One of the most well-reviewed midsize pickups on the market is the 2022 Ford Ranger. As a popular model, it’s no surprise if you have questions about it. Although the majority of reviews are positive, there are always cons to owning any vehicle. Before you buy the midsize truck, what are the cons of owning a 2022 Ford Ranger?

Cons of owning a 2022 Ford Ranger: Fuel economy

The Ranger does not get good fuel economy even by pickup truck standards. According to Consumer Reports, it averages 14 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. As a result, it falls short of its sibling, the Ford Maverick, as well as the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Moreover, similarly-sized trucks get almost the same gas mileage as the Ranger. The Honda Ridgeline, for example, also gets a combined 20 mpg. However, when fuel costs $5 per gallon, it doesn’t matter what other models can do.

That’s why fuel economy is a con of owning the Ranger and most trucks. Consumer Reports estimates owning the midsize truck will run you around $2,685 annually in gasoline costs alone. Add that to the payment for the $25,980-$39,730 truck, and you’ve got yourself an expensive vehicle.

The Ranger’s ride could be better

Consumer Reports called the Ranger’s ride “punishing” overall. Furthermore, it has clumsy handling to go along with it. In addition, the stiff and jumpy ride is nothing to write home about. CR sums it up as driving like a typical pickup truck. This means it feels stiff, jolts passengers, and is the opposite of luxurious. Those paying upwards of $30,000 for a premium truck ride will be disappointed with the Ford Ranger overall.

To make your trip inside the Ranger worse, it’s not nearly as quiet as the competition. CR says it has a noisy engine during startup and while driving slowly through a parking lot. Plus, upping the power to highway speeds causes significant wind noise and tire tread noise. All of the sounds combine to make the Ranger loud as well as uncomfortable from the stiff pickup truck ride quality.

Ford Ranger base model lacks technology

According to Car and Driver, a con of owning the 2022 Ford Ranger is a lack of base model technology. Without modern infotainment features, any vehicle feels outdated. However, the midsize truck segment has models like the Honda Ridgeline, which comes well-equipped from the start. Even for the low starting price of $25,980, we’d expect more from the base model Ford Ranger. Only buy a Ranger XL if you want a basic midsize truck without much else to offer.

For example, the Ranger XL has 16-inch steel wheels, a manually locking tailgate, air conditioning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a four-speaker sound system, and forward collision mitigation. After that, buyers need to get the optional packages for their Ranger to gain other features and tech.

More specifically, the 101A package adds cruise control, power mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a larger center screen, a Sync 3 infotainment system, and six speakers. Next, the available Co-Pilot360 packages contains blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keeping assist.

Cons of owning a 2022 Ford Ranger

In conclusion, there are a few cons of owning a 2022 Ford Ranger. Using the expert opinions of Consumer Reports and Car and Driver, we’ve determined which are most vital. Primarily, fuel economy, ride quality, and a lack of base model technology are the biggest downfalls. However, the Ranger is an excellent overall midsize truck with a lot to love. That’s why it’s considered one of the best in its class.