In earlier decades, pickup trucks focused mostly on utility and functionality — but left much to be desired in terms of comfort. However, in recent years, trucks have placed a greater emphasis on comfort and luxury. The trade-off, though, is they are more expensive — but there are exceptions. According to the U.S. News and World Report, one of the most comfortable new pickup trucks costs only $25K: the 2022 Ford Ranger.

2022 Ford Ranger is one of the most comfortable pickup trucks, according to U.S. News

Pickup trucks are excellent for things like towing, hauling items in the bed, and driving off-road. Also, while you’re getting the tough jobs done, it’s nice to enjoy a comfortable ride. Trucks that combine both utility and comfort are in greater demand these days. 

And for comfort, the 2022 Ford Ranger is one of the best. U.S. News rates it as one of the most comfortable pickup trucks. Also, to enjoy high-level comfort, you might have to pay a great deal of money for a truck. However, the Ranger is a budget-friendly option. With a starting price of $25,930 MSRP, it’s the cheapest new model on the U.S. News list of most comfortable trucks. 

Why is the affordable 2022 Ford Ranger so comfortable?

There are multiple factors that make the 2022 Ford Ranger a comfortable pickup truck. Compared to some of its midsize truck rivals, it offers more rear-seat space — due to the available SuperCrew body style. Also, the Ranger’s front seats are supportive and comfortable. Ford ergonomically designed them to reduce fatigue and stiffness on long journeys — while still enabling drivers to have a high ride height for optimal visibility. 

Furthermore, the Ranger has a high-quality suspension, which absorbs the bumps from road imperfections and travel on uneven terrain. Plus, the truck offers a range of comfort and convenience features. This includes a dual-zone automatic climate control system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, voice-activated navigation, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a six-way power front passenger seat, and adaptive cruise control.

Along with the comfort aspects, U.S. News likes the Ranger’s turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The media site is also impressed with the midsize truck’s maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. Also, the Ranger is reliable, with a J.D. Power reliability rating of 86/100. 

Other models on the U.S. News list of most comfortable pickup trucks

While the 2022 Ford Ranger is the cheapest new vehicle on the U.S. News list of most comfortable pickup trucks, there are some other affordable choices. This includes the 2022 Chevy Colorado ($26,135 MSRP), 2022 Toyota Tacoma ($27,150 MSRP), and 2022 GMC Canyon ($27,500 MSRP).

Here is the U.S. News list of the most comfortable pickup trucks — in order of cheapest to most expensive: 

1. 2022 Ford Ranger: $25,930 MSRP
2. 2022 Chevy Colorado: $26,135 MSRP
3. 2022 Toyota Tacoma: $27,150 MSR
4. 2022 GMC Canyon: $27,500 MSRP
5. 2022 Nissan Frontier: $28,690 MSRP
6. 2022 Ford F-150: $31,520 MSRP
7. 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500: $34,600 MSRP
8. 2022 GMC Sierra 1500: $35,400 MSRP
9. 2022 Toyota Tundra: $35,950 MSRP
10. 2022 Ram 1500: $37,090 MSRP
11. 2022 Jeep Gladiator: $37,170 MSRP
12. 2022 Honda Ridgeline: $38,140 MSRP
13. 2022 Nissan Titan: $38,810 MSRP 

As you can see in the U.S. News list, you don’t have to destroy your budget to drive a comfortable pickup truck. This is most evidenced by the cheapest truck on the list, the 2022 Ford Ranger.