Ranger

Make
Ford
Segment
Sports Car

The all-new 2023 Ford Ranger will have the same pair of vertical Sync 4 touchscreens as found in the Mustang Mach-E and 2022 Expedition. We guess that's just par for the course when you invest a billion dollars in a new car.

Not two screens at the same time, however, according to Blue Oval sources. The standard screen on mid-spec models will be a 10.1-inch vertical display, while high-end models like the turbocharged V6 diesel will come with a full-size 12-inch vertical screen.

The latter will likely also be an option on specific models. Ford could choose to incorporate a much earlier version of Sync with only the most basic features for third-world countries, where the Ranger is mainly considered a workhorse, but we think this is doubtful.

Sync 4 and the updated 4A system come with several significant enhancements over previous versions of Ford's infotainment operating software. Both versions boast enhanced voice recognition, over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and customizable main screen options. Because it can receive over-the-air updates, the system can be upgraded over the new Ranger's entire lifecycle.

While large infotainment screens are the norm these days, they can be a pain when a manufacturer decides to move all functions to said screen. Thankfully, Ford did not fall into that trap.

The buttons for the manual air conditioning on base models are located underneath the smaller 10.1-inch screen, while the essential off-road controls are located in front of the manual shifter. The same is true of the high-spec model with the 12-inch screen. In addition to that, the Ranger also comes with a digital instrument cluster and several buttons on the steering wheel.

From what we've experienced in the Mach-E, it's pretty easy to answer phone calls or change the music directly from the steering wheel without taking your eyes off the road.

The next Ranger is set to be quite something. It will be a global model offering several engine options and new technologies. Unfortunately, the US is near the bottom of the waiting list, which means we'll only get the Ranger long after the rest of the world.