What we like about the Ford Ranger 2.2L XLT 4x2 AT

The XLT is the Ford Ranger’s mid-trim that’s only offered in two variants, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

Both share virtually every feature from the inside out, so we go ahead and take a look at its top variant to see what it offers the pickup truck-buying segment.

The body is tall, robust and shapely, you can maybe call it a little chubby compared to other, more chiseled models but that’s been its signature look.

It appears very capable just by size and ground clearance alone but wait till the engine starts and you hear the road of the 2.2L Duratorq engine.

The cabin feels big, because it really is. Maybe because it’s Ford and they’re used to designing for larger versions of human beings but the headroom, legroom, and elbow room are considerable. You could easily feel like you’re stepping into an SUV, and add to that the type of cabin appointments it offers.

As a mid-trim level unit it gets fabric seats but a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are no  soft-touch surfaces here. The layout and finish has a rough-and-tough feel to it but the whole space looks chic with a large glossy panel fronting the dashboard, on the door handle and panels, and on the steering wheel spokes.

There’s Sync 1.1, which takes in voice commands for various essential features like audio and climate control, and even Bluetooth connectivity. Sadly, it only comes with one USB port so you’re going to need extensions if you’ve got company.

Some of its conveniences include auto on-off headlamps, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, speed-sensing door locks, rain-sensing wipers, and rear park assist (it only uses sensors; no rear camera).

The engine puts out 158hp and 385Nm of torque available at 1,600rpm. Its ride is energetic as it quickly responds to throttle input, which makes the drive immediately exciting.

Just a little bit of pressure on the throttle and off you go; give it some more and you’re overtaking without even taxing the engine one bit.

It settles into its own in the higher gears and feels somehow more mature but I prefer its behavior between gears one to three.

As a tall vehicle and with rear leaf springs, there’s only a small amount of rollover resistance so you’re definitely not competing in any slalom events.

Comfort is actually good for a pickup, assuming you’re aware of its suspension setup, so don’t get your hopes up beyond SUV-level ride. It’s rigid, but noise, vibration and harshness levels are very low.

For the price of P1.236 million, this is a good buy. But if you’re thinking of scrimping and considering the XLS 4x2 AT, which is P144,000 cheaper, here are some of the differences.

You lose auto on-off headlamps, electrochromic mirror, rain-sensing wipers, rear park assist, no bedliner, front mudflaps, side steps, and actually a lot more.

Another thing we like is the Premium Extended Warranty, which covers parts and labor of the engine, transmission, steering and electrical for up to five years or 150,000 kilometers.

Photos by Eric Tipan