Why the 2023 Ford Ranger won't be as good off-road - it's a matter of physics!

The new-generation Ford Ranger 2023 line-up sees a longer wheelbase, which makes it less appealing for serious off-roaders, CarsGuide can reveal.

That’s because the longer wheelbase - now 3270mm, up 50mm on the previous-gen Ranger - has an adverse effect on the ramp breakover angle of the new ute.

The new breakover angle for 2023 Ranger models is 21 degrees on XLT and Wildtrak, and 20 degrees on XL and XLS. For context, the last-gen model had a rampover angle of 25 degrees, and not even the new-gen Raptor can match that, with 24 degrees.

The XLT, Sport and Wildtrak models have an approach angle of 30 degrees, which is one degree more than before. For XL and XLS that dimension remains at 29 degrees, while the bluff front end on the new Raptor offers a 32-degree approach.

Departure angle is still affected by the standard fitment of a towbar for XLT, Sport and Wildtrak at 23 degrees (but it was 21 degress in the last gen model), while XL and XLS pick-up models offer 25 degrees due to no towbar being fitted, while Raptor also offers a 25 degree departure angle. The cab-chassis version of XL offers 29 degree departure. 

Ground clearance is also less, now 234mm - down 3mm - and that’s for XLT, Sport and Wildtrak models. The XL and XLS have 224mm of ground clearance unladen. Raptor is said to have considerably more, with 274mm of running clearance.

Wading depth remains at 800mm for all models, except Raptor, which is 850mm.

Curious about what all those angles mean for 4x4 enthusiasts? Fear not - we’ve got a 4WD comparison test coming soon to our AdventureGuide section of the site.

Interestingly, the new-gen Ranger is actually shorter nose-to-tail than the last model, at 5370mm long, and it spans 2208mm wide (inc mirrors), and 1886mm tall.

The track width is increased compared to the last model, up to 1650mm (was 1560mm), offering a more planted feel for the Ranger on- or off-road. 

What about the tray/tub dimensions? We’ve got those, too.

The pick-up box, as Ford calls it, is now 1547mm long at the floor on double-cab models, and 1845mm for super-cab/extra-cab versions. 

The pick-up box width is identical no matter whether you choose dual- or space-cab, at 1584mm, while the gap between the wheel-arches is 1224mm - big enough for an Aussie standard pallet (1165mm x 1165mm). Ford boasts you can fit a Euro pallet between the wheelhouses, and you’ll actually fit two in length-ways if you keep the tailgate down.

Tailgate opening width is 1413mm, and the dub depth is 529mm.

If you’re wondering about how easy it will be to clamber up into the tub, fear not - the clever step at the rear sides of the cargo box means stepping in and out is significantly easier than ever before.

Even so, the height from the tub floor to the ground is 816mm on XL and XLS, 827mm for XLT, Sport and Wildtrak, and (get the pole vault ready) 867mm for the Raptor.

And if you want to see how the Ford Ranger stacks up as a work ute for tradies, we’ve got detailed coverage of multiple grades of the new-gen Ranger line-up coming soon.