standard, providing clear visual effects when illuminated. The side profile features straight lines, and 255/70 R17 tires paired with black fender flares retain an off-road vibe; the LED tail lights at the rear echo the design of the headlights, while the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a touch of refinement. The overall design avoids excessive decorative elements, making it appealing and practical.

Entering the interior, one can immediately feel the sense of order in the design. The center console is focused around a 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is responsive and supports basic multimedia and vehicle settings operations. The instrument panel is fully digital, clearly displaying RPM, fuel consumption, and driving assistance information, which is quite practical. In terms of materials, the center console area is covered in soft-touch plastic, accented with silver trim, which, while lacking the luxurious feel of a high-end car, is considered above average in its pickup category. In terms of features, the dual-zone automatic climate control is a highlight, allowing front passengers to adjust the temperature independently; rear air vents are also included to enhance the passenger experience for family members. The seats are manually adjustable, with six-way adjustments for the driver’s seat and four-way for the front passenger’s seat. While not as convenient as electric adjustments, the manual controls suffice for daily adjustments. The rear seats can be folded, with hidden storage space underneath, which is practical for storing tools or miscellaneous items.

The space performance matches the positioning of a mid-size pickup. The front row offers ample room, with more than a fist's clearance for head and leg space for a 180cm tall passenger. The rear row also provides good space, with legroom extending to two fists and headroom allowing for one fist, so even three adults wouldn’t feel overly crowded. Regarding storage, the door storage bins can accommodate two large water bottles, the central armrest box is deep enough, and two cup holders are available in the front row, ensuring small everyday items can be conveniently stored.

In terms of power, the 2.0T diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 125kW (170PS) and a maximum torque of 405N·m, paired with an AT transmission. During initial acceleration, power output is smooth without the usual abruptness of diesel vehicles; at low and medium speeds, the torque is abundant, and by simply pressing the accelerator pedal, the power is ready for overtaking or climbing. The transmission’s shift logic is clear, with relatively proactive upshifts and downshifts, and there’s no obvious jarring sensation. There are multiple driving modes available, and switching to sport mode makes throttle response slightly more sensitive.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate turning force and is relatively precise, making daily city driving not tiring. The chassis uses a combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf springs, which is common in pickup trucks. When dealing with minor bumps on urban roads, the suspension can filter out most vibrations, offering decent riding comfort; however, when encountering larger potholes or speed bumps, the rear suspension can bounce noticeably, which is a characteristic of leaf springs. On off-road terrain, this type of chassis structure actually provides better support, ensuring good body stability on rough roads.

In fuel consumption tests, the average fuel consumption is about 8.5L per 100 kilometers under mixed road conditions. This performance is considered normal for diesel pickup trucks. With a full 80L fuel tank, the driving range can reach approximately 900 kilometers, so frequent refueling is not required when traveling long distances. In terms of driver assistance features, lane departure warning and forward collision warning are very practical, providing extra safety during daily driving. The clarity of the reverse camera is decent, and combined with the sensors, parking and reversing into spots are quite convenient.

Regarding comfort details, the noise control inside the car is fairly good. While driving at high speeds, there is some wind and tire noise, but it does not affect normal conversation. The seat padding is not overly soft but provides good support, making long periods of sitting less likely to cause backaches. Features like rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry, though not high-end features, indeed enhance everyday convenience.

In conclusion, the core advantage of the 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT lies in its balance—offering the practical space and off-road capability of a pickup truck while also providing comfort features similar to an SUV. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi Triton, it has richer features—such as a fully digital instrument panel and dual-zone air conditioning, which are rare in this class. As for pricing, the RM 133,888 price tag is relatively competitive as well.

The target audience is very clear: If you need a vehicle that can be used for both cargo transportation and family needs, or you enjoy mild off-road adventures on weekends, this vehicle would be a good choice. It has no obvious weaknesses, with a well-balanced performance across the board, capable of meeting the usage needs of most scenarios.

In summary, the 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT is an "all-rounder" pickup truck that balances practicality, comfort, and off-road capability. If you are looking for a vehicle that can serve multiple purposes, it is worth considering.