Pros
    • Ride and comfort
    • The 2.0L engine is all you need to get the job done
    • The flexibility of a family car, adventure car, and work car that isn't really compromised in any area.
    Cons
    • Could do with blind-spot monitoring
    • Lack of rear air vents for the kids
    • No room to install an auxiliary battery under the bonnet
    Specs
    7.4L
    157kW
    195g
    5 Star

    About the Ford Ranger

    Jarrod C purchased this Ford Ranger new with additional options for $63,000 (including all on-road costs). Jarrod C would buy this car again because: “100 per cent yes! From the experience of dealing with my local dealer was second to none, they gave me a really good price and have since backed it up with servicing and any issues I’ve had along the way. There have been no major issues and the ute is like a car to drive and great for the family. After test driving multiple twin-cab utes, the Ranger won hands down.”

    How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.

    I have had no mechanical issues at all with the vehicle, and it has been completely reliable and dependable. The only issues I’ve experienced has been the roller shutter getting sticky and jamming and the the door strap on the rear door becoming clunky.

    I’ve raised these with Ford and without excuses or arguments it fixed the issues. Different to what I could say about my previous Volkswagen car.

    What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?

    The experience has been brilliant, as mentioned from initial sale to the after sales service being an owner of a Ranger is easy.

    Any issue big or small is addressed by Ford immediately. They provide a loan car with each service or warranty job to keep me going, and to top it off the service cost is great and I only have to do it every 15,000km or 12 months.

    How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?

    I think I’ve covered this off above… I had to wait three months for delivery of the car but I was able to get all the accessories I wanted at the dealer without the need to go elsewhere, and it was all on the car ready to go.

    Since purchase they have been so good at following up and ensuring I’m happy with the car and experience, and quickly resolving any issues.

    Are you happy with the price and features of your car?

    Yes I am. I chose the Wildtrak due to the extra level of comfort with leather, seat heaters, and just an overall better interior finish.

    The black headliner was a win. It was a must to have Apple CarPlay which is what stopped me looking further into the HiLux. The only feature that I missed out on was rear air vents for the kids.

    What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?

    Having previously owned the 3.2-litre Ranger in 2016, the Bi-Turbo four is a massive step up. The power and torque is higher and you can feel it.

    Mated to a 10-speed the engine seems to be able to handle whatever I throw at it. With a steel bull bar and a mix of city and open-road driving I average 8.5 to 9.0L/100km.

    My old 3.2 was 11.5-12.0 with the six-speed auto. If you’re thinking of buying, buy the 2.0L – it’s a much better combo for both performance and economy.

    What do you think of the technology in your car?

    It was a must for me to have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise, and the suite of safety tech such as lane-keep and AEB.

    The only thing I feel it could do with it blind-spot monitoring. The screen quality and reverse camera, even though it’s an older platform, is still a very good proposition.

    What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?

    The Australian ride and handling tune definitely make a huge difference.

    When I test drove the vehicle I compared it to the HiLux, D-Max, and Triton, and by far the Ranger was most car-like and composed of the road. It really feels like driving a family car.

    Of course it’s a little stiffer than my wife’s SUV but it’s by no means unbearable.

    Overall Rating
    9.3

    Technology9.4
    Reliability9
    Ride & Handling9.6
    Price & Features9.4
    Purchase & Aftercare9.2
    Performance & Economy8.4
    Ownership Experience10