While Ford might be best known for its Puma and Transit models, its primary pick-up - the Ranger - is also worthy of a good degree of praise. This hard-wearing truck has topped the best-sellers list time and time again and remains a go-to choice for drivers after a dependable commercial vehicle. The recent introduction of a plug-in hybrid model has helped to boost efficiency, too.
The Ford Ranger should be up there with the brand’s Puma and Transit models in terms of household naming rights, as with its robust build quality and rugged, assured engines, it remains one of the most popular pick-ups available today.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioPrices for the Ford Ranger start from £30,800 excluding VAT for a standard double-cab model with an entry-level 2.0-litre diesel engine. This will rise to £32,150 for a more feature-heavy XLT model, £47,950 for a road-focused Platinum model or £47,800 for a range-topping Raptor. However, since the Raptor can’t be classed as a commercial vehicle, it lies slightly out of the standard Ranger line-up.
Because of its popularity, there are plenty of options for a used Ranger, though strong demand remains high. For instance, we found a Ranger Raptor with 4,000 miles on the clock going for £48,000 - so slightly more than list.
The bulk of the engines available with the Ranger are diesel. Things start with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, linked either to a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox. You’ll get zero to 60mph in 11.3 seconds in the manual or 10.2 seconds with the automatic, so performance is hardly scintillating. That said, it’s a good workhorse engine that has proven reliable. Up next is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel with 234bhp, linked exclusively to a 10-speed automatic ‘box. It’ll get the range from 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds, so is a fair bit quicker than the regular 2.0-litre engine.
Raptor models get a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, driven through that 10-speed automatic gearbox again. With a 0-60mph time of 7.7 seconds, it’s the quickest Ranger model available.
Finally, you’ve got the plug-in hybrid, which is one of the latest additions to the Ranger line-up. It brings together a 2.3-litre petrol engine with an 11.8kWh battery and an electric motor for a combined output of 277bhp, as well as an electric-only range of around 27 miles. It goes without saying that all Ranger models get four-wheel drive as standard.
While typically used in demanding and punishing driving scenarios, the latest generation of pick-up trucks has needed to be more ‘car-like’ than ever. It’s evident in the Ranger, too, as this is a car that can still tackle poor conditions and serious off-road terrain while still providing drivers with a vehicle that can be taken to the shops or used for weekend leisure activities.
The entry-level diesels will provide enough punch for most, though we reckon that many will opt for the larger 3.0-litre instead, thanks to the additional torque and added flexibility that it brings.
As mentioned, more is being asked of pick-up trucks than ever, which is why the Ranger has been designed to be versatile and usable in a variety of scenarios. Of course, this large pick-up truck’s proportions means it won’t be a go-to choice for drivers who are often around town or navigating multi-storey car parks, but with its relatively light steering, it’s a little easier to drive in more urban environments than you might think.
The base diesel engines are a little gruff under hard acceleration, but the V6 diesel is a little smoother. Switch to the petrol-powered Raptor and things get a lot more exciting, though these versions are more fuel-hungry. The plug-in hybrid feels perfectly designed for business users, while its ability to run on electric-only power for shorter periods means it could prove cheap to run if kept topped up frequently.
It’s a similarly rugged story inside the Ranger, too, with much of this truck’s cabin made from hard-wearing materials. In trucks with an automatic gearbox, you’ll find a large, chunky gear selector in the middle, around which are the cupholders and smartphone storage area. Many of the materials feel on the money for a pickup truck like this, with higher-specification models benefiting from more upmarket finishes.
There are plenty of chunky, intuitively designed controls to use as well. The multifunction steering wheel, for instance, has plenty of features, while the large central touchscreen is helped by the addition of rotary dials for elements such as heating and ventilation. The good news is that they’re robust enough that they could be operated while wearing gloves, too.
