Ford Ranger: Features explained

It is natural for a Hyundai, Kia or even Suzuki to offer many features in their vehicles. However, a manufacturer like Ford offering them is a bit too much. Especially given how Ford vehicles used to have the least amount of features in them. Not anymore. Times are changing and Ford realises it as well. A car without class-leading features will be just another vehicle in the market. It cannot aspire to be a top grosser at all. In comes the Ford Ranger, the company’s pick up offering.

While renowned for its durability, fuel efficiency as well as go anywhere capability, the Ford Ranger is also lauded for being feature rich. Don’t believe us? Read on to find out how much and what exactly the 2018 Ford Ranger offers in the Philippines market.

One too many engines

The 2018 Ford Ranger can be ordered with two engines. Yes, both of them are diesels. The diesel is chosen as the fuel of choice is primarily due to the bottom end torque accorded by the units. Pick up trucks need more lugging capability and a diesel motor does it better. Both the units Ford has chosen are turbocharged. The engines are basically 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre units. However, depending on the trim selected, Ford has a specific output when it comes to the 2.2-litre motor. For example, someone who chooses the Chassis and Single Cab trims will get the 2.2-litre i4 MidPower Gen 3.0 engine. This motor makes 125 PS of power and 320 Nm. It can be had only with a 6-speed manual. The double cab base variant also comes with this engine.

On the other hand, there is also the higher output 2.2-litre i4 High Power Gen 3.0 engine which has the same swept volume. The power though here is 150 PS and the torque is 375 Nm. Ford also offers XLT trims of the double cab with another engine. This 2.2-litre i4 High Power Gen 3.5 engine boasts 160 PS and 385 Nm. It can be ordered with both 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The double cab versions of the new Ford Ranger also come with the 5-cylinder 3.2-litre engine. Here the motor produces 200 PS of power and 470 Nm of torque. One can order this engine with both a 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. One can buy the 4x4 options with only the double cab versions.

Dimensionally different

All the versions of the Ford Ranger are somewhere down the line based on the same chassis but dimensionally are different. The dimensions depend on the application that the pick up will be used for. For example, the chassis cab, as well as single cab models, are differentiated with the addition of two doors and the availability of a rear bumper. Even their weights are different. If you choose the chassis and single cab options, their gross vehicle weight is 2,925 kg. For the double cab versions, the weight is 3,200 kg.

Even the ground clearance differs - 135 mm for the single and chassis whereas 237 mm for the others. Let’s take the dimensions too. The single cab measures 5,113 mm in length, 2,163 mm in width and 1,703 mm in height. In contrast, the overall length of the chassis and double cabs is 5,277 mm. The width and height are 2,163 mm and 1,848 mm respectively. Ford offers the Ranger single cab with 16-inch steel wheels while the others are offered with 17-inch alloys.

Creature comforts

Let’s start with the basic single and chassis cab units. These get a polyurethane wrapped hydraulic steering wheel, 2-way adjustable front seats, single zone AC, FM as well as AUX compatible music system with 2 speakers, power door locks and dual airbags. Towing capacity is 2,500 kg.

For the dual cab versions, the features include 6 speaker dot matrix music system, front and rear one-touch up and down power windows, 4-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls and ISOFIX child seat tethers. These trims also get ABS with EBD.

As for the dual cab WildTrak editions, there are rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, LED DRLs, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, rear centre armrest, dual zone climate control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC, power folding mirrors, navigation, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera, auxiliary power points, 230v inverter, lockable glovebox, ESP, curtain airbags, Hill Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

It is apparent from Ford Ranger specifications that it is well equipped and a capable pickup truck. The wide list of features may make many a premium sedan seem grossly under specced. However, these features also cost big money and if you’re willing to shell out millions of pesos, then the Ranger is the best option for you.