Configurator Challenge: 2023 Ford Ranger
The official Australian configurator for the new Ford Ranger is now available, so we let the Drive team loose to build their ideal version of the popular new ute.
Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the Drive team loose on a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal combination for a certain model.
The all-new 2023 Ford Ranger was the focus of this week’s challenge, after Ford Australia’s ‘build and price’ tool went live on Thursday night for all variants – including the twin-turbo V6 Raptor hero.
Let us know what your ideal 2023 Ford Ranger would look like in the comments below (configure yours here), and the cars you’d like us to configure next.
Joshua Dowling, National Motoring Editor
Full disclosure: I have a head-start on my Drive colleagues for this Configurator Challenge because I have already specced up a car.
I’ve ordered a Ford Ranger Raptor in white without stripes and without beadlock-capable wheels.
I’ve owned a black Ford Ranger Raptor before and it looked good the day I bought it and the day I sold it. So white for me this time.
It means I save $675 on metallic paint, $500 on the factory-fitted stripes, and $2000 on optional beadlock-capable wheels (which, if ordered after delivery of the car, cost $5000 for the rims only).
On the Ford website – with NSW metropolitan area private registration – this comes to $92,127 drive-away as a guide.
I’m looking forward to experiencing how a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and 10-speed auto move 2.4 tonnes of pick-up.
But, as was the case for many Ford Ranger buyers, it was a tough choice.
I also looked at a Ford Ranger Wildtrak (in white) but with the single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
The standard Ford Ranger Wildtrak with the twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel is listed at $73,228 drive-away (metro Sydney registration) on Ford’s website. But I ticked the option for the matrix LED headlights ($1500) and single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel ($3000), which with stamp duty came to $77,913 drive-away as an estimate on the Ford website.
If the budget doesn’t stretch that far, I reckon possibly the best buy is the Ford Ranger XLT twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. In standard form it lists at $67,098 drive-away on the Ford website (metro Sydney registration) but I optioned ‘Blue Lightning’ metallic blue paint ($675) which with stamp duty came to $67,794 drive-way.
The fuel efficiency of this engine appeals, as does (what I expect to be) the softer ride on the 17-inch wheels and tyres, and the cloth seats (so you don’t burn the back of your legs in summer).
My wish list: to be able to option the matrix LED headlights on the XLT model grade. Now that would be a good set-up.
Kez Casey, Production Editor
With the near-ubiquity of dual-cab utes, I had to opt for something just a tiny bit different.
When you see the ‘Super Cab’ Ranger in pics, it really stands out from the pack – and its limited availability (XL and XLT only) makes it a rarer beast still. That added tray length, and some dry and secure in cabin storage feels like just the thing for my adventure-seeking, alternate-universe self.
I’ve opted for the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine and XLT trim. There’s no V6 extra-cab available, but you can bet if there was it would absolutely be my pick.
Since I have a bit of history with monochrome cars in my own garage, Meteor Grey was a sure-fire bet, but it was hard to go past Lightning Blue – it’s such a nice shade and almost made the cut.
With no other options to pick, the rest is standard XLT fare, from the dark 17-inch alloy wheels, to the chrome exterior trimmings, and the rear sports bar in the tub and tow bar out the back. Inside there’s a massive 10.1-inch touchscreen and digital instruments, with cloth trim.
Simple though it may be, Ford’s pricing estimate sees me rack up a $64,570 drive-way (in Melbourne) bill for the XLT extra-cab. That’s sure to keep these relatively rare in the real world
Susannah Guthrie, Senior Journalist
I’m not exactly your typical ute buyer, but I will say the Raptor has always appealed to me.
Firstly, I’m typically not a fan of diesel engines (as I mentioned, not your typical ute buyer), and since this is the only petrol Ranger available, that’s an easy call. Secondly, I’ve always loved the integrated Ford branding in the grille which I predict will continue to spark copycats for years to come.
I was tempted by the ‘Code Orange’ paint option but I don’t like being stared at so I went for the more subtle ‘conquer grey’. In my personal opinion, the black and red leather-accented interior that comes as standard on the Raptor is truly hideous, but my Dad is a diehard Bombers supporter, so at least he’ll be happy with it.
Apparently the whole thing is going to cost me $91,577 drive-away. But being able to help my friends move house? Priceless.
Tom Fraser, Journalist
It took a lot to go past the Ranger Raptor, but if I was buying a new Ranger I’d be wholly comfortable in the Ranger Sport specification.
Still keen on six-cylinder power, I chose the extra power provided by the 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine (184kW/600Nm).
I’m a big fan of the Blue Lightning colour which costs $675 extra. There are no interior upholstery options other than the standard black outfit which is a bit of a shame.
As it stands my Ranger Sport would cost $72,270 drive-away if delivered in Melbourne.
Unfortunately there are relatively few ways to customise your Ranger on the configurator at the moment, but hopefully Ford opens up more options on the Ranger at some point.
Ben Zachariah, Journalist
For years now I’ve been trying to tell anyone who would listen that modern utes can be turned into fun, practical sports cars – if the right formula is applied. The Ranger may not be offered with a manual in this new generation, but for around $70k you can get a vehicle with 600Nm and all-wheel drive – all the ingredients you need for some fun mobbing.
My choice is the Ranger XLT – the lowliest variant available with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. Its 184kW is fine, but the big torque figure and the 10-speed automatic should give it everything it needs to deliver enjoyment on the roads. Add the Touring Pack for the 360-degree cameras and the Tough Bedliner for longevity and resale value, finish it in Shadow Black, and it’s done… almost.
I already have two four-wheel-drives, I don’t really need another. And off-road Rangers are everywhere. Which means I’d be looking to lower the dual-cab ute on a set of TE37 alloy wheels with some sticky rubber (and white lettering), along with some upgraded suspension bushings. All it needs is a rear canopy to help even weight distribution and you’ve got yourself a fun family hauler with heaps of practicality.
Alex Misoyannis, Journalist
As fast and tough as the Raptor is, I can’t justify spending close to $95,000 drive-away on a ute, and 292kW is a lot for all-terrain tyres on suburban streets – so one of the diesels it is, specifically the new 3.0-litre V6.
But when you spec each variant up, the price difference between an XLT and Wildtrak is “only” about $6000 – and they’re all features you really should get as standard for $70,000 drive-away, but don’t on an XLT, like wireless phone charging, heated leather seats, a 360-degree camera and the larger infotainment screen.
So the Wildtrak V6 it was for me, loaded to the walls with $675 worth of Luxe Yellow metallic paint, and the $1500 Wildtrak Premium Pack, with matrix LED headlights and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
The final price comes out to $78,609 drive-away, using my Sydney postcode.
That’s a hell of a lot for a Ford commercial vehicle, but given you can spend similar money on a Mazda BT-50 Thunder – and end up with less power, less tech and less safety tech (but some tacked-on accessories), it’s not so bad.
Build your own 2023 Ford Ranger at the official configurator here.
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