Ford Ranger 2018 Review

The Ford Ranger is Australia’s second-best selling light commercial vehicle behind the ubiquitous Toyota HiLux – though often we’re so enamoured with flashy high-grade four-wheel drive dual-cab variants we forget the hot-selling entry-spec workhorse models favoured by tradies and commercial operators.

In single-cab chassis guise, the Ford Ranger XL Hi-Rider employs the capable Duratorq ZSD-422 (118kW/385Nm) direct-injected 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, offers a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and provides a payload capacity which considerably outshines its show-pony sibling, the dual-cab Wildtrak automatic (1265kg v 907kg).

However, for braked towing capacity, the Ranger Wildtrak is better to the tune of 1000kg  with the XL Hi-Rider rated at 2500kg.

How much does the Ford Ranger cost?
Like many of its rivals (see below) the barebones Ranger starts from less than $30K (from $27,690 plus on-road costs). And, while the Thai-built line-up tops out at a heady $61,790 (plus ORCs), the XL Hi-Rider on test retails from $31,190 (plus ORCs) or $32,856 (plus ORCs) when fitted with the alloy tray.

Standard specifications include 16-inch steel wheels, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control (with trailer sway functionality and roll-over mitigation), front and side airbags, air-conditioning, cloth trim, cruise control, dusk-sensing headlights, power steering, and remote central locking with an alarm.

On the infotainment front, the Ranger XL includes a four-speaker AM/FM tuner with 4.2-inch display, single CD player, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, voice recognition, plus USB and 3.5mm audio connectivity. The audio system includes steering wheel mounted controls, but does not offer a reversing camera or satellite navigation – only found in XLT grades and higher – nor an outside temperature gauge.

Metallic paint is a $550 option while the basic alloy tray will set you back $1666 (fitted). The tray measures 2350mm long by 1800mm wide and is 240mm deep. Like many in its class, the Ranger XL Hi-Rider’s tray bed is a long way off the ground (1005mm) and fitted only with longitudinal outboard rails to secure your load.

All Ford Ranger variants are backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and 12 months’ roadside assistance. Capped-price service is included with service intervals pegged at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

What is the Ford Ranger like to drive?
Inside, the driver’s seat is a nice place to be and, despite the steering column only offering tilt adjustment, a comfortable driving position is easy to achieve. We like the light, electrically-assisted steering and the effortless clutch action. The brakes are well assisted, and pedal feedback is as good as it gets for a light commercial ute.

First gear is appropriately short for load-lugging up steep hills – it works cooperatively with the Ranger’s hill-hold function and accessible low-end torque (385Nm @ 1600-2500rpm) – and the spread of ratios gives no cause for complaint. Sixth gear is overdriven to reduce highway fuel consumption, and all shifts are assisted by an up-shift indicator.

We achieved an average of 7.7L/100km on test, giving a range of over 1000km from the Ranger’s 80-litre fuel tank.

The 2.2-litre engine trucks along nicely, and while not particularly powerful (118kW @ 3200rpm),  manages to keep pace with the cut and thrust of city traffic. There’s enough left in reserve for highway overtaking, too, though this becomes a considered event when the tray is loaded to capacity.

Handling is better than many in this class and stability at speed is impressive, in spite of the additional ground clearance of the Hi-Rider package (201mm v 232mm). Overall, the Ranger’s road manners are generally on par with a good SUV, though ride comfort suffers with the payload focussed rear-end leaf spring set-up.

As light commercial vehicles go, the Ranger is pretty quiet. Mechanical, wind and tyre noise are well contained at the front of the cab, the only exception being a light rustle of wind over the mesh headboard and roll-bar through the upright rear glass.

When is the Ford Ranger available in Australia?
The Ranger single, super and dual-cab range is available now. Ford offers the Ranger in pick-up and cab-chassis guise with both 4x2 and 4x4 configuration.

Depending on variant, the Ranger is offered with a choice of 2.2-litre four-cylinder or 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel power, both available with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The engines also include fuel-saving idle-stop technology.

The Hi-Rider suspension package fitted to our test vehicle gives 4x2 models ground clearance comparable to 4x4 variants. A rear differential lock is included. However, off-road, the Ranger’s exposed fuel pump and tail-light wiring connectors may prove to be an issue.

Ranger is offered in XL (from $27,690), XL Plus (from $46,790), XLT (from $47,590), XLS (from $48,890), XLS Special Edition (pricing TBA), FX4 (from $48,915) and Wildtrak (from $59,590) grades. In all there are 37 variants available in the 2018 Ranger line-up.

Who will the Ford Ranger appeal to?
Realistically the Ranger XL on test is aimed at agricultural, delivery and trade buyers, and not the recreational or family markets. It’s only a two-seater (there is no bench-seat option) and the limited cabin storage outside of the console bin, door pockets and glove-box will further limit its appeal outside of a workplace setting.

This is a trade tough vehicle made for frequent stops, loads in the back, and miles on the clock. It’s a tool of trade likely to be fitted out with a purpose-made service body or heavy-duty tray.

In short, the Ford Ranger XL is not designed for the school run or the trip to the shops – probably a good thing considering its sizeable 11.9m turning circle, and lack of parking aids and reversing camera.

Which models does the Ford Ranger compete with?
As a no frills single-cab 4x2 ute, the Ranger XL goes head-to-head with a considerable number of rivals – though not all offer turbo-diesel power. Some Chinese brand utes provide the convenience of a dual-cab for the price of a single.

In alphabetical order, the list of Ranger XL rivals includes the Foton Tunland (single-cab diesel from $22,490), Great Wall Steed (dual-cab petrol from $25,990 / dual-cab diesel from $27,990), Holden Colorado (single-cab diesel from $29,490), Isuzu D-MAX (single-cab diesel from $28,500), Ranger’s twin-under-the-skin Mazda BT-50 (single-cab diesel from $25,570), Mitsubishi Triton (single-cab petrol from $22,300), Nissan Navara (single-cab petrol from $19,490), and Toyota HiLux (single-cab petrol from $20,990).

Volkswagen no longer offers single-cab variants of the Amarok locally, and Mercedes-Benz will launch its all-new X-Class in dual-cab format only.

The verdict
As we see it, the mainstay of the Ford Ranger fleet is an overlooked contender for agricultural, delivery and trade buyers. It’s easy to live with, cost effective, and offers a considerable level of standard equipment for the money.

If you don’t need the extra row of seats – and require the additional tray area and payload capacity only single and super-cab variants provide – the Ranger XL is a solid option.

2018 Ford Ranger XL Hi-Rider 4x2 Single-Cab Chassis pricing and specifications:
Price: $31,190 (plus ORCs) | $32,856 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 118kW/385Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined) | 7.7L/100km (average as tested)
CO2: 169g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (tested September 2015)

Related reading:
>> 4WD Dual-Cab Ute Comparison
>> Ford begins official Ranger Raptor countdown
>> Ford Ranger FX4 Review

Ranger trivia:
Codenamed ‘T6’ the Ford Ranger was first revealed at the Australian International Motor Show in 2010. Mechanically identical to the Mazda BT-50 – but sharing no body panels other than the roof – the Ranger was designed and engineered in Australia. At launch it was said to be part of “the largest single vehicle development program ever undertaken in Australian automotive history for global markets”. A true global vehicle, the Ranger is built in Argentina, Nigeria, South Africa and Thailand for sale in over 180 different markets.