Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger’s interior has been significantly improved over the years, striking a balance between rugged durability and modern comfort. Whether the truck is used on a daily basis, or an adventure vehicle, the Ranger's cabin is designed to cater to different needs. The cabin is practical yet stylish. The dashboard is well-structured, featuring a clean and modern design with soft-touch materials in higher trims. Entry-level models like the XL have a more utilitarian feel with hard plastics. The layout is intuitive, with well-placed controls and a driver-centric cockpit, ensuring everything is easily accessible. 

Seating comfort in the Ranger is impressive with well-padded seats and good lumbar support that are essential for long trips. In higher trims, leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats add to the premium feel. The twin-cab provides spacious rear seats, making it a comfortable ride for passengers. The extended cab is better suited for work-focused use with its smaller rear bench. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Functional design
• Well-placed controls

Cons

• Limited rear legroom
• Lots of hard plastics 

Features and technology

The Ford Ranger gets a large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, depending on the variant. It runs on Ford’s SYNC 4A system. This system is fast, responsive, and easy to use, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity. The high-resolution display also supports split-screen functions, making multitasking easier while driving. The pickup truck also gets a fully digital 8.0-inch or 12.4-inch instrument panel, depending on the trim.  

The Ford Ranger offers a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system in select variants, delivering crystal-clear sound quality. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Large touchscreen
• Premium audio system

Cons

• Lower trims get a smaller unit
• The infotainment system lacks physical buttons

Boot space and storage

With a payload capacity of up to 1,000kg, the Ford Ranger is capable of carrying heavy loads, whether they’re work tools, camping gear, or bikes. It also has a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg, making it ideal for hauling trailers or caravans. 

The cabin gets a lockable glove box, door pockets to hold bottles and other essentials, a large central console for extra convenience, and overhead storage for sunglasses and small items.

Pros

• Impressive payload capacity
• Great rear seat storage

Cons

• Some features limited to higher models
• No cooled glovebox

The Ford Ranger boasts a rugged yet modern exterior design that blends functionality with aggressive styling. Drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the F-150, the Ranger has a bold front fascia dominated by a large, wide grille that varies in finish depending on the trim level. The C-shaped headlights give the truck a high-tech and imposing look, while the sculpted hood enhances its muscular presence. The higher trims feature distinctive blacked-out accents, skid plates, and bold ‘FORD’ lettering on the grille, reinforcing its off-road credentials. The pickup gets all-around LED lighting.

From the side, the Ranger maintains a strong and athletic profile, with flared wheel arches and prominent body lines that add to its rugged charm. The high ground clearance (especially in off-road-oriented variants) ensures it looks adventure-ready. Depending on the variant, it comes with either body-coloured or chrome door handles and side mirrors, with premium trims featuring integrated turn signals and power-folding functionality. The side steps on higher models not only improve accessibility but also contribute to the truck’s aggressive styling.

The taillights are sleek and modern. Functional elements like an easy-lift tailgate, integrated tailgate workbench, and bedliner options make it a practical workhorse while maintaining a stylish look. 

The Ford Ranger measures 5,370 mm in length, 1,918 mm in width, and 1,884mm in height. It has a ground clearance of 234 mm. The cargo bed length is 1,564 mm and 1,862 mm, respectively, for the twin-cab and extended-cab versions. The width and depth of the cargo bed are 1,584 mm and 511 mm, respectively.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Aggressive styling
• High ground clearance

Cons

• Lower trims lack premium features
• Some trims get plastic cladding

The entry-level model of the Ford Ranger returns an approximate mileage of 13 kmpl. City mileage is lower. The 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine has a city mileage of around 9 kmpl. The automatic start-stop feature saves fuel.

Pros

• Impressive highway mileage
• Automatic start-stop feature

Cons

• Thirsty engine 
• No hybrid option

The Ranger’s suspension setup is well-tuned to offer a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. The front features an independent double-wishbone suspension, while the rear has a leaf-spring setup. It’s a common choice for trucks that need to handle heavy payloads. This means the ride can feel a bit stiff, particularly when the bed is empty, but it absorbs bumps and potholes reasonably well.

On smooth roads, the Ranger feels composed and stable, offering a comfortable driving experience. However, on rougher terrain, passengers may feel more vibrations and jolts compared to unibody sports utility vehicles (SUVs) or trucks with more advanced suspension setups. The cabin is well-insulated from outside noise.

Pros

• Smooth highway ride
• Decent noise insulation

Cons

• Stiff rear suspension
• Rough over harder bumps

The entry-level model of the Ford Ranger is hauled by a turbocharged, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder, 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 170 PS/405 Nm. The motor is paired with a six-speed MT. The all-wheel-drive models are equipped with the Terrain Management System and a locking rear differential that ensures superior grip and handling, particularly when tackling muddy trails, rocky paths, or river crossings.

Pros

• Strong performance
• Seamless transmission

Cons

• High maintenance cost
• Noisy powertrain

The Ranger’s instrument panel provides real-time information on navigation, fuel efficiency, and off-road data, enhancing convenience and safety. A standout feature is the 360-degree camera system, available in higher trims, which gives a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and off-roading easier. The truck gets Ford Co-Pilot360 that includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, blind-spot detector, and adaptive cruise control. 

Pros

• Comprehensive safety kit
• Emergency braking

Cons

• Camera system limited to higher models
• Limited safety in lower models

Competitor comparison

Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux: The Ford Ranger offers a more powerful engine lineup, a refined interior, and superior towing capacity, making it ideal for performance-focused users. The Toyota Hilux, known for legendary durability and reliability, excels in off-road capability and resale value. Both are solid choices. But the Ranger suits power seekers, while the Hilux favours rugged dependability.

Ford Ranger vs Maxus T60: The Ford Ranger outshines the Maxus T60 in power, refinement, and off-road capability, offering better engine options and towing capacity. The Maxus T60 is more budget-friendly, with decent features and reliability but lacks Ranger’s performance. For durability and versatility, the Ford Ranger is the better choice.

Ford Ranger vs Mitsubishi Triton: The Ford Ranger offers superior towing capacity, and advanced tech, making it ideal for performance and comfort. The Mitsubishi Triton is more affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable, with a tight turning radius for better manoeuvrability. Both excel in off-road capability, but the Ford Ranger leans towards premium features.

Conclusion

The Ford Ranger stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering a pickup truck that combines strength, technology, and comfort. Its thoughtful design, along with advanced features and reliable performance, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle capable of meeting the demands of both work and leisure.

Who should buy: Adventure enthusiasts, small business owners, light haulers