More information, a brief history and our verdict on the Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a large and imposing machine, and one of the most popular double-cab pickups in the UK. The current version has been on sale for some time now, but Ford has worked hard to keep it fresh-looking. It is surprisingly smart and sophisticated inside for such a heavy-duty truck.

The Ford Ranger competes with rivals such as the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max. The double cab pickup sector isn’t as broad as it once was, as other entrants such as the Volkswagen Amarok have departed, which is why these models still boast such strong sales.  

The Ford Ranger name has been around in the UK since the 1990s. It was originally a model co-developed with Mazda, whose version was called the BT-50. Ford of Australia took on responsibility for designing a replacement, with this version of the Ranger arriving in 2011. 

As you’d expect, it’s a strong and robust machine, with the Ranger becoming the first double-cab pickup to gain a five-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP. If you’re looking to buy or lease one for family-focused use, as well as day-to-day business duties, this is very reassuring. 

Most owners do indeed buy or lease a Ford Ranger through their business. Because it has a payload of more than one tonne, it is classified as a light commercial vehicle, or LCV. The tax savings are considerable, both for businesses and individual drivers. You can even claim back the VAT if you lease a new Ford Ranger. 

Ford Ranger models, trims, specs, engine sizes and more

The Ford Ranger model line-up caters for all types of customers. The entry-level truck has a basic and workmanlike spec, and is ideal for heavy-duty tasks. By contrast, the pricier trims have specifications more like a regular family SUV, and are focused on motorists seeking to save tax and have a useful working machine, without sacrificing any creature comforts. 

There are three different body styles of Ford Ranger. They’re all the same 5.3-metre overall length, but have different-sized load bays. The Single Cab has a rear bay that’s 2.3 metres long, the Super Cab is 1.8 metres long and the Double Cab is 1.6 metres. The difference is the balance of space between passengers and load. 

All Ford Ranger use the same 2.0-litre EcoBlue four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Earlier models used a potent-sounding 3.2-litre engine, but the newer motor is actually just as powerful, and appreciably better in terms of fuel economy and CO2 emissions. 

• Ford Ranger 2.0-litre Ecoblue 130 diesel: The entry-level Ford Ranger has a six-speed manual gearbox. With 130PS, it serves up 0-62mph acceleration in 11.1 seconds and averages up to 40.9mpg. 

• Ford Ranger 2.0-litre Ecoblue 170 diesel: The more powerful 170PS version has the same acceleration time as the 130PS, but a higher top speed and much more everyday pulling power – useful if you plan to haul heavy loads. It still averages up to 40.9mpg, and offers a choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearboxes. 

• Ford Ranger 2.0-litre Ecoblue 213 diesel: The most powerful Ford Ranger’s 213PS is delivered through a high-tech 10-speed automatic gearbox. Zero to 62mph takes 9.0 seconds and it makes light work of heavy cargo. It also averages a decent 36.7mpg. 

Ford Ranger features as standard & optional extras

Ford offers a decent range of features as standard on the entry-level Ranger XL variant, including the all-important air conditioning. You can choose between 130PS or 170PS engines, and it’s offered in all three different body styles. 

The Ranger XLT is more luxurious, though, with features lacking on the base XL such as alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors and a leather steering wheel. 

The Ford Ranger Limited is likely to surprise with all the features it boasts as standard. These include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, leather upholstery, rear privacy glass, keyless entry and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The popular Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a long-running variant with more standout styling, including 18-inch alloy wheels, titanium-effect exterior detailing and an aerodynamic sports hoop featuring built-in load box illumination. 

Then there’s the high-performance Ford Ranger Raptor. It has dedicated rally-style off-road suspension with a wider track, Fox Pro dampers with position sensitive control, and special alloys with all-terrain tyres. There’s Raptor suede upholstery inside, along with a unique instrument cluster. 

As for options, the world is your oyster. Both Ford and umpteen independent specialists have developed an array of rear deck accessories, from locking covers to hose-clean load bay liners.  

The Ford Ranger’s exterior dimensions are:

• Length: 5,282-5,363mm
• Width: 1,977-2,028mm
• Height: 1,800-2,028mm
• Ground clearance: 230mm