Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger

New and used Ford cars are always popular purchases and one vehicle that has more recently caught the public’s attention is the Ford Ranger. That it is a pick-up truck doesn’t mean it is just for work; the modern Ranger offers all the modern conveniences of the latest passenger cars but with the added ability of carrying loads or taking the whole family out into the wild blue yonder.

The Exterior

Available in regular cab and super-cab variants, by far and away the most popular body type, the four-door, five seat crew cab version is the one to buy for total versatility. New styling from 2019 delivers a powerful presence on the road. Exterior features include a revised front bumper design and a new grille and, of course, a full size load bed at the back, featuring a new easy-lift tailgate fitted with a torsion bar that significantly reduces the effort required to lift the tailgate back up into its closed position. Higher-series versions feature premium Xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights and 17” alloy wheels. 18” wheels are available as an option on some models.

Trim levels run from basic working models to the popular Ranger Wildtrak, which now offers all of the comforts of a modern SUV. There's a high-performance Ranger Raptor model, too. The striking Ranger Wildtrak variant stands out from the crowd with a choice of colours including the special ‘Saber Orange’ colour, and a contrasting unique dark, titanium-effect finish for the trapezoidal grille and distinctive outboard air-intakes. The same titanium-effect accent colour continues to the side mirrors, door handles, side air vents and load-bed rails, for a bold, sporty appearance.

The Interior

The SUV style of vehicle has proved immensely popular with drivers these days and it’s the same experience with the Ford Ranger thanks to its elevated driving position. Even base-level versions get comfortable seating, the driver’s benefiting from four-way manual adjustment. Eight-way electric seats with lumbar adjustment are standard on the higher level Limited and Wildtrak models. The mighty Raptor, meanwhile, has bespoke seats that are comfortable even when bouncing over rocky terrain.

It makes sense to specify front and rear parking sensors which are optional extras on new entry-level Rangers. Again, higher trim levels get them as standard and a rear-view camera too.

Bluetooth and DAB radio are both standard fitments but it’s necessary to move up a grade to get an 8.0in Ford Sync touchscreen infotainment system. Satellite navigation is optional on most but it’s standard fit on the Wildtrak and Raptor models.

Infotainment and connectivity are to a high standard. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Intelligent Speed Limiter technologies are supplied as standard, helping drivers avoid or mitigate the effects of accidents and there’s a wealth of other safety features available optionally and model dependent, like the leather seats in the luxurious Ranger Limited.

Driving The Ford Ranger

Pride of place goes to the Ranger’s powerful 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesel engine for improved economy and emissions. In addition to a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, the 167bhp (170PS) and 210bhp (213PS) power-trains offer Ford’s class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission, with proven performance and durability. A locking differential is standard on the Wildtrak and Raptor but available as an option on others,

Despite its size, the driving experience is surprisingly car like. The brilliant four-wheel drive system has a choice of modes, which can be switched on the fly while driving up to moderate speeds with just the twist of a dial. The Ranger has excellent handling for a vehicle of this type thanks to sharp steering and improved suspension.

Should You Buy One?

New and used Ford Ranger vehicles are available to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and other global destinations. If a capacious all round rugged, all-wheel-drive vehicle that can work for a living or carry the family and all the camping equipment out into the countryside for a holiday fits the bill then the Ranger is the car to get. It’s tried and tested too, with a history that goes back to the original American Ford F150. Get in touch with us here at MHH International for availability.