AWAY IN A RANGER
VALUE
The Ford Ranger is due for imminent replacement, so Ford has cranked out special editions to help shift the last of the outgoing model.
We’ve seen a stack of models spanning from the trade-ready XL Heavy Duty Special Edition to the top-end Raptor X, each with a few tweaks to maximise appeal. We tested the mid-level Ranger FX4 Max, a model that combines a relatively basic cabin with rugged upgrades that lend improved off-road ability as well as extra ground clearance and tougher looks.
Priced from $65,940 plus on-road costs (about $74,000 drive-away), the FX4 Max has beefed-up suspension, new wheels with bigger tyres, a sports bar in the tray and chunky side steps. You also get a raptor-style grille, upgraded seats and clever auxiliary switches on the dashboard, making it easier to fit accessories to the car.
COMFORT Ch u
The FX4 Max treatment includes partial leather seats that look OK, but aren’t the most supportive chairs on the road. Comfort is improved by premium shock absorbers from off-road specialists Fox, improving the Ranger’s composure on tarmac and beyond. Chunky tyres bowl up more road noise than regular rubber – a compromise many pick-up owners are willing to make, judging by the sheer numbers of tough-looking utes and four-wheeldrives on the road.
SAFETY
The Ranger has a decent array of safety gear including six airbags, auto emergency braking and active cruise control.
More modern alternatives such as the Isuzu D-max bring more tech, such as centre airbags between the front seats. Expect the new Ranger to match the best in class later this year.
DRIVING
The Ranger has been one of the best-driving utes in its class for the best part of a decade. Running changes to the Ranger’s suspension help keep it on top.
Tweaks to the front suspension, coupled with the Fox shocks, improve steering precision and ride comfort.
Ford’s 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine delivers decent punch and refinement, though we’re less sure about a 10-speed automatic transmission that occasionally struggles to choose the right gear, and delivers the odd jerky shift.
We like that it offers a taste of the Ranger Raptor’s superior off-road ability without compromising its payload or towing capacity – the latter is a full tonne more than Ford’s flagship ute.
Christmas holidays in Ford’s run-out pickup reminded us the blue-blooded dualcab is a winner for Aussie families. DAVID MCCOWEN
ALTERNATIVES
NEW FORD RANGER WILDTRAK, TBC (EST. $75,000 DRIVE-AWAY)
Set to arrive mid-year, the new Ranger brings new toys including a powerful V6 and 12-inch touchscreen.
TOYOTA HILUX RUGGED X, ABOUT $76,000 DRIVE-AWAY
Genuine accessories increase the appeal of Australia’s favourite car.
NISSAN NAVARA WARRIOR, ABOUT $78,000 DRIVE-AWAY
Like the FX4 Max, the Navara Warrior looks tough and has real off-road ability.