Ford has a highly capable lineup of pickup trucks, including the full-size F-150 and the midsize Ranger. Find out the differences between them in this 2023 Ford F-150 vs. 2023 Ford Ranger comparison.

2023 Ford F-150 vs. 2023 Ford Ranger: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Ford F-150 vs. 2023 Ford Ranger comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, payload, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Ford F-150 has a wide range of engine options that generate a high level of horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft). This includes a 3.3-liter V-6 (290 hp/265 lb-ft), 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 (325 hp/400 lb-ft), 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 (400 hp/500 lb-ft), 5.0-liter V-8 (400 hp/410 lb-ft), and 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid (430 hp/570 lb-ft). 

The F-150 also offers powerful engines for the Raptor (3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6: 450 hp/510 lb-ft) and Raptor R (Supercharged 5.2-liter V-8: 700 hp/640 lb-ft). Additionally, the electric powertrain in the F-150 Lightning produces up to 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque.

In comparison, all 2023 Ford Ranger models come equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

While the F-150 has more powerful engine options, the Ranger is more maneuverable. This is due to its smaller size, tighter turning circle, and lower weight.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Gas mileage

The standard F-150 gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 25 city/25 highway mpg. Also, for greater efficiency, the F-150 Lightning has a fuel economy rating of up to 76 city/61 highway MPGe. In comparison, the Ranger gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 21 city/26 highway mpg.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Towing and payload

The 2023 F-150 can tow more than the 2023 Ranger. It has a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, compared to 7,500 pounds for the Ranger. Also, the F-150 can haul a heavier load in the pickup bed. It has a maximum payload capacity of 2,238 pounds, compared to 1,905 pounds for the Ranger.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Off-road capabilities 

Both the F-150 and Ranger can more than hold their own for off-road action. Both pickup trucks offer a traction-enhancing four-wheel drive system and other features for aiding driving off the beaten path. They also have off-road-focused models. For the F-150, this includes the Raptor, Raptor R, Rattler, and Tremor, while the Ranger offers the Tremor and FX4. 

The most capable of the off-road trucks are the F-150 Raptor — and the even more powerful Raptor R. While a Raptor version of the Ranger will eventually be available in the United States, that won’t happen until the 2024 model year.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Safety

The F-150 has the advantage for safety — given its history. For the previous model year, the F-150 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, the Ranger didn’t receive a safety award from IIHS.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Passenger space

The 2023 F-150 is bigger than the 2023 Ranger, which results in more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 136 cu-ft, compared to 95 cu-ft for the Ranger.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, the F-150 and Ranger have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both pickup trucks are also very reliable, with a J.D. Power reliability rating of 86/100 for the F-150 and 85/100 for the Ranger.

F-150 vs. Ranger: Price

Which pickup truck costs more: the 2023 F-150 or the 2023 Ranger? The 2023 F-150 has a starting price of $34,585 MSRP, compared to $26,400 MSRP for the 2023 Ranger.

2023 Ford F-150 vs. 2023 Ford Ranger: Which pickup truck is better?

In this 2023 Ford F-150 vs. 2023 Ford Ranger pickup truck comparison, each pickup truck has various advantages. For the 2023 F-150, advantages include more powerful engines, gas mileage, towing, payload, off-road capabilities, and passenger space. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Ranger include maneuverability and a lower price.