2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4: A Comprehensive Review

Hey truck enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4, a mid-size pickup that's been making waves. We'll be taking a comprehensive look at what makes this truck tick, from its rugged off-road capabilities to its everyday usability. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a detailed exploration of the Ranger XLT FX4, breaking down its features, performance, and overall value proposition. We'll examine everything from its engine options and interior comfort to its off-road prowess and technology offerings. Whether you're considering buying one or you're just a curious gearhead, this review is designed to give you a complete picture of what the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 has to offer. Get ready to discover if this truck is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle. Let's get started!

Unveiling the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4: What's New?

So, what exactly is the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4? It's a mid-size pickup truck that blends practicality with off-road capability. The XLT trim sits in the middle of the Ranger lineup, offering a balance of features and affordability, while the FX4 package adds a significant dose of off-road hardware. This combination makes the Ranger XLT FX4 a versatile choice, capable of handling daily commutes and weekend adventures alike. The 2022 model year brought some minor updates, including available new exterior colors and updated technology features. However, the core of the truck remained the same, meaning you still get a powerful engine, a comfortable interior, and a robust suspension system designed to tackle tough terrain. One of the key strengths of the Ranger XLT FX4 is its well-rounded nature. It's not just an off-road beast; it's also a practical work truck and a comfortable daily driver. This versatility makes it appealing to a wide range of buyers, from outdoor enthusiasts to those who simply need a reliable pickup for work or family duties. The FX4 package, in particular, is a highlight, as it includes features like an electronic locking rear differential, off-road-tuned suspension, and skid plates, which significantly enhance the truck's ability to navigate challenging trails and obstacles. For 2022, Ford kept the focus on refining the existing formula rather than making major changes, ensuring that the Ranger XLT FX4 continued to offer a compelling blend of capability, comfort, and value. The 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 continues to impress. Let's dig deeper, shall we?

Engine and Performance: Power and Capability

Alright guys, let's talk about what's under the hood of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4. The heart of this truck is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This engine is a real powerhouse, delivering a robust 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which helps to maximize both performance and fuel efficiency. The 2.3L EcoBoost is known for its responsive acceleration and ample power, making the Ranger feel quick and capable in various driving situations. Whether you're merging onto the highway or towing a trailer, this engine provides plenty of grunt. The FX4 package adds significant off-road capability. This includes an electronic-locking rear differential, which helps to provide maximum traction in challenging conditions. When you're tackling muddy trails or rocky terrain, the locking rear differential ensures that power is delivered to the wheels with the most grip, helping you to maintain forward momentum. The FX4 also features an off-road-tuned suspension, which provides a comfortable ride on rough surfaces and helps to absorb bumps and impacts. This suspension setup is designed to handle the rigors of off-road driving, allowing you to confidently navigate trails and obstacles. Skid plates are another key component of the FX4 package. These protective plates shield the undercarriage from damage, preventing rocks and other debris from harming critical components like the engine, transmission, and fuel tank. This added protection is essential when you're exploring off-road trails, as it helps to ensure the truck's longevity and reliability. With the EcoBoost engine and the FX4 package, the Ranger XLT FX4 offers a compelling blend of power, capability, and off-road prowess. It's a truck that can handle both the daily commute and weekend adventures with ease.

Interior and Technology: Comfort and Convenience

Step inside the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4, and you'll find a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The XLT trim offers a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience, from comfortable seating to user-friendly technology. The interior materials are generally of good quality, and the design is functional and modern. The seats provide good support, making them comfortable for long drives. There's plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, and the overall layout is intuitive and easy to navigate. The Ranger XLT FX4 comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, which serves as the central hub for your entertainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. The system is responsive and easy to use, with a clear display and intuitive menus. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps and features. Additional technology features include a rearview camera, which is essential for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The XLT trim also offers available features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which can enhance safety and convenience on the road. The interior of the Ranger XLT FX4 is designed to provide a comfortable and functional environment for both the driver and passengers. With its well-designed layout, comfortable seating, and user-friendly technology, the cabin makes every journey a pleasant experience. Ford has done a great job of balancing practicality with comfort in this mid-size pickup. The technology features are well-integrated and easy to use, making them a welcome addition to the driving experience.

