What to expect from the Ford Ranger XLT

Out of the 12-trim lineup of the Ford Ranger, not counting the Raptor, the XLT has the least number of variants at just two.

It’s not the gateway to the model (that’s the XLS), but it’s pretty price-friendly for a commercial vehicle (that is exempt from excise tax) at just P1.176 million for the manual transmission and P1.236 million for the automatic transmission.

We break down the differences between the two so you may get an idea of which pickup truck will suit your taste and preference.

Ruggedly handsome

When it comes to trucks, it doesn’t matter who the beholder is because, let’s be honest, the Ranger is still one of the fairest.

Sure, newer pickups have been facelifted but the Ranger was the first to introduce style on a vehicle with such utilitarian duties that no one ever thought of making it look pretty.

Plus, it comes set up and ready to use with a bedliner and inner tie-downs, and power-folding, power-adjustable side mirrors with turn indicators.

As a lower model, it still comes with halogen front fog lamps and projector-type headlamps, but it does have a high-mounted stop lamp with cargo light.

Getting in is easy with built-in side steps and it also comes with rain-sensing wipers.

Tech-loaded

It has an eight-inch color touchscreen sending audio to six speakers, comes with Bluetooth with phone and audio streaming, DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) and two USB ports.

Prior to the update, it used to have Sync1 (Ford’s voice-recognition software) but has since been replaced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Passengers will find the six auxiliary 12-volt power outlets convenient whenever they need to charge power hungry devices like battery packs, tables and mobile phones while drivers will avoid the glare of high-beam headlamps from behind with the electrochromic rear-view mirrors.

Wading depth

With a wading depth of 800mm, the Ranger has set the bar for everyone to follow.

This was achieved by putting the alternator and all other related electrical components above the water line, and by making all connectors watertight.

To repel oncoming water, the front bumper was reshaped to push the flow away from the elevated air intake system and the front-end designed to diffuse the water’s force so that the wheels stay connected to the ground and prevent hydroplaning.

2.2L Duratorq diesel engine

Even with a six-year old engine design and one of the smallest displacements for a pickup truck in the market, the XLT 2.2L Duratorq can still hold its camshaft cover high in the presence of newer engines from the competition.

It puts out a healthy 158hp and a punchy 385Nm of torque, returning a combined fuel economy of 9.2 kilometers per liter through six days (four days in city traffic and two days in a rural setting) with the automatic transmission.

Those numbers are a few shy in all directions against newer and bigger displacement engines of its competitors but is still gives all of them a run for their money.

Gearbox options are a six-speed manual, and six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford tough

The XLT is capable of towing 3,500 kilograms or roughly 7,700+ pounds, which is like towing a full-grown male Asian elephant and, with Trailer Sway Control, you’re guaranteed the elephant won’t get carsick.

Payload capacity is 1,120 kilograms or the equivalent of carrying six grand pianos.

It uses ventilated front disc brakes and drum brakes in the rear, double wishbone with coil springs suspension in front and leaf spring suspensions in the rear, a rear locking differential, an electric power-assisted steering, 17-inch alloy wheels, and 265/65/R17 tires.

Cabin

Despite having similar external dimensions compared to competitors, the Ranger has one of the longest wheelbases for a pick-up, which makes its cabin one of the most spacious as well.

There’s plenty of legroom to work with allowing you to bring some bags in the cabin while still seating at least four people comfortably.

The driver’s seat is six-way manually adjustable while the passenger seat is four-way manually adjustable. Rear seat is the same between variants, a bench seat with center armrest and fold-up function. Seat material is fabric.

Safety features

Safety features between the two variants are six driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a volumetric burglar alarm system.

Photos by Eric Tipan