Of course, being a pick-up truck means that the Ranger doesn’t have a boot area per se, but it does have a very usable bed which can be used for all kinds of storage. It’s lined, too, so it should be able to handle rougher materials, while many of the Ranger variants get a power outlet in the boot so you can charge tools or power other devices. As with most pick-ups, the Ranger is available with a wide array of load bed accessories, including roll-top and upright covers to help keep things secure. However, plug-in hybrid Rangers do have a small ‘hump’ in the load area due to the batteries.
The Ranger is largely available as a double-cab, which means that there is space for five inside. However, rear seat legroom is pretty tight, though headroom isn’t bad. It’ll be fine for shorter journeys, that’s for sure. If you do need more load area, then a single-cab version is available via the entry-level XL grade.
There are plenty of handy features inside the cabin of the Ranger. Even standard XL models benefit from a 10-inch multifunction display, a useful rear-view camera to help with parking and powered mirrors. However, with its air conditioning, 12-inch multifunction display and six-speaker sound system, we reckon that most people will prefer the XLT model.
You’ll find the most equipment in Wildtrak, Platinum and Wildtrak X specifications, mind you. More car-like in their specifications, they get features such as heated seats, power-adjustable driver’s seats and tinted glass. If you’re planning on using your Ranger as an all-around vehicle rather than just as a workhorse, these specifications bring features that could help.
The Ranger line-up is centred around XL, XLT, Wildtrak and Platinum grades, with the high-performance Raptor model being seen as a slightly separate entity. XL really is the true workhorse of the group; with plastic bumpers, steel wheels and a largely stripped-back interior, it’s the model who need their truck to be a reliable and hard-wearing tool.
XLT gets some more upmarket features such as alloy wheels, rain-sensitive wipers and a laminated windshield for a quieter experience when driving. Both the XL and XLT can only be specified with the smaller 2.0-litre engines, too.
Step up to Wildtrak and the 10-inch infotainment display of XL and XLT cars is upgraded to a 12-inch version, while manual air conditioning is swapped out for a dual-zone automatic system. You also get a sport-stitched steering wheel, which is heated, too, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Platinum is the most tech-packed of the lot. With this grade, you get a 360-degree parking camera, a soft-close tailgate and a wider number of chromed elements for the exterior to bring a more upmarket look. Platinum trucks also get a self-parking function which could prove very handy in tighter spaces.
Raptor models get a broad range of mechanical upgrades. Of course, there’s the tuned V6 petrol engine, but you also get rugged Fox suspension and revised steering, as well as a more aggressive look with specific ‘Raptor’ decals.
Most of the colour options for the Ranger reside around subdued greys and blacks, though a stand-out ‘Lightning Blue’ is also available.
As a large pick-up truck the Ranger certainly has a physical advantage, but it’s also equipped with a wide range of safety features to help things further. There’s a full suite of airbags, including a new ‘far side airbag’ located between the front seats that can help limit the severity of an impact between driver and front passenger if a collision occurs. Other safety features include blind-spot warning and post-impact braking, which can reduce the severity of a secondary collision. In all, the Ranger has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, too.
Rangers have a good track record of reliability, too. An all-round rough-and-tough truck, the Ranger shouldn’t throw up too many issues, though regular servicing and maintenance are key to this.
Many of the Ranger models will be a little more expensive to run than your typical SUV, but that’s not uncommon in the pick-up segment. Naturally, it’s the plug-in hybrid model that has the greatest scope for cheaper-than-usual running costs, while emissions of just 71g/km CO2 will make a big difference for those who are looking to use their Ranger as a business vehicle.
Outside of the PHEV, it’s the 2.0-litre diesel engines which will be the most fuel-efficient, returning around 27mpg during mixed driving. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel isn’t far behind, however, with Ford claiming just over 23mpg for this variant. The V6 petrol-powered Raptor is the thirstiest of the lot with a combined fuel efficiency claim of just over 20mpg - though drive it in a quicker fashion and this will quickly tumble.
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