2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4: A Rugged Review

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2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4: A Rugged Review

Hey there, gearheads and truck enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4. This mid-size pickup truck is a real workhorse, packed with features and designed to tackle both city streets and off-road adventures. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore everything from its performance and off-road capabilities to its interior comfort and tech features. We'll also examine how it stacks up against the competition. So, buckle up, and let's get into it!

Exterior and Design: Bold and Functional

The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 boasts a rugged and muscular design, making a statement on the road. The FX4 package adds several visual and functional enhancements, giving it a more aggressive stance and off-road prowess. The bold front grille, flanked by sharp headlights, gives the Ranger a commanding presence. The high ground clearance and chunky tires tell you right away that this truck is ready for anything. The XLT trim strikes a perfect balance between functionality and style, offering a range of practical features without sacrificing a premium feel. The available color options are diverse, allowing owners to personalize their trucks to match their tastes. From the moment you lay your eyes on the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4, its design speaks volumes about its capabilities. The design is not just about looks; it's about functionality. The bed is designed for hauling cargo, with available features like a bed liner and tie-down hooks, making it easy to secure your gear. The truck's dimensions are perfectly suited for maneuvering through city streets while still providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The overall design language is distinctly Ford, with a strong emphasis on durability and capability. The FX4 package takes it a step further, adding skid plates, off-road shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential to boost its off-road performance. This makes the Ranger XLT FX4 a versatile truck, capable of handling both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The exterior also includes practical features like a trailer hitch receiver, making it ready to tow your toys or equipment. The side steps, which come as an option, provide easier access to the cabin, especially for passengers. Overall, the exterior design of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 is a blend of form and function. This creates a truck that looks great and performs exceptionally well in various conditions.

Interior and Comfort: A Comfortable Cabin

Stepping inside the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4, you're greeted with a comfortable and well-designed cabin. The XLT trim offers a step up in terms of interior features and materials, providing a more premium feel compared to the base models. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a breeze. There's ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The layout is well-organized, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The quality of the materials used in the cabin is good, with durable plastics and well-placed accents. The interior is also surprisingly quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, making for a relaxing driving experience. The cabin design prioritizes practicality, with plenty of storage compartments for your belongings. You'll find a center console with enough space for your phone, wallet, and other essentials. The rear seats also offer sufficient space, even for adults. Ford has also incorporated various tech features to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system, with its touchscreen display, provides access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The XLT trim typically includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone. The climate control system effectively maintains a comfortable temperature inside the cabin, even in extreme weather conditions. The attention to detail extends to the overall fit and finish of the interior. The panel gaps are tight, and the surfaces are well-aligned, indicating a high level of craftsmanship. The seats provide good support and are covered in quality cloth or, optionally, leather, which adds to the premium feel. The design also incorporates thoughtful touches, such as illuminated cupholders and USB ports for charging devices. The overall feel is that of a modern, well-equipped truck interior that is both practical and comfortable. It's a place where you can spend hours without feeling fatigued, making it ideal for both work and play.

Performance and Handling: Power and Agility

Under the hood, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 packs a punch. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a healthy dose of power and torque. This engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides seamless gear changes. The Ranger XLT FX4's performance is impressive, with quick acceleration and confident passing power. The engine's responsiveness makes it enjoyable to drive in both city and highway conditions. The FX4 package takes the Ranger's performance to the next level, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The FX4 upgrades include an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, and off-road-tuned suspension. These features work together to provide improved traction and stability when driving on challenging terrain. The electronic locking rear differential ensures that power is distributed evenly to both rear wheels, maximizing grip. The skid plates protect the underbody of the truck from damage when navigating rough trails. The off-road-tuned suspension provides a comfortable ride, even over uneven surfaces. The Ranger XLT FX4's handling is also noteworthy. The steering is precise, and the truck feels planted on the road. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections, providing a comfortable ride. The Ranger's brakes are strong and responsive, providing confident stopping power. When you're driving the Ranger XLT FX4, you'll find that it's easy to maneuver, making it a good choice for both daily driving and off-road adventures. The truck's size is also an advantage, as it's not too big to handle city traffic but still capable enough to handle challenging terrain. The combination of power, handling, and off-road capability makes the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 a versatile and capable truck.

