Ford Ranger pickup review
The current generation Ford Ranger pickup is the third version sold by Ford in Europe, having launched here in 1998. While the first two were based on Mazda vehicles, this is the first version of the Ford Ranger built solely by Ford.
It goes head-to-head with the likes of the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 and Volkswagen Amarok in an ever-growing pickup market. It's about to get even more competitive in 2017 as the Renault Alaskan and two different Mercedes X-class models are due for launch - not forgetting the brand-new Fiat Fullback and established pickups like the Toyota Hilux!
Ford Ranger economy
Offered as one of three body styles; both regular cab and super cab models are suited to commercial use while double cab models also work well as a private or family vehicle. You can choose between a manual or automatic gearbox (double cab models only) and two diesel engines; a four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel with 160ps or a five-cylinder 3.2-litre diesel unit with 200ps.
The lesser-powered 2.2-litre unit has a maximum torque rating of 385Nm which can deliver up to 43.5mpg depending on your Ranger's final drive ratio (FDR). You can opt for the top-end 3.2-litre engine for a maximum torque rating of 470Nm, although combined fuel economy tops out at 34mpg - a significant drop.
Ford Ranger features
Available with one of four trim levels, XL, XLT, Limited and WildTrak, the Ford Ranger offers an excellent level of standard equipment across the range. All models come with body coloured front bumpers, digital radio, two 12v power points, and electronic shift-on-the-fly. Most Ford Rangers feature four-wheel drive as standard, and this pickup really excels off-road.
Naturally, standard equipment gets better as you move up the grades. XLT models add alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control and a chrome front grille. Limited models are heavy on the chrome, with door mirrors, rear step bumper and a sports bar. Other great features include a coolbox in the centre console, air conditioning and a touchscreen system.
Like the Ford Transit Custom, the Ford Ranger has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, awarded in 2012. Since then, Ford have added an array of driving aids that make this pickup even safer. These include a number of airbags and an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system which includes Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Load Adaptive Control, Roll-over Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control.
Ford Ranger dimensions
Obviously, each of the three models will have different dimensions and capacities. The regular cab has the best figures - a payload just shy of 1300kg and a maximum load length of 2317mm. Super cab models have two small rear seats, although the space in which they're in is best described as tight. There are concessions in both load length (1847mm) and payload, which ranges from 1070kg to 1230kg depending on your model.
Double cab models provide the smallest dimensions with a 1549mm load length although a payload range of 1070kg to 1199kg is not too dissimilar to super cab versions. Considering the benefits of double cab models versus the others, it's not too big of a sacrifice.
Ford Ranger on finance
You can get the excellent Ford Ranger pickup from as little as £199 per month. We offer flexible finance options including van leasing, contract hire and hire purchase, a year's breakdown cover and road tax as well as FREE UK delivery with all our vans - Call NOW on 0845 021 0444 or submit your details online and we'll get back to you.