Ford's Rugged Ranger has the muscle to back up its brawny looks

It’s civilised on the road and capable off it: Ranger demonstrates its wading capabilities

Ford Ranger Double-Cab Limited 2.2

What is it?

FORD’s latest incarnation of the Ranger pick-up is a brawny-looking beast of a workhorse has been revitalised with new engines that are significantly better than the previous power unit.

Five different models and three engines in 2.2 and 3.2-litre capacities are available as 4x4s and 4x2s in single, super and double-cab variants.

Our test vehicle was a Double-Cab Limited 4×4 model with the 2.2 Duratorq engine.

It certainly has presence. Behind the wheel, it feels solid and imposing.

The cabin is well designed with a robust, almost chunky, feeling about the controls and instruments.

Storage is good with pockets and lockers, plus a sizeable centre console compartment.

The 2.2 Duratorq engine produces a sturdy 320Nm of torque and develops 150hp. That’s the more powerful of the 2.2 offerings, the other delivering 125hp.

It pulls strongly from low revs and takes the Ranger to 62mph in under 12 seconds.

The six-speed gearbox has a pleasingly positive action. A six-speed auto box can be specified as an optional extra on the Limited model and top-of-the-shop Wildtrak variant.

The Ranger rides very well for a pick-up and handles in a positive, predictable way.

Ford's Rugged Ranger has the muscle to back up its brawny looks

Ranger’s well designed cabin has a robust, almost chunky, feel

Four-wheel-drive in high range is selectable on the move, and low range while stationary, via a simple rotary switch.

The low-gear set does a convincing job when the going gets arduous away from the black stuff. A host of standard features including ESP, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist help keep things under control in difficult conditions.

And if you need to go paddling, the Ranger has a wading depth of 80cm.

The loadbed is capacious, trumping some rivals for carrying capacity. Payload is 1,152kg.

The Ranger also has an impressive braked towing capacity of over 3 tonnes.

All Rangers come with a three-year, 60,000-miles warranty.

 

 What’s hot

  • Handsome he-man looks – will get your business noticed!
  • Muscular engine works well on and off road.
  • Good cab with chunky, modern styling.
  • Excellent level of standard equipment includes ESP, HDC, EBA, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist, seven airbags, lockable tailgate, cruise control, automatic headlights, electrically operated and heated mirrors, heated windscreen, dual-zone automatic temperature controlled air-conditioning, parking distance sensors, satellite navigation, coolbox in centre console, eight-way electrically adjustable drivers seat, radio/CD player with colour multi-function display and Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.
  • Decent payload and towing capacities.

What’s not

  • Fuel consumption is unlikely to better 30mpg in day-to-day use.
  • Service intervals every 12 months (or 20,000 miles) might seem to come around too quickly.
Ford's Rugged Ranger has the muscle to back up its brawny looks

The loadbed is capacious and beats some of its rivals on carrying capacity

Business Vans verdict

Ford should know a thing or two about pick-ups – its F-Series pick-up has been the top-selling vehicle in America for more than 30 years.

The new-style Ranger is a well-built workhorse with stand-out looks, high-specification and the muscle to back up its burly countenance. If a double-cab pick-up suits your needs, especially if you venture off the tarmac, then check out the Ranger. But be prepared for those fuel-station visits.

 

 What you need to know

On the road price ex-VAT  £26,899
Load length 1549mm
Load width 1139mm
Load height 835mm
Load capacity N/A
Payload 1,152kg
GVW 3,200kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked 3,350/750kg
Engine 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque 150hp/320Nm
Economy (combined) 33.23mpg
CO2 emissions 224g/km

 

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