Off-Road Capabilities: Ready for Adventure

If you're an off-road enthusiast, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 will excite you. The FX4 package transforms this pickup into a capable off-road machine. Features like the electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, and off-road-tuned suspension come standard with this package, making the Ranger well-equipped to tackle challenging terrain. The electronic locking rear differential provides increased traction by locking the rear wheels together, ensuring that both wheels receive equal power, which is crucial for navigating difficult obstacles. Skid plates protect the undercarriage of the truck from rocks and other hazards, so you can confidently drive over rough terrain without worrying about damage. The off-road-tuned suspension provides a comfortable ride, even when the road gets rough. It also allows for increased ground clearance, allowing the Ranger to clear obstacles that would stop other trucks. The Ranger XLT FX4 also benefits from its robust four-wheel-drive system. The system can be easily engaged with a dial located in the cabin, allowing you to switch between 2WD, 4WD high, and 4WD low modes. This flexibility is invaluable when you're facing varied off-road conditions. The 4WD low mode provides maximum torque at low speeds, making it ideal for climbing steep hills or crawling over rocks. The Ranger XLT FX4 has impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles, which determine how well it can navigate obstacles without scraping its bumpers or undercarriage. The truck's ground clearance is also noteworthy, providing enough height to clear most obstacles that you'll encounter on the trail. The Ranger XLT FX4 is a genuinely capable off-road truck. Whether you're planning weekend adventures or need a truck for work in challenging environments, the Ranger XLT FX4 can handle it. The Ranger XLT FX4 is an excellent choice for those who crave adventure and enjoy exploring the outdoors. With its robust off-road capabilities, it's ready to take you places that other trucks can't.

Technology and Features: Modern and Connected

The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 doesn't skimp on technology. It offers a range of modern features designed to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system is a highlight, with a user-friendly touchscreen display that controls various functions, including navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The XLT trim typically includes Ford's SYNC infotainment system, which is known for its intuitive interface and responsive performance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone. This gives you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation apps directly on the truck's touchscreen. The Ranger XLT FX4 also offers a host of driver-assistance features, which enhance safety and convenience. These features include: a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering easier; blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots; lane-keeping assist, which helps you stay in your lane; and adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front. The Ranger XLT FX4 also has several convenient features, such as keyless entry and push-button start. The keyless entry system allows you to unlock the doors without taking the key out of your pocket or purse. The push-button start feature eliminates the need to insert and turn a key to start the engine. The sound system in the Ranger XLT FX4 is also worth noting. The XLT trim usually comes with a decent sound system, which provides clear and crisp audio quality. You can upgrade to a premium sound system for a more immersive audio experience. The Ranger XLT FX4 has a modern and connected cabin, packed with tech features designed to make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable. These tech features add a lot of convenience and make the driving experience more connected.

Safety Features: Protecting What Matters

Safety is a top priority for Ford, and the 2022 Ranger XLT FX4 is equipped with an impressive array of safety features. The truck is built with a high-strength steel frame and a robust body structure designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Several advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are included to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of a crash. Standard safety features include: anti-lock brakes (ABS), which prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking; electronic stability control (ESC), which helps maintain control of the vehicle in challenging driving conditions; and traction control, which prevents wheel spin. The Ranger XLT FX4 also features multiple airbags, including front airbags, side airbags, and side-curtain airbags, to provide additional protection in the event of a crash. The available driver-assistance features can significantly enhance safety. Blind-spot monitoring helps you to detect vehicles in your blind spots. The lane-keeping assist helps you stay in your lane, preventing unintentional lane departures. The adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. A rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind the truck when reversing, making parking and maneuvering easier. The Ranger XLT FX4's safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are generally good, which provides an extra layer of assurance. Ford takes safety seriously, and the 2022 Ranger XLT FX4 demonstrates its commitment by providing a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect you and your passengers. It provides peace of mind on the road, knowing that your safety is a priority.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Options to Suit Your Needs

