Ford Ranger

Ranger Overview

The Ford Ranger is one of the longest running midsize pickup trucks in its segment. While it’s seen a number of changes and facelifts over the years, it has retained much of the characteristics that first shot it to fame since its initial release in the Philippines back in 2000. Its muscular stance and large build have made it a sought after model in its class. The vehicle also offers a spacious cabin, features that one would usually find on an SUV, and excellent engine power and torque. However, if there’s anything the Ranger is most well known for, it’s for its platform’s versatility. It’s the favored choice of drivers who enjoy an active lifestyle as well as city drivers who want a robust SUV-like driving experience.

The first Ranger Raptor variant was introduced in the country during the latest generation’s launch in September 2018. Besides a facelifted front fascia, it also received new powertrains. The new 2.0-liter Biturbo diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission replaced the original 3.2-liter Duratorq engine in the Wildtrak variants. Ford retained the 2.2-liter Duratorq option for lower variants. For its latest iteration, Ford Philippines launched the new FX4 Max 4x4 variant which features sleeker and more modern styling, as well as an automatic version of the XLS 4x2 trim. The Ranger lineup is currently offering around 14 variants.

The Ranger remains one of Ford Philippines’ best sellers in the country to this day. Its on road agility, extensive cargo space, improved mileage, modern design, and great off road capabilities have made the pickup truck a household name. The Ford Ranger is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road and it continues to prove why it’s one of the best in its segment. It currently competes with the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux, Chevrolet Colorado, and Mitsubishi Strada.

Ford Ranger Interior & Features

The Ranger’s interior styling is composed of premium design features that provide a comfortable ride experience. It possesses one of the largest cabins in its class, promising ample head, leg, and shoulder room for passengers. One of the most notable improvements is the vehicle’s noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) insulation. While the Ranger is already known for being one of the smoothest pickup trucks in its segment, this improvement means even better ride comfort when dealing with road surface irregularities. In terms of seating, buyers will get different upholstery materials depending on the variant. Buyers can expect leather wrapped seats for the higher end trims while the likes of the XLS and XLT variants only offer fabric.

For the dashboard, the upper layer sports gentle-touch upholstery that matches the thick piano black panel of the dashboard’s middle layer. This gives the interior a plushy appearance despite the pickup truck’s aggressive and tough character. On the other hand, mid to lower variants such as the XLS and XLT received plastic ornaments for the dashboard which comes in a matte metallic silver.

Meanwhile, the Wildtrak variants get a similar dashboard but with glossy dark grayish paint. Sitting in the driver’s area is a four-spoke steering wheel which is outfitted with a number of buttons for convenience on each side.

Another notable thing about the Ranger is how it’s been equipped with a number of features one would usually find on a SUV. Sitting in the middle of the dashboard is an 8-inch infotainment display system that is hooked to six speakers.

The system supports SYNC 3 infotainment which includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SYNC 3 with voice activated controls is only available on the FX4 Max and Wildtrak trims. The top of the line variant is also the only model with navigation.

Ranger Exterior

The Ford Ranger can easily be distinguished on the road with its beefy exterior and its wide, imposing stance. The pickup truck’s ground clearance is approximately 232 mm for all variants with the exception of the FX4 Max which has a higher ground clearance of 256 mm. This provides the vehicle sufficient space to wade through around 800mm-deep water.

The Ranger received its first facelift back in 2015 where it got an all-new front end as well as a more premium looking dashboard. Meanwhile, the 2019 model got a brand new grille design which featured a twin bar pattern that was vased on the US version of the Ranger. The bumpers were also restyled for a subtly cleaner look while still staying true to the rugged character of the pickup truck. It was also during this time that LED headlights became standard on the Wildtrak and Raptor variants.

For the most recent iteration, the Ranger got a number of updates such as a new grille that’s similar to the sporty styling of the FX4 variant. This replaces the original two-bar design on the XLS, XLT, and Wildtrak trims. The XLT and Wildtrak variants also received new gloss black trim and wheels for a more modern and sophisticated look. Ford gave the XLT variants chrome grill accents while the Wildtrak variants got saber orange accents for the grille and sports bar. The XLS variants now also have running baords.

Only the top of the line Wildtrak variants are outfitted with LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps. On the other hand, the XLT and FX4 variants are equipped with projector headlamps. The lower end XLS trim comes with reflector headlamps. The Ranger comes in a variety of colors including Cool White, Arctic White, Absolute Black, Meteor Gray (excluding XLS), Aluminum Metallic, Diffused Silver, Blue Lightning (FX4 Max and XLT), True Red (FX4 Max and FX4), Sunset Red (XLT and XLS), and Saber (Wildtrak only).

Passenger & Boot space

The Ranger is known for having one of the most spacious cabins and beds in the pickup truck segment. The cabin is definitely roomy and can fit numerous passengers with ample head, leg, and shoulder room left over. However, taller and larger passengers may still find the space a tight squeeze. The Ranger can carry up to 1,121 kg of cargo which are impressive numbers in its class. The bed measures 1,8477 mm in overall length and around 1,5499 mm when measured within the inisde walls. This makes the Ranger incredibly versatile, allowing it to accommodate various hauling needs.

