The Ford Ranger is a staple on our local roads. No trip would be complete without seeing one of these machines going about their business. It's one of South Africa's best-selling Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) and it's easy to see why. Over the last few years, the humble Ranger has gone from strength to strength and this latest version is even better!
Related: Volkswagen Amarok vs Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux: Here's our winner
The latest Ford Ranger range may use the same basic chassis as before, but it has been heavily reworked and the suspension redesigned to provide the best ride quality to date. With these cosmetic and handling enhancements come a range of new engines. These engines are paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox which, is also available in two flavours, as well as a selection of 4x2, 4x4, or 4WD final drive. Not all combinations are available but you're still left with a comprehensive range of vehicles to choose from.
Here's how the engines compete in terms of rated power and fuel economy, based on the manufacturer's claims.
Ford Ranger Engine Economy
1. 2.0 SiT
The 'smallest' engine in the Ford Ranger lineup is the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel offering with a single turbocharger. This engine produces 125 kW and a stout 405 Nm torque. It's a great workhorse engine and Ford offers it 6-speed automatic, manual and in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.
| Manual | 4x2 | 6.9 l/100km |
| Automatic | 4x2 | 7.5 l/100km |
| Manual | 4x4 | 7.1 l/100km |
| Automatic | 4x2 | 7.7 l/100km |
2. 2.0 BiTurbo
The newer, BiTurbo engine is a gem. This unit is a twin-turbocharged diesel engine that produces 154 kW and 500 Nm torque, sending power to either the rear wheels in the 4x2 or it will offer the option of sending power to all four wheels in the 4x4 version. All 2.0 BiTurbo Rangers are fitted with a 10-sped automatic gearbox that allows for 'gear hopping' for improved fuel consumption.
| Automatic | 4x2 | 7.2 l/100km |
| Automatic | 4x4 | 7.5 l/100km |
3. 3.0 V6
A new addition for the new Ford Ranger, the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine replaces the 3.2-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesel found in the previous Ranger. This new powerplant produces 184 kW and the most torque in the range, coming in at 600 Nm. This engine is only available in Wildtrak trim, mated to a 10-speed automatic and is paired with a 4WD system with an auto function.
| Automatic | 4x4 | 8.4 l/100km |
4. 3.0 V6 EcoBoost
The single, solitary petrol offering in the Ranger range, the 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost is found in the Ranger Raptor. This powerhouse is impressive with 292 kW on hand and 583 Nm torque produced. You will only find the Raptor in 4WD configuration with a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
| Automatic | 4x4 | 11.5 l/100km |
Our winner
The single turbo, paired with the manual gearbox and in 4x2 configuration is the outright winner here. It returns figures under the 7 l/100km mark but still provides the same 125 kW and 405 Nm. This isn't only a workhorse, it's fuel efficient too!
It must be said that we are rather fond of the 2.0 BiTurbo as well and if we were to go with this engine option, we'd pair it with the 4x2 drivetrain as well, as this one is the lighter of the two options.