The 2022 Ford Ranger offers a range of trim levels, each with its own set of features and pricing. This allows you to choose a truck that perfectly matches your needs and budget. The XLT trim, which we've been reviewing, sits in the middle of the Ranger lineup. It provides a good balance of features, performance, and value. Higher trims, such as the Lariat and the Raptor, offer even more features and capabilities but come with a higher price tag. Lower trims, such as the XL, are more affordable but may lack some of the features and amenities found in the XLT. The pricing of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 varies depending on the configuration and options selected. However, it generally falls within the mid-range of mid-size pickup trucks. The price is competitive when compared to other trucks in its class, offering excellent value for the features and performance. Ford also offers various packages that can be added to the XLT trim to enhance its capabilities or add more features. The FX4 package, which is the focus of this review, adds off-road enhancements. The technology package may include additional features such as a premium sound system or advanced driver-assistance systems. When considering the price, it's important to factor in the long-term value of the truck. The Ranger XLT FX4 is known for its durability and reliability, making it a good investment. The resale value of the truck is also typically strong, which can help offset the initial purchase cost. Choosing the right trim level and configuration is a crucial part of the buying process. You need to consider your driving needs and the features that are most important to you. The Ranger XLT FX4 offers a great starting point, with a blend of features, performance, and value that appeals to a wide range of buyers.

Competition: How Does it Stack Up?

The mid-size pickup truck segment is competitive, with several excellent options available. Let's see how the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 stacks up against its rivals: The Toyota Tacoma is a popular choice, known for its reliability and strong resale value. The Tacoma offers excellent off-road capabilities, particularly in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. However, the Ranger often has a more powerful engine and a more modern interior. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon share a platform and offer a range of engine options and trim levels. These trucks provide a comfortable ride and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, the Ranger's off-road capabilities, particularly with the FX4 package, may be superior. The Jeep Gladiator is unique, combining the practicality of a pickup truck with the off-road prowess of a Jeep Wrangler. The Gladiator offers removable doors and a folding windshield, making it ideal for open-air adventures. However, the Ranger XLT FX4 may provide a more refined on-road driving experience and better fuel economy. The Nissan Frontier has been completely redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new Frontier offers a modern design, improved technology, and a more comfortable interior. The Frontier's price is also competitive. When comparing the Ranger XLT FX4 to its competitors, it stands out for its well-rounded package. It offers a powerful engine, comfortable interior, and impressive off-road capabilities. While other trucks may excel in certain areas, the Ranger XLT FX4 delivers a solid performance in all key aspects. It's a great choice for those who want a versatile and capable mid-size pickup truck. The comparison among these trucks shows that the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 is a strong contender in a competitive segment. It provides a blend of performance, features, and value that makes it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Choices

Before making a final decision, it's essential to consider the pros and cons of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4. Here's a quick rundown to help you make an informed choice:

Pros:

  • Powerful Engine: The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine provides impressive power and acceleration.
  • Off-Road Capability: The FX4 package enhances off-road performance with features like an electronic locking rear differential and skid plates.
  • Comfortable Interior: The cabin is well-designed and comfortable, with ample space for passengers.
  • Modern Technology: The infotainment system is user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
  • Practical Design: The truck bed is designed for hauling cargo, with features like a bed liner and tie-down hooks.

Cons:

  • Fuel Economy: While the engine is powerful, fuel economy could be better compared to some competitors.
  • Ride Quality: The ride can be a bit firm, particularly on rough roads.
  • Interior Materials: While the materials are good, some competitors offer higher-quality interior finishes.
  • Optional Features: Some desirable features are only available as optional extras, which can increase the overall cost.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a versatile mid-size pickup truck that can handle both city driving and off-road adventures, the Ranger XLT FX4 is a great choice. It provides a blend of power, comfort, and capability that makes it an attractive option. However, if fuel economy and ride comfort are top priorities, you might want to consider other options.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice

In conclusion, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 is a well-rounded mid-size pickup truck that offers a lot to love. With its rugged design, powerful engine, comfortable interior, and impressive off-road capabilities, the Ranger XLT FX4 is ready to tackle whatever you throw its way. The FX4 package makes it a true off-road machine, while the XLT trim provides a balance of comfort and practicality. The technology features are modern and user-friendly, and the safety features are comprehensive. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as fuel economy and ride quality, the Ranger XLT FX4 remains a top choice in its class. Whether you're a weekend adventurer, a work-site warrior, or just looking for a reliable and capable truck for daily driving, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice that delivers on its promise of performance, capability, and value. If you're in the market for a mid-size pickup truck, put the Ranger XLT FX4 on your list. You won't be disappointed! Thanks for reading our review, guys! Happy trucking!