Greater than two years on from its debut, the present Ford Ranger remains to be the dual-cab ute king.
Not solely was it the best-selling car bar none in Australia in 2023, it’s sitting atop the VFACTS gross sales for 2024 forward of the Toyota HiLux.
Other than a number of changes to its tools listing, the introduction of some special-editions, and the requisite value rises since its debut, little or no in regards to the Blue Oval’s best-seller has modified.
However outdoors of Ford’s 4 partitions, the ute market has developed quick. On the backside finish, the trickle of inexpensive Chinese language utes coming to chop the bottom mannequin’s lunch has change into a flood.
On the high finish, Toyota has rolled out mild-hybrid expertise for the HiLux, Isuzu has overhauled the D-Max, and BYD is coming with the plug-in hybrid Shark 6 to actually shake issues up.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluate of the 2023 Ford Ranger XLT V6
The Ranger is perhaps the highest canine for now, however there are many rivals gunning for its crown. We’ve hopped again into the XLT V6 to see if it’s nonetheless received what it takes.
How does the Ford Ranger evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Ford Ranger in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
Ford
Ranger
How a lot does the Ford Ranger value?
We hope you’re sitting someplace comfy, as a result of it is a huge lineup due to an enormous mixture of drivetrains, physique types, and trim decisions.
Ranger XL
Ranger Black Version
Ranger XLS
Ranger XLT
Ranger Sport
Ranger Tremor
Ranger Wildtrak
Ranger Platinum
Ranger Raptor
To see how the Ford Ranger compares to its rivals, try our comparability device
What’s the Ford Ranger like on the within?
Greater than two years after its debut, the Ranger remains to be probably the most trendy dual-cab ute available on the market… not less than earlier than you begin larger, considerably dearer American pickups.
With a tilting and telescoping wheel, well-padded seats that accomodate tall drivers, and loads of storage up entrance, it’s nonetheless the most effective ute on the market should you’re planning to spend lengthy stints on the freeway.
Even with out the leather-based trim, heated seats, and fancy stitching of the Wildtrak, it’s a high quality place to spend time.
Though the XLT solely will get a 10-inch show as a substitute of the 12-inch touchscreen within the Wildtrak, it’s nonetheless larger and higher than what’s on provide in a HiLux or D-Max. Ford has polished the software program since launch, with new icons and hues that debuted within the Ranger Platinum.
The menu construction is logical, and the quantity of display screen actual property means key data isn’t buried. It’s doable to have your mapping, radio preferences, and local weather particulars on show , for instance. In contrast to earlier examples, there isn’t a awkward lagging or stuttering between screens right here.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay related flawlessly for us, however on longer journeys we used USB-C to protect telephone battery.
The digital instrument cluster is kind of fundamental; solely the Ranger Raptor and Platinum get a totally featured 12-inch setup. It reveals your velocity, revs, and journey data, however can’t be arrange with mapping for instance.
FordPass Join is customary on the Ranger, and permits homeowners to lock or unlock and remotely begin their automotive, discover their automotive, test their gas degree, activate the outside lighting, and even test the indications in your trailer are working.
It seems like Ford has actually considered the way to value-add with its app within the Ranger, slightly than simply translating passenger automotive expertise right into a car with a special set of targets.
Space for storing across the cabin is plentiful. The central bin is deep, the door pockets have loads of room, there are two cupholders on the transmission tunnel, and the slot beneath the dashboard is large. The slot forward of the gear selector is ideal for a big McDonald’s fries.
You don’t get the neat pop-out cupholders on every finish of the dashboard, nor the additional pop-up glovebox atop the sprint from the Wildtrak.
Rear seat area is high quality, however doesn’t really feel like a lot of a step on from what was beforehand on provide.
Legroom and headroom are each acceptable, and the bench is broad sufficient that three tradies will be capable to journey on quick journeys with out eager to kill one another afterwards.
The inclusion of air vents is nice, though the actual fact Ford has fitted a 12V slot however no USB ports on the rear of the centre console looks like a missed alternative.
The 12V is flexible in relation to equipment, however you’ll must plug in a dongle to cost iPads again there.
Together with the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether youngster seat factors, the Ranger contains a fold-down central armrest, damped rear seize handles, and storage bins beneath the seat bases.
Twin-cab Ranger fashions have a wider tub than earlier than, billed as ample to flat-stow a 1200mm x 800mm pallet.