Ford Ranger Ride & Handling

The 2.0-liter biturbo powertrain is a powerhouse engine and offers a zippy driving experience that seems to perform significantly better than the larger engines from the original models. However, drivers may still experience some differences in driving performance depending on the variant. Rest assured, it still delivers exceptionally in the likes of the top of the line Wildtrak. When it comes to the Raptor, drivers can expect a fun driving experience with lots of power and torque spread out across the rpm thanks to its 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter biturbo functions well here with 210 hp and 500 Nm, though some might expect a little more throttle when driving this behemoth down the road.

The 2.2-liter mill which can be found on the FX4 and XLT also proved to be incredibly responsive and capable on the road. It performs well when overtaking or using it for hauling purposes, though it’s definitely not as punchy as its 2.0-liter biturbo sibling. The 2.0-liter single turbo engine also presents some exciting opportunities and it definitely holds some potential. One thing’s for sure, drivers can get more from their Ranger experience with the 2.0-liter engines than the 2.2-liter.

Ranger Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Ranger is a body-on-frame pickup truck that rides on Ford’s T6 platform. This is the same platform found on the Everest midsize SUVs. The vehicle comes in a four-door cab version and is currently the only body configuration available in the country. Depending on the variant, buyers can get either a rear-wheel drivetrain or include a 4x4 configuration. For the engine, the Ford Ranger offers three powertrain options.

The first is the 2.0-liter Biturbo diesel engine that delivers 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This can be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter Single Turbo diesel produces 178 hp and 420 Nm of torque. This can be mated to either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Finally, the retained 2.2-liter TDCi engine generates 158 hp and 385 Nm of torque. This can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Except for the Ranger Raptor, the rest of the lineup includes a double wishbone with coil springs for the front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension setup. For the brakes, the Ranger is equipped with ventilated discs for the front while the rear has drums.

Fuel consumption

Car enthusiasts are well aware of the Ford Ranger’s excellent fuel economy numbers. Drivers can expect different levels of fuel consumption based on the variant and powertrain they get, however, most will be pleased by its overall results. The Raptor pulls about 8.9 liter/100 km when driving in both the city and on the highway combined. The XLT trim which is equipped with the 2.2-liter diesel engine registers 11.9 km/L when driving at a relatively slow pace. When on the highway on a busy day, it pulls 17.8 km/L. These numbers aren’t far from the higher end 4x2 Wildtrak variant.

Ford Ranger Braking & Safety

The Ranger comes with a number of standard safety features such as an anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, and ISOFIX tethers for child seats. The Wildtrak variants are equipped with six airbags while the rest of the lineup comes with only a driver and front passenger airbag. Ford also gave the Wildtrak 4x4 variants driver assistance systems which include a pre-collission assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping aid, driver alert system, adaptive cruise control with forward collision control, active part assist, and auto high beam. In addition to that, it also received the same camera-based autonomous braking feature found on the Ranger Raptor.

Ranger Verdict

Is Ford Ranger a Good Car?

The Ranger is equipped with various tech and convenience features that can often be found on SUVs. Some of these features include keyless entry, an engine start/stop button, automatic climate control, a height adjustable driver seat, adjustable seats, accessory power outlets, power steering, foldable rear seats, a rear seat center arm seat, cup holders for the front and rear, and bottle holders.

The Ranger is also equipped with an onboard computer. Meanwhile, the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system has Bluetooth connectivity, FM/AM radio, and USB and AUX input. The voice-activated control features are only available on the FX4 Max and Wildtrak variants.

Ford Ranger price Philippines :

Ranger 2.2 XLS 4x2 MT-P1,155,000
Ranger 2.2 XLS 4x2 AT-P1,215,000
Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x2 MT-P1,299,000
Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x4 MT-P1,304,000
Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x2 MT-P1,320,000
Ranger 2.2 XLT 4x2 AT-P1,330,000
Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x2 AT-P1,380,000
Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x4 MT-P1,450,000
Ranger 2.0 Wildtrak 4x2 MT-P1,480,000
Ranger 2.2 FX4 4x4 AT-P1,510,000
Ranger 2.0 Wildtrak 4x2 AT-P1,540,000
Ranger 2.0 Biturbo FX4 Max 4x4 AT-P1,698,000
Ranger 2.0 Biturbo Wildtrak 4x4 AT-P1,728,000

The Ranger lineup offers a little bit of everything for different needs. The FX4 is definitely the most stylish among all the variants, however, the XLT might be a better choice for those seeking practicality. Between the Wildtrak and the Raptor, the former might be a better choice if you’re on a budget. Though if you want extra comfort for off road adventures, the Raptor’s Fox suspension setup is the one to choose.

Final Words

The Ford Ranger is one of the most powerful and premium pickup trucks on the market. Thanks to its consistent powertrain setup, modern interior styling, large cargo space, and advanced set of tech features, it manages to still live up to its name even until today. The top of the line Raptor currently remains the top selling variant of Ford Philippines, however, the model’s extensive lineup guarantees a diverse range of choices for all kinds of driving needs. If there’s one thing the Ranger can use more improvement on, it’s the engine noise. However, improved Fox suspension and NVH have definitely made the vehicle a more comfortable ride.

Must Read Article on Ranger:

• The Ford Ranger: A brief overview of all its 12 trims
• Know the Ford Ranger XLS range
• What is the Ford Ranger FX4?