‘Legendary Tough’ is how the updated PK model Ranger ute is promoted and after sampling two different models in two weeks, the team at Car Showroom reckons Ford has got it right.
Our time behind the wheel of both Crew Cab and Super cab models reminded us that Ford really does build some of the world’s best trucks.
What You Get
Like rival vehicles from Holden, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Mazda, Ford offers the Ranger in a staggering variety of models and equipment levels – by our count you can select from 19 Ranger models covering cab chassis, pickup, single cab, crew cab, super cab, 4x4 and two-wheel-drive, manual and automatic transmissions.
Engine choices are a 2.4-litre or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.
We like the styling changes included in the last upgrade and the driving dynamics of the Ranger are amongst the best in the segment.
Under The Hood
The two Rangers we tested were both powered by the 3.0-litre TDCi turbocharged diesel.
Good for 115kW and a handy 380Nm, this is the latest common rail high pressure direct injection diesel which enhances fuel economy and reduces exhaust emissions. Ford says the combined cycle fuel economy is 9.5l/100kms and the CO2 emissions are 250g/km.
With a fuel tank capacity of 70 litres, the Ranger provides a good range between visits to the bowser.
Unlike some rivals, we liked the exhaust note of the Rangers – a nice, purposeful growl. No surprise really – Ford knows a thing or two about trucks.
The Interior
In XLT model guise, the Ranger presents a very pleasant and nicely styled interior. We liked the sports weave seat material with matching door trims and even thought the steering wheel only adjusts for rake (not reach), the driving position is quite good.
Strangely the handbrake remains the old-style pull-out t-bar.
The Car Showroom juniors in their child and booster seats were well accommodated in the rear of the Crew Cab with surprising legroom. Seating capacity is five people.
Unique in the Super Cab are rear doors which open backwards to access the second row jump seats. We had some youngsters in the rear seats (this is a four-seater) but a full-size adult probably wouldn’t appreciate a trip from Melbourne to Sydney.
There are lots of storage areas and the passenger side sliding ‘lunch tray’ is a clever touch.
XLT models come with driver and front passenger airbags plus front seat side head/thorax airbags. XL models offer driver and front passenger airbags and an optional safety pack includes the extra airbags.
On the audio front, XL models are equipped with a single slot CD with MP3 compatibility and auxiliary input while XLT versions gain a six-disc version.
Exterior Styling
Styling changes included as part of the recent upgrade have given the Ranger a more substantial look around the front end. The bolder three-bar chrome grille is reminiscent of Ford’s big F150 truck.
The XLT gains stylish 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch steel wheels on XL) plus extra chrome in the grille, door and tailgate handles, front fog lights, alloy side steps and an alloy cargo bed roll bar. We reckon its looks great.
Overall the Ranger delivers a purposeful appearance that has more ‘street cred’ than some rivals.
And if all that is not enough, Ranger’s range-topping 4x4 ‘Wildtrack’ model certainly has head-turning appeal.
On The Road
Substantially improved on-road dynamics are a key feature of the latest generation utes and the Ranger ranks amongst the best.
Our XLT Crew Cab was fitted with the optional five-speed automatic transmission which was nicely calibrated to the 3.0-litre TDCi diesel engine.
Acceleration from a standing start was brisk and you got the feeling the Ranger will comfortably tow right up to its rated limit of 3,000kgs.
The front suspension is a double wishbone independent design while the rear features dual rate semi-elliptic leaf springs. We drove both Rangers without cargo and found the ride and handling to be sharp, refined and comfortable enough (all utes are designed to carry loads and so the rear end can feel light when unladen).
A limited slip differential is standard and XLT models gain ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (can be ordered on XL versions as part of the Safety Pack that also includes the extra airbags).
Challenges
Good as the Ranger’s modern 3.0-litre TDCi engine is, the fact is some segment rivals do offer more powerful diesels (although Ford’s 380Nm takes some beating!). With Ford Australia focusing increasingly on diesel powerplants as it gears-up for the diesel Territory we would expect the next Ranger models will switch to a newer, more powerful engine.
And we suspect that t-bar handbrake might be gone in the new model too.
Verdict
We love our trucks here at Car Showroom and with Toyota’s Hilux periodically topping the monthly Australia sales charts…well we’re not alone as many Aussies love their utes!
After two weeks behind the wheel of the latest Rangers we’re happy to put the new Fords on the top shelf, amongst the best in the segment.
Whether you use your ute for work or play you will enjoy the Ranger’s nice interior and handy driving dynamics. And you’ll appreciate it’s ‘legendary toughness’.
Thumbs-up:
Styled like trucks should be; comfortable interiors; good towing capacity; nice to drive
Thumbs-down:
Interior styling starting to date
