What is the Ford Ranger FX4?

Despite having 10 pickup truck trims (the most in the Philippines) spanning different drive layouts, engine types and displacement, and cabin features and appointment, Ford still decided to launch a new variant, the FX4.

The 4x2 trim came out in January 2020 while the 4x4 trim followed some nine months later.

What is the FX4? Well, it is basically a souped-up version of the Ranger XLT trim. The F stands for, you guessed it, Ford, and the X4 signifies that it comes with an off-road package composed of exterior enhancements, performance upgrades, and unique cabin package.

As if Ford Rangers don’t appear aggressive enough, the FX4 take its looks to the next level with a new-style black front mesh grill, new front and rear bumpers, bigger 18-inch alloy wheels in gloss black finish and unique FX4 design, FX4 decals and badging, black tubular sports bar, black-painted side mirror caps and door handles, and a blacked-out section on the front apron.

It has the same length (5,354mm), width (1,860mm), height (1,821mm), and wheelbase at 3,220mm. Ground clearance is 232mm and water-wading depth is 800mm.

Powering the FX4 is a 2.2L TDCi (Turbo Diesel Common Rail Injection) diesel engine with 158hp and 385Nm of torque sent to either a 4x2 rear-wheel drive layout or 4x4 layout via two gearbox options, a six-speed MT (manual transmission) or a six-speed AT (automatic transmission). Fuel tank capacity is 80 liters.

The chassis comes with double wishbone with coil springs front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension, a rear differential, ventilated front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes.

It also has electric power-assisted steering and uses 265/60 R18 tires.

The exterior sport projector headlamps, halogen front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding + power-adjustable side mirrors with turn indicators, side steps, a bedliner, a high-mounted stop lamp with cargo light, and inner tie-downs.

It doesn’t have smart keyless entry and uses a rotary ignition but that doesn’t mean the cabin is plain. Far from it. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and comes with orange contrast stitching, power windows, electrochromic rearview mirror, single-zone manual climate control, driver and passenger sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, two auxiliary 12V power outlet, a 230V inverter at the rear console, and FX4-branded floor mats.

There’s race-red contrast stitching on the instrument panel, center console, and door trims, plus it has faux carbon-fiber trims to enhance the overall interior ambiance.

Seats are leather with the FX4 accent, driver’s seat is six-way manual-adjustable while the passenger’s seat is four-way manually-adjustable, and the rear seat is bench-type with center armrest and fold-up function.

The infotainment system has an eight-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming, two USB ports, DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcast) digital radio, and six speakers.

Safety and driver-assist features include cruise control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, driver and passenger airbags, rear parking sensors, a volumetric burglar alarm system, and child seat Isofix anchorage points.

While it may not be as endowed as the Wildtrak, it does get added features on top of what the XLT offers that is aimed to satisfy another segment of the pickup truck-buying market that doesn’t want to shell out Wildtrak-level money.

It stands out much better with exterior enhancements, delivers Ranger-quality performance (on and off-road), and comes with unique cabin appointments to please the discriminating young market.

Available colors for the Ford Ranger FX4 are Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, Meteor Gray, and True Red.

The Ranger 2.2L FX4 MT is priced at P1.256 million; the Ranger 2.2L FX4 AT is priced at P1.316 million; the Ranger FX4 4x4 MT is priced at P1.356 million; and the Ranger 2.2L FX4 4x4 AT is priced at P1.416 million.

As it is a Ford, it comes with the standard three-year roadside assistance, and the Detroit automaker’s once-a-year or 10,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) preventive maintenance schedule.

Photos from Ford Philippines