Ford's Ranger continues to be a massive success for the brand within the local market. Although it does not match the industry-leading Toyota Hilux in terms of monthly sales, the Ranger does hold the crown of SA's best-selling double cab, with Toyota and Isuzu's extended and single cab options being favoured in light commercial business operations.
This means that for those of us looking to use a bakkie as both a work and leisure vehicle, the Ranger's popularity in the double cab space may appear attractive. Based on my recent experience in the mid-range XLT model, I understand why this locally built bakkie has found so many homes locally!
Related: Ford Ranger Tremor - Long Term Update 2
Pros:
-Excellent blend of workhorse and lifestyle bakkie
-Impressive running costs
-Perceived value
Cons:
-Some buyers may want more features for the money
-This price point is loaded with options, some with 4x4!
Styling
The XLT variant features signature C-clamp LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, a chrome grille bar, and body-coloured finishes for the side mirrors, door handles, and rear bumper. While not as visually flamboyant as our long-term Tremor, I prefer the XLT's simpler exterior aesthetic. While our press unit's black exterior paint looks fantastic, it will be a nightmare to keep clean, which is probably why black bakkies are relatively rare compared with other grayscale colours on local roads!
Interior
Inside the Ranger XLT, you're greeted by an SUV-like cabin that balances the hard-wearing plastics expected in a bakkie with a few soft-touch surfaces and an emphasis on connectivity. This creates a functional but modern aesthetic that I feel is excellent for the vehicle's target audience, who want durability and utility but also modern convenience.
There's a 10.1-inch centre touchscreen, powered by Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Other niceties include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry/start, and in the case of the press unit, leather seats, which are an option.
The XLT was refreshing for me because it only comes with the features one may need, reminding us how little we truly need to get by in relative comfort. While I understand the argument for having a feature and not using it rather than wanting it and not having it, I also find that the more that is packed into a product, the more that can potentially go wrong down the road.
In terms of practicality, the XLT SiT features a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg, a wading depth of 800mm and a ground clearance of 237mm. The 4x2 model does come with a locking rear differential too, making light off-roading a possibility.
Related: Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 AWD Wildtrak (2023) review - Setting a new benchmark
Drivetrain
The 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo diesel engine delivers 125kW and 405Nm of torque, and since it makes do with one turbocharger, there's less complexity. Judging by some research conducted on my part, this single turbo version of the so-called Panther engine has a stronger reputation for reliability than its biturbo sibling. Ford’s 6-speed automatic transmission is codenamed the 6R80. It is considered reliable and able to last a reasonable amount of mileage, provided it is not abused and has its oil and filter changed relatively regularly.
Driving impression
The Ranger, in XLT guise, comes with road-bias tyres and the sort of ride quality one may associate with an SUV more than a bakkie. I find this latest generation of Ford's bakkie so agreeable to live with daily, and even this mid-spec model works so well that I believe the V6 and Biturbo models are excessive unless you tow hefty things. Throughout my time with the XLT I began to understand how products like this have become the foundation upon which many South African families build their garage, as you effectively get something that can be used in almost every daily situation, leaving freedom within the garage to have something smaller, perhaps sportier, or even exotic as a second vehicle.
Fuel economy
Ford claims that the XLT will consume diesel at a rate of 7.5 L/100km; however, our week with the product, which was a mixed cycle, resulted in a figure of 8.2 L/100km.
Safety
In 2022, the Ranger received a 5-Star EuroNCAP safety rating, scoring 84% for adult occupant safety, 90% for child occupant safety, 74% for pedestrian safety, and 84% for safety assist systems.
Pricing*
The XLT is priced at R681 500 and competes with the Volkswagen Amarok 2.0TDI double cab Life auto (R704 700), Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D double cab GLS auto (R679 990), Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD double cab LS 4x4 auto (R698 700), making the Ford reasonable value, but it's worth considering that there are many capable options at this price point.
*Pricing includes a 4-year/120 000km warranty and a 6-year/90 000km service plan.
Verdict
The XLT represents the very essence of what I believe Ford has aimed to achieve with the latest Ranger, to offer a bakkie that has all the features one needs, and few they may want, impressive ride quality, good looks, a cabin that blends bakkie durability with SUV aeshetcis, practicality, capability and a strong, but frugal drivetrain. In my opinion, this is all the Ranger you need, and if 4x4 is a must-have, there's an XLT 4x4, just budget around R80 000 more!
