The new 2023 Ranger is on the roads - can it tow? Maximum towing capacity?

The new 2023 Ranger is on the roads - can it tow? Maximum towing capacity?

Ford's taken a great pickup truck and made it even better. The Ranger is one of the sportiest-looking pickups on sale. Its angular front end comes with plenty of contrasting intakes, skid plates and trims that will make anyone driving feel muscular.

The latest Ranger offers an impressive blend of good on-road dynamics and working truck abilities with comfort for the driver and passengers. Buyers demand vehicles that are not only competent off-road workhorses but are also comfortable and pleasant to drive between jobs.

The new Ranger is available as a two-door Single Cab body style or a four-seat Double Cab layout. Entry-level models come with washable interiors, steel wheels and lashings of black plastic, but if you step up to Wildtrak (or the off-road-focused Raptor) you get a more luxurious interior and a choice of striking exterior colours.

All models get four-wheel drive and the option of adding a locking rear differential (standard with the Wildtrak and Raptor) to improve off-road ability. The frame is an upgraded version of the existing one, because some things don’t need reinventing, and a ladder chassis and leaf-sprung rear live axle are still the set-up of choice for maximising payload.

Space in the load bay changes depending on which cab design you choose too, so Single Cab trucks have more space than Super Cab models which, in turn, are roomier than the Double Cab. Similarly, Single Cab trucks can carry heavier loads (up to more than 1,200kg) than Super Cabs and Double Cabs, and the fastest Raptor models – with their off-road-focused suspension – are limited to just 600kg.

If carrying heavy loads is something you’ll be doing regularly, you’ll want a Ford Ranger with a 213hp diesel engine. There are less powerful models available if you need to carry bulky, yet light, payloads. The Ford Ranger’s towing limit for a braked trailer is 3,500kg.

Major changes from the predecessor include: the front wheels have been moved forwards by 50mm, which has the effect of lengthening the wheelbase and reducing the front overhang. The tracks are also 50mm wider, making space for the V6.  The wheel arches are more neatly incorporated as flares, and there’s a shoulder line running down the sides.  The low level of engine noise that makes its way into the Ranger’s cabin is really impressive, which will be of particular interest to those mulling over the idea of running a pickup as their only vehicle. 

The main Ford Ranger engine line-up is rather simple – there's a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit available with either 168bhp or 202bhp (badged EcoBlue 170 and EcoBlue 205), or a 237bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel (badged EcoBlue V6 240). Do not forget the top-of-the-line Raptor version with 3.0-litre, 288bhp V6 turbocharged petrol.

The Ranger manages to provide a far more settled and refined ride than cheaper competitors, like the Hilux.  This is also one of the most nimble pick-ups/utes you can buy. As you turn into a tight corner, you appreciate the steering's accuracy and response, as well as the resistance to body lean, which is a particular problem in the Hilux.

The seats are comfortable for the driver and passengers and the interior quality is more SUV than pick-up with full-leather seats available. The Wildtrak gives a refined interior. Choose XL or XLT and you will get the expected black plastic, which might very well be preferred on a work vehicle.

The general design is the same on all Rangers, including the big screens. Lower trims get a 10.1in item, while Wildtrak and above get a 12.0in one. The climate functions are permanently displayed at the bottom of the screen as well as physical controls.

The gauge cluster is digital too, even on the cheapest models, and the Raptor and upcoming Platinum gain a larger screen. It’s not the most configurable, but it’s clear enough and easy to navigate using the steering wheel buttons.

All Rangers incorporate Ford’s latest infotainment software, Sync 4, on a large portrait touchscreen. The screen is completely vertical and positioned fairly low compared with your eye line. That makes it less distracting while driving but also means the viewing angle is not perfect, although the interface itself is very practical and easy to use. 

If you are in the market for a practical ute that’ll cope with heavy payloads as well as it tackles winding roads or the city, the Ford Ranger is well worth a look.
Amarok or Ranger - despite now being a shared platform vehicle they are remarkably different - long drives and creature comforts set the VW apart, but less payload - test drive each to compare. 

Need a towbar for your new Ranger - look no further.