The 2023 Ford Ranger represents the latest and most technologically advanced version of Ford’s most compact pickup truck, and because the Ranger is already the best-selling - and therefore, the most popular - pickup in the UK, it’s incredibly desirable. That’s helped by the chunky styling, which borrows heavily from the larger Ford F-150 truck that sells so well in the United States. It’ll also be helped by the fact that the Ranger comes with a higher level of build quality and creature comforts than pickup drivers will be used to, and it’s more enjoyable to drive than any truck has the right to be.

Strengths:

Most enjoyable pickup to drive, period
Lots of on-board tech
As practical as a pickup should be

Weaknesses:

Looks pricey next to equivalents from Ssangyong and Isuzu
Feels very big on the road
All versions are rather thirsty

Is the 2023 Ford Ranger better than the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok?

Funny you should ask, as it happens, because underneath the two vehicles’ differing bodywork, they’re actually very similar mechanically. That’s because they were developed as part of a joint commercial vehicle project between Ford and Volkswagen. Of the pair, we marginally prefer the Ford because we think it looks cooler and it gives you slightly more luxury equipment for slightly less money, but otherwise, there really isn’t much in it.