Ford Ranger variants explained: Which one should you buy?

In a country with over half of the road networks unpaved, mid-size pickup trucks have been an indispensable part of the Philippine automotive culture. The pickup truck segment in the Philippines is considered as one of the most competitive platforms in the country’s automobile industry and Ford Philippines has been one of the major players in this segment since the initial release of the Ranger back in 2000.

With nearly 20 years of dominating the Philippine pickup truck market, the Ford Ranger has seen its fair share of updates and upgrades. This year, Ford Motor Company decided to give the Ranger subtle but significant upgrades earning it the 2020 International Pickup of the Year Award in the process.

The 2019 Ford Ranger is offered in eight variants, namely the Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 MT, Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 AT, Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x4 MT, Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 MT, Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 AT, Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT, Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 AT, and the Ranger 2.0L BiTurbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT.

Local car nerds will be delighted to see eight available options while first-time car buyers may be a little overwhelmed to be faced with a wide range of choices. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you decide which amongst these is the right Ranger for you. But first, let’s take a look at what each trim level has in common.

On the outside, all of these Ford Ranger variants look virtually identical with slight variations in trimming and color matching. Here are other common comfort elements these variants have to offer -

• 6 Speakers
• Multi-function Display 4.2" TFT Display
• Ford SYNC
• USB Port
• Power Windows
• Power Door Locks
• Power Adjust External Mirrors

Down its core, these Rangers offer impeccable safety features. Here’s what they have in common -

• Adjustable Speed Limiter
• Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Child Proof Door Locks
• Front Driver and Passenger Airbags
• Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
• Rear Center Headrest

Under the hood, the XTL and the XLS variants are powered by the same 2.2L TDCI Turbo Diesel Engines while the Wildtrak variants sport 2.0L Turbo Diesel Engines and Bi-Turbo Diesel Engines respectively. 

Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 MT

With a starting price of ₱943,000 the Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 MT is perfect for first-time car owners. The base model comes with the basic features including fabric seats, a sunglass holder, Polyurethane steering wheels, 16” alloy wheels, and the aforementioned key features. The Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 MT is well suited for Ford Ranger fans on a budget.

Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 AT

The Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 AT sports almost identical features as the Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 MT but with an automatic transmission. With a higher price point at ₱1,092,000 the Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 AT offers a more convenient driving experience best suited for those who value convenience over control.

Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x4 MT

This variant proudly wears Ford’s 4x4 sticker and boasts better traction than its 4x2 brethren. Given that the Ford Rangers we’re built to traverse roads both paved and unpaved, the Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x4 MT is a great option for those looking for an off-road-ready Ranger. If you don’t mind the ₱1,181,000 price tag, the Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x4 MT will prove to be a solid and reliable companion that can carry larger and heavier loads.

Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 MT

Now, the Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 MT is a cut above the XLS models. For the uninitiated, XLT means “Extra Luxurious Truck,” so this trim level comes with its own set of luxurious features. For ₱1,176,000, you’re getting auto-on headlamps, electrochromic mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking assist, a bedliner, front mudflaps, projector headlamps, side steps and chrome steel steps on the rear bumper.

This trim level also comes with a sophisticated interior including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather gear knob, and a driver’s map pocket. This variant is also equipped with a volumetric burglar alarm system and a 17” alloy wheels making every Peso you spend with the Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 MT count.

Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 AT

With its price starting at ₱1,236,000, a tad higher than its manual counterpart, the Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 AT offers the same features at a lower price point. This automatic transmission XLT variant provides you with the comfort and convenience of driving a sedan. You’d still find the luxurious features native to the XLT trim line in this automatic mid-size lifestyle truck.

Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT

The Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT offers even better features apart from the 2.0L Single-Turbo Diesel Engine it keeps under its hood. The Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT comes with ambient lighting, front parking assist, navigation tools, a rear-view camera, smart keyless entry,

and Ford’s tailgate lift assist. Its side steps also include silver inserts as well as its rear bumper steel step colored in London Grey. The Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT also sports bed rails, daytime running lamps, HID headlamps, roof rails, and a tailgate lock. Inside, you’d also find scuff plates amongst the slew of interior features available from the XLT models.

The Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT is yours at ₱1,390,000.

Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 AT

The Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 AT is the automatic counterpart of the Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT. Having said, this trim line boasts similar features as its manual version with the inclusion of driver and passenger belt reminders, electronic stability program (ESP) with traction control, hill start assists, side curtain airbags, trailer sway control, and 18” alloy wheels which are also part of the Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 MT.

The real gem in the Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4x2 AT is its 10-speed automatic transmission. This variant is priced at ₱1,455,000.

Ranger 2.0L BiTurbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT

The Ranger 2.0L BiTurbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT is the top-of-the-line trim level for the Ford Ranger 2019 variants. Priced at ₱1,695,000 the Ranger 2.0L BiTurbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT comes with all the goodness that Ford Rangers have to offer.

On top of all the luxurious features, all the lower trim level variants have to offer, you’ll find a 12V socket on bedliner, hill descent control, active park assists, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure and keeping aid. And let’s not forget that 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine working in conjunction with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Verdict

If you are wondering which Ford ranger variant should I buy? then, In our own humble opinion, the Ranger 2.0L BiTurbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT is arguably the best in this lineup giving you all the features that made the Ford Ranger the 2020 Pickup of the Year. The highest variant allows you to fully immerse and experience the driving innovation the 2019 Ford Ranger was geared for.

Nevertheless, for those wanting to take home a Ford Ranger with a limited budget, the XLS models make for a great place to start as it was designed and engineered to bridge the gap between luxury and economy.

Ford Ranger 2019 Price List Philippines

 

Also Read:- Ford Ranger – Top features