It’s easier to entry, with sturdy field steps fitted simply behind the tyres. At 100kg, my weight didn’t make them flex.
The counterbalanced tailgate (with mounting factors for vices and even a pre-drawn ruler) could be lifted with a finger, there are six tie-down hoops within the mattress, and the field sides have structural attachment factors for canopies pre-fitted.
To see how the Ford Ranger compares to its rivals, try our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
Though you’ll be able to have your Ranger with a less expensive, much less highly effective Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, our tester was fitted with the V6. Together with extra energy, it brings a extra subtle four-wheel drive system that may be operated on sealed surfaces.
To see how the Ford Ranger compares to its rivals, try our comparability device
How does the Ford Ranger drive?
For those who’re driving to and from work in your Ranger with out ever actually testing its payload or towing capability, you in all probability don’t want the V6 engine… however that doesn’t imply you gained’t need it.
The engine (dubbed Lion) traces its roots to Land Rover, and a model of it featured within the Ford Territory diesel. It was new to the Ranger at launch, however an iteration has additionally appeared within the full-sized F-150 pickup bought within the USA.
The additional torque on provide is instantly noticeable, enjoying out with a satisfying surge of efficiency from under 2000rpm whenever you lean on the throttle and powerful in-gear response at freeway speeds. Whenever you need extra punch it’s clear there’s a a lot greater ceiling on what the V6 can do.
In our drag races, towing checks, and off-roading checks, the additional torque makes a significant distinction relative to the Bi-Turbo. The easy really feel it gives is opulent within the context of the dual-cab ute market.
Past the additional punch on provide, the V6 units itself aside with correct full-time four-wheel drive. Quite than the part-time four-wheel drive system within the Bi-Turbo, which shouldn’t be pushed in 4×4 on sealed roads, the system within the V6 can be utilized on a regular basis.
You’ll be able to set it in 4A and neglect it for regular driving, then get pleasure from all-wheel drive traction in moist circumstances with out the danger of your differentials binding.
Utes on all-terrain tyres are notoriously skittish on moist tarmac, so the added safety of a full-time four-wheel drive system brings advantages in a variety of circumstances.
There are limitations to a ladder-frame car relative to a monocoque in relation to experience consolation with out a load within the tray.
At launch, Ford talked about making the automotive’s observe 50mm wider and transferring the dampers outboard to chop down on hopping when the tray is empty. Greater than two years on from launch, the Ranger stays one of many comfier utes to drive on the highway.
You don’t get the sense the tail is wagging whenever you hit bumps at velocity, and occupants aren’t jiggled round relentlessly.
It’s rock-solid over the form of washboard gravel roads prevalent in distant elements of Australia, and does a wonderful job of absorbing the form of pitted streets frequent within the much less distant bits. On coarse-chip roads it’s impressively hushed within the cabin, too.
The Ranger can’t escape its ladder-frame chassis and payload carrying functionality solely, although. It’s busier than the associated Everest 4×4 on the freeway, for instance, and by no means settles solely the place SUVs will.
For those who want a tray on the again of your automotive it’s a wonderful selection, however utes nonetheless aren’t capable of match non-commercial automobiles for consolation.
Like its predecessor, the brand new Ranger options gentle steering and respectable all-round visibility. It’s one of many best utes to pilot on the town, and the electrical energy steering system feels extra direct than earlier than.
Within the outdated mannequin you wanted to twirl, twirl, after which twirl the wheel some extra at low speeds; the brand new mannequin requires smaller inputs.
The graceful idle begin/cease system makes a distinction within the metropolis, though loads of homeowners will little doubt flip it off instantly.
It’s price noting the reversing digicam is a magnet for mud and spray, so it’s price carrying a material within the cabin should you depend on it and frequent mucky roads.
The Isuzu D-Max was the primary ute to actually put a full suite of driver assists entrance and centre, however the Ranger’s methods are higher calibrated. The lane-keeping help retains you between the white strains on the freeway and holds the car properly in its lane in difficult circumstances.
Our expertise with the Ranger off-road has confirmed it’s an idiot-proof method to enter the wilderness.
Any inputs to the off-road dials on the transmission tunnel convey clear, shiny animations on the instrument cluster or central display screen to maintain much less skilled drivers abreast of what’s occurring, and the four-wheel drive system switches modes shortly.
Hill descent management retains an iron grip in your momentum and doesn’t grind or graunch like older methods, both.