Off-Road Prowess: Conquering the Trails

Now, let's get to the fun stuff: the off-road capabilities of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4. This is where the FX4 package truly shines. As we've mentioned, the FX4 adds several key features that enhance the truck's ability to conquer challenging terrain. The electronic-locking rear differential is a game-changer. When engaged, it locks the rear wheels together, forcing them to turn at the same speed. This provides maximum traction in low-grip situations, such as mud, sand, or snow. The off-road-tuned suspension is another crucial element. It provides a comfortable ride on rough surfaces while also allowing for greater wheel travel. This means the wheels can move up and down independently, maintaining contact with the ground and providing better traction. Skid plates are also included in the FX4 package, protecting vital components from damage. These plates are located under the engine, transmission, and fuel tank, shielding them from rocks, roots, and other hazards. Hill Descent Control is another valuable feature. It automatically controls the truck's speed when descending steep hills, allowing you to focus on steering. This feature is particularly helpful on challenging off-road trails. The Ranger XLT FX4 also boasts impressive ground clearance and approach/departure angles, allowing it to navigate obstacles with ease. The combination of these features makes the Ranger XLT FX4 a capable off-road machine, ready to tackle a variety of trails and conditions. Whether you're exploring backcountry roads or tackling more challenging off-road trails, the Ranger XLT FX4 provides the confidence and capability you need. It's a true testament to Ford's commitment to building rugged and capable trucks.

Fuel Economy and Towing Capacity: Efficiency and Strength

Let's talk about the practical aspects of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4: fuel economy and towing capacity. These are important considerations for any truck owner. The Ranger XLT FX4, with its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, delivers respectable fuel efficiency for its class. You can expect to get around 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions. Regarding towing, the Ranger XLT FX4 is a strong performer. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,500 pounds. This is more than enough for most recreational needs, such as towing a boat, trailer, or camper. The Ranger also has a payload capacity of around 1,560 pounds, which means you can carry a significant amount of cargo in the bed. Ford provides a comprehensive towing guide to help you determine the appropriate towing equipment and ensure safe and efficient towing. Overall, the Ranger XLT FX4 offers a good balance of fuel efficiency and towing capacity. It's a versatile truck that can handle both daily driving and occasional towing tasks. The fuel economy is reasonable for a truck of its size, and the towing capacity is competitive in its class. These are important factors to consider when evaluating the overall value proposition of the Ranger XLT FX4.

Trim Levels and Options: Customizing Your Ride

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 trim levels and options. The XLT trim sits in the middle of the Ranger lineup, offering a balance of features and affordability. However, Ford provides a range of options that allow you to customize your truck to meet your specific needs and preferences. The FX4 package, as we've discussed, is a key option for those who want enhanced off-road capability. It includes an electronic-locking rear differential, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, and other features designed to improve off-road performance. Other available options include a Technology Package, which adds features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can enhance safety and convenience on the road. The Ranger also offers various appearance packages, such as the Sport Appearance Package, which adds unique styling elements like black-painted wheels and exterior accents. You can also choose from a range of bed configurations, including a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. These options allow you to tailor the truck to your specific cargo-carrying needs. The Ranger XLT FX4 is available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, offering seating for four or five passengers. You can also choose from a range of exterior colors and interior materials. Ford offers a wide array of accessories, from bed liners and tonneau covers to off-road lights and winches. These accessories allow you to further customize your truck and enhance its functionality and style. With its range of trim levels, options, and accessories, the Ranger XLT FX4 provides plenty of opportunities for customization. Whether you're looking for enhanced off-road capability, advanced technology features, or unique styling elements, there's a Ranger configuration to suit your needs.

The Verdict: Is the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 Right for You?

So, after a thorough review, is the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 the right truck for you? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities, but let's break it down. If you're looking for a mid-size pickup that offers a good balance of capability, comfort, and value, the Ranger XLT FX4 is definitely worth considering. It's a versatile truck that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and light work duties with ease. The FX4 package is a key selling point, as it significantly enhances the truck's off-road prowess. If you enjoy exploring trails and tackling challenging terrain, the FX4 is a must-have. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides ample power and responsiveness, and the 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient performance. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with a user-friendly infotainment system and a range of available technology features. However, it's important to consider your specific needs. If you require maximum towing capacity, you might want to consider a full-size truck. If fuel economy is your top priority, there might be more efficient options available. Overall, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 is a well-rounded and capable mid-size pickup truck. It offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and value, making it a strong contender in its class. If you're in the market for a truck that can handle both on-road and off-road driving, the Ranger XLT FX4 is definitely worth a closer look. It's a reliable and versatile choice for a wide range of buyers.