The 2022 Ford Ranger 4WD 2.3L 4-cyl achieves 22 MPG combined. This isn’t a Prius; it’s a truck designed for hauling, towing, and navigating rough terrain, tasks that require more fuel than a crossover with all-wheel drive. The Ranger 4WD’s fuel economy isn’t stellar, but it’s generally accepted by those who need its specific capabilities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Ford Ranger 4WD’s fuel efficiency at 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the 2.3L EcoBoost engine works harder and spends more time idling. The highway figure, while a marginal improvement, still highlights the aerodynamic challenges inherent in a truck design.

Buyers should note that aggressive acceleration, even on the highway, will noticeably decrease the 24 MPG figure. The ten-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and responsive, can sometimes hesitate to downshift, which can subtly impact fuel consumption in both city and highway driving until the computer learns your driving habits.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2022 Ford Ranger 4WD. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year in mixed city and highway conditions, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation.

This $2,000 figure is a useful benchmark. However, drivers should factor in their actual driving and local fuel prices to get a more personalized estimate. Fluctuations in gas prices can significantly impact this annual cost. A driver with a heavier foot or who primarily drives in stop-and-go traffic can easily exceed this number, while a more conscientious driver may come in under.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing data, real-world fuel economy usually varies. Expect results to fall within a reasonable range depending on how the truck is driven. Hauling heavy loads or regularly engaging four-wheel drive will negatively impact fuel economy, potentially dropping below the EPA estimates. Conversely, driving conservatively on relatively flat terrain may yield results closer to the highway MPG rating.

Tire pressure, ambient temperature, and even the grade of gasoline used can all play a role in the final fuel consumption numbers. Keep these variables in mind when assessing your own RANGER MPG across all years.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2022 Ford Ranger 4WD places it in the middle of its competition. The Chevrolet Colorado 4WD with its base 2.5L four-cylinder engine achieves approximately 19 MPG combined, while the V6 Colorado gets around 18 MPG. The Toyota Tacoma 4×4 with its standard 3.5L V6 manages approximately 20 MPG combined. The Nissan Frontier 4×4, redesigned for 2022, is rated at 19 MPG combined with its 3.8L V6.

The Ranger’s figures are important for buyers who prioritize a balance of fuel efficiency and capability, as some competitors sacrifice MPG for increased horsepower and towing capacity. Checking all Ford fuel economy data gives important context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers ample power, but accelerating quickly from every stoplight will hurt your fuel economy. Focus on smooth, gradual acceleration to keep the turbocharger from working harder.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any unnecessary items from the truck bed and cab. Extra weight adds to the engine’s workload, which lowers fuel efficiency. Minimize clutter and only carry essential equipment.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on long highway stretches can improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps avoid sudden speed changes that waste fuel. However, disengage cruise control when navigating hilly terrain, as the system may aggressively downshift to maintain speed, which can negate any fuel savings.