As for towing? The Ranger Wildtrak V6 was easy with the two.5-tonne trailer we utilized in our Mega Check, run in its Tow/Haul driveline mode, which holds decrease gears longer.
Regardless of having 10 speeds, the transmission’s ratios felt well-spaced, and it pulled up the ascent with no hesitation, gaining velocity all the best way.
The Australian-tuned experience high quality over undulations proved to be higher than common with solely a touch of bounciness, ditto the engine braking from the diesel – though the buttons on the gear shifter for handbook modifications are annoying. Paddles could be a greater possibility.
To see how the Ford Ranger compares to its rivals, try our comparability device
What do you get?
Ranger XL customary tools:
16-inch metal wheelsAll-season tyres16-inch metal spare wheelFront disc and rear drum brakesHeavy-duty suspensionBlack grilleHalogen headlightsHalogen daytime operating lightsLED central high-mounted tail lightLED tail lights (pickup solely)Tailgate with elevate help (pickup solely)Built-in tailgate step (pickup solely)10.1-inch Sync4 portrait touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoEmbedded modemRemote begin through FordPass app8.0-inch digital instrument clusterTilt and telescopic steering column adjustmentEbony material upholstery8-way handbook driver seat4-way handbook entrance passenger seatVinyl ground coveringPower rear home windows (double cab solely)Single-zone local weather controlElectronically locking rear differential (4×4 fashions solely)Typical gear selectorMechanical handbrake
Black Version provides:
Black sports activities barDrop-in mattress liner with 12V socketAsphalt Black 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyresBlack aspect stepsAsphalt Black grille with Bolder Gray inserts
Ranger XLS provides:
16-inch Darkish Sparkle Silver alloy wheelsBlack aspect stepsHalogen entrance fog lightsBlack grille with silver accentsCarpet flooringDriver ground matFront parking sensorsDrive mode selectionTow barTrailer gentle checkIntegrated trailer brake controllerExtended blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverageBody-colour door handles6-speaker sound systemProximity entry with push-button startDual-zone local weather controlRear seat air ventsSatellite navigationDAB+ digital radio
Ranger XLT provides:
17-inch Darkish Sparkle Silver alloy wheels17-inch metal spare wheelRear disc brakesElectronic handbrakeLeather-wrapped ‘e-Shifter’ gear selector4×2 locking rear axleFront grille with chrome central barLED headlightsC-shaped LED daytime operating lightsFront-mounted tow hookBlack sports activities bar (pickup solely)Rear tub illumination (pickup solely)Bedliner with 12V socket (pickup solely)Spray-in bedliner with 12V socket (tremendous cab solely)Leather-based-wrapped steering wheelElectrochromatic mirrorRain-sensing windscreen wipersAdaptive cruise management with lane-centring and cease/go
Is the Ford Ranger secure?
All variants of the Ford Ranger other than the flagship Raptor have a five-star ANCAP security ranking.
Commonplace security tools throughout the lineup consists of:
9 airbagsincl. driver, passenger knee airbagsincl. front-centre airbagAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Automotive, Pedestrian, Bike owner detectionJunction assistAdaptive cruise controlBlind-spot assistRear cross-traffic alert (pickup)Lane departure warningLane preserve assistRoad edge detectionReversing digicam (pickup)Rear parking sensors (pickup)Trailer Protection (with elective Tow Pack)
Ranger XLT provides:
Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/goBlind-spot monitoring incl. Trailer CoverageLane centring assistTraffic signal recognitionTyre stress monitoring
The elective Touring Pack provides a surround-view digicam, whereas stepping as much as the Wildtrak and above provides the Energetic Park Help 2.0 system.
How a lot does the Ford Ranger value to run?
The 2025 Ford Ranger is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee just like the broader Ford vary.
To see how the Ford Ranger compares to its rivals, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Ford Ranger
Yep, the Ranger remains to be the daddy.
Though its rivals have all moved ahead because it launched, the mid-range XLT – which isn’t significantly mid-range in value if we’re being truthful – simply will get a lot proper.
It’s good to drive unladen, tows like a champion, and is succesful and approachable off the overwhelmed observe. Throw in a contemporary inside, and Ford remains to be onto a winner.
Do you want the V6? Our testing has proven it’s price spending the additional cash should you’re planning to push deep into the automotive’s towing capability, or the power to make use of 4A mode on sealed roads is effective to you.
As for a way the XLT sits within the lineup? It’s all of the Ranger you actually need, given it packs a full listing of energetic security options and sufficient creature comforts inside.
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