Just thought i would join just to share information and learn as well and maybe people shopping will have some real world info. I just bought my 2023 Ford Ranger Lariat 4x4 this week but have had time to take a road trip and so far would like to share my findings.

Pros so far for me
1. MPG - In-Town 20 to 21, Highway topped out at 23.8 (Very good in my opinion) a longer straight trip may yield a bit better.
2. Adaptive Cruise control.. (Works incredibly well and i love it)
3. Lane Keeping assistant (Works good, not quite as subtle to maintain exact center as i want, but really good)... For safety at least one hand must remain on the wheel... what i noticed is that when you have LKA on and your hand it is super ez to drive... its like you kind of just barely compensate for the LKU here and there and it feels so good as if it encourages you to do this so). Very very relaxing.
4. B&O stereo system is rock solid, Android auto works great... the touch screen is way snappier/crisper to the touch than my 2019 ford explorer.
5. I love the layout... some people will claim its dated because its been around a while but for me its like they had years to get it right and maybe not the latest style but great for functionality.

Cons so far for me
1. The power seats are not fully power... aka the upright angle control is manual... even though i have the 4 way power seats... The power package on mine which is supposed to be fully loaded has the power lumber, power elevation/tilt/slide fwd/back.
2. The head rests are really pronounced fwd strangely and while you can adjust the height of the head rest you cannot adjust this pronounced angle like i could on my explorer strangely.
3. Low IDLE/RPO whistle.... The idle low rpm engine sounds are not very quiet... There is a high pitched whistle in the background during low acceleration you can really hear it. And just pulling into the Drive thru at a restaurant the engine is fairly loud at idle... Not nearly as quiet as my old Ford Explorer 3.5 v6. It doesn't sound bad it just seems to have allot more going on at idle... But its not anything too bad or noticeable in the cabin when you close windows and are listening to music. But that whistle in the background at low idle/rpm sounds ALLOT like ambulance way in the distance which is a bit annoying.

Other:
Would i buy it again so far? Absolutely... I love it still... It feels trucky and reliable and i love her so far.
I have not used the 4x4 mode yet so i have no input.

 

I've put 6k miles on my Ranger and I've driven easily long enough to weigh in on mpg and towing now. Highway mpg for 70 to 75mph was 23.9 to 24.5 mpg depending on how how many passengers etc... City driving alone i consistently get btw 22.3 to 23.9 mpg. Towing around 4700 lbs single axle RV trailer I got 11.9 to 13.6 mpg depending on the geography/conditions and traveling btw 63 and 67mph typically with a 1200 lb payload. Plenty of power towing this weight and matter of fact i plan on upgrading my trailer soon. I did notice the Bow wave effect when semi's pass but I had that with my other vehicle too and learned how to handle it. I also expect this to diminish a little with a heavier trailer along with dual axle.

Hopefully this info helps those curious.