RANGE OVER SPORT (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_fordranger_2024

By Jonathan Crouch

Ford's gutsy fourth generation Ranger is still a pick-up you can't ignore. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 53

Ford re-invented its Ranger pick-up in this fourth generation form with extra attitude and an activity-orientated vibe that really suits it. It's more car-like where it counts - inside - but a proper pick-up in terms of cargo capacity, torque and traction. Want a truck? We think you'll still want one of these.

Backgroundword count: 206

Think of a pick-up and Ford is a name you just can't ignore, the company represented in this growing segment since the turn of the century by this tough, versatile Ranger model. This fourth generation design targets the growing lifestyle part of the pick-up market more directly than ever before, while still keeping the tough capability that will appeal to business operators. This current second generation version of a T6 model that dates back to 2011 was launched in 2021 and developed with Volkswagen, who used this design to create the second generation version of their Amarok pick-up. Ford led the engineering of this model; this is, after all, a key commercial contender for the Blue Oval brand - the Ranger accounts for nearly 40% of the European pick-up market. But it's very much a global product, designed and engineered in Australia, built in South Africa and Thailand and featuring a 3.0-litre turbo diesel assembled in Dagenham, part of a design versatile enough for export to over 180 countries. Perfect in principle not only for core pick-up customers like farmers, plumbers and jobbing builders but also for the self-employed private people increasingly wanting a vehicle like this as a lifestyle accessory. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 297

If you want a conventional engine in your Ranger, Ford wants you to choose its 3.0-litre EcoBlue diesel V6 with 240PS, which uses a 10-speed auto gearbox. That transmiossion's also used in a slightly different form by the alternative petrol PHEV version, which combines a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four cylinder 281PS petrol engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery system. When fully charged, a (rather unremarkable) EV range of up to 28 miles is promised. The top Raptor performance model uses a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol unit with 292PS. This pick-up's AWD set-up is a full-time four-wheel drive system with a set-and-forget mode. Drive modes include 'Normal', 'Eco', 'Slippery' and a 'Tow/Haul' setting you'll need to maximise the 3,500kg braked towing capacity. The full-time e-4WD system adds a 'Terrain Management System' which on the 'Wildtrak' model we tried is controlled by a rotary dial between the seats: a twist of this and you've access to a couple of extra modes - 'Mud/Ruts' (which maximises drive-off grip and keeps the tyre tread clear of mud) and 'Sand' (which optimises power delivery and gearshifting to maintain momentum in sand and snow). In the centre of the dial are your main drivetrain buttons - '2H', '4H', low range '4L' and the 'set-and-forget' '4A' auto 4WD setting. Across the line-up, pick-up regulars will immediately note after the first half mile that the steering isn't as slow as it usually would be in a truck; and that body roll is better controlled than it normally would be in a vehicle of this type. The ride's a bit better this time round too, thanks to the way that the rear suspension dampers have been shifted outboard of the frame rails. Ford, it seems, still knows a thing or two about R&D dynamics.

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