In Brief: Ford Ranger, combining the best of utilitarian and refinement

(Model | Gallery)

The Ford Ranger is a 4x4 pickup truck that made a global debut back in 2015. This updated Ranger Wildtrak that you see here was introduced back in October 2018. Changes include a new 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine, a new 10-speed (yes, 10-speed) automatic transmission, and Ford’s range of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). 

While the Ranger Raptor gets all the attention for being a ‘Baja-capable’ model, we reckon that you should take a closer look at the Ranger Wildtrak instead.

How Much Is It?

Prices start from RM 90,888 for the Ranger XL. Then there’s the Ranger XLT, which goes for RM 109,888. The Ranger Wildtrak you see here retails for RM 148,888. As for the ‘go anywhere, do anything’ Ranger Raptor, that one is priced at RM 199,888.

Barring the RM200k Ranger Raptor, all other Ranger variants are priced right smack in the region of the Mitsubishi Triton (from RM 100,200 to RM 137,900) and Toyota Hilux (from RM 90,000 to RM 139,888).

Our pick of the range is the Ranger Wildtrak, as it is packed to the brim with goodies such as HID projector headlights, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and an e-locking rear differential.

However, if money is no object, the Ranger Raptor should be on your shopping list. Not only does the Ranger Raptor gets all the Baja-specific goodies, it also gets a unique cockpit with blue stitching, Baja off-road sport mode, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. However, the Ranger Raptor makes do without the Wildtrak’s ADAS features.

Pros and Cons

There is a lot going for the Ford Ranger, as variants such as the Ranger Wildtrak get a plush interior with various Wildtrak-specific orange trim and stitching. The sound system on the Ranger Wildtrak is on par, if not better than some sedans and SUVs. The icing on the cake is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which should be a staple for any modern-day vehicle.

Performance wise, Ranger variants (Wildtrak 4x4 and Raptor) with the 213 PS engine are in for a treat, as straight-line performance is strong, to say the least. Couple that with the seamless 10-speed automatic, honing the Ranger is all too easy. Our own tests showed that the Ranger Wildtrak is able to complete the century sprint in just 9.8 seconds, a remarkable figure considering the trucks’ 2-tonne kerb weight.

With 9 variants of the Ranger, Ford has all bases covered – if you need a work horse, then the Ranger XL is your to-go. As for those who feels that the Ranger Wildtrak is too much of an overkill, Ford has the Ranger XLT, combining the lifestyle and work horse into one truck.

However, considering the size of the Ranger, being the largest in its segment, a 360-degree parking camera would have been good, as parking this behemoth takes some skills. 

With only 38 service centres across the nation, Ford has way less than any Japanese competition, making it less convenient to service your vehicle.

What Are The Alternatives