Handling And Performance Both Feel With Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is now in its third generation and this latest model is designed to offer the most car-like driving experience yet, without compromising the Ranger's load-carrying or off-road abilities. There are plenty of body style choices, a good choice of engines and the Ranger even looks pretty good too.

Drive

Handling and performance both feel very car-like

All engine options are diesels, with a 2.2-litre unit available with 123bhp or 148bhp. There's also a range-topping 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel with 198bhp and, more importantly, 470Nm of torque making it very good for towing and carrying heavy loads.

On the road, acceleration is good in all but the least powerful engine and the handling is surprisingly car-like. Compared to old versions of the Ranger and other pick-ups on sale the new Ford is one of the best to drive.

Comfort

Cabin is a bit low quality but ride and engine noise are both good

The cabin is a slight let-down, with plenty of hard and scratchy plastics – although that's the norm for this class of vehicle. On the plus side it feels able to withstand all the punishment you could give it. Off-road and on-road the Ranger is able to soak up lumps and bumps easily, while all the diesel engines are quiet at low speeds. Heavy acceleration does bring with it a certain amount of diesel clatter though. 

Practicality

Load bed is a good size while towing and load abilities are both among the class best

Depending on which Ranger you pick the length of the load bed will vary, but all have a space at least 1,560mm long. The amount you can carry depends on which engine you pick too but all models can deal with loads over a tonne. Towing is a strong point of the Ranger with a maximum 3350kgs towing ability for braked trailers. 

Value for money

The Ranger comes in four trim levels: XL, XLT, Limited and Wildtrak. Limited models are fitted with 17-inch alloys, 8-way electrically adjustable heated seats, Bluetooth and parking sensors. Wildtrak models get a heated windscreen, tinted windows, cruise control and part-leather seats. 

Running costs

Costly to fuel and tax but comes with a good warranty

Compared to everyday models, pick-up trucks are generally expensive to run and the Ranger is no different. Fuel economy hovers around the 30mpg mark, while CO2 emissions are as high as 249g/km putting the Ranger in a high tax bracket. Still, there's a three year warranty and 12 years of anti-corrosion cover thrown in.