Ford Ranger (06-11) - Review

The Ford Ranger improves upon its predecessor by being more powerful, better to drive and more refined, with increased load and towing capabilities. As before, it's actually built by Mazda and so has much in common with the Mazda BT-50. It is available as a Regular Cab with two seats, a Super Cab, which adds occasional rear seats or a Double Cab, which is a full four-door with seating for five. The Double Cab is only available as a four wheel-drive, while the Regular and Super Cabs are offered with two or four wheel-drive. A tipper version is also available. The specification is diverse enough to create a tough workhorse or a comfortable and well equipped vehicle for those indulging in outdoor activities. Models from September 2009 benefit from a mild facelift, which includes a more modern-looking front with new headlights and a re-designed bumper, plus a new engine and gearbox combination.

The driving position is good and it is easy for front seat passengers to get comfortable, but the driver's seat and steering wheel both lack height adjustment. As with many newer generation pick-ups, the interior quality is significantly improved over what was previously expected of the class coming close to the comfort levels of a passenger car with the exception of the rear seating which even in the Double Cab is short on legroom and very upright. Top Thunder models have leather upholstery, air conditioning, a CD changer and electric windows all round, parking sensors and - for off-road driving - extra gauges including an inclinometer to gauge the angle of the terrain it is on.

The Ranger has a 2.5-litre TDCi diesel engine producing 143bhp and 243lb-ft of torque. It’s also available with a five-speed automatic gearbox. It can't match the mighty Nissan Navara, but betters all other similar pick-ups and is good fun to drive. The 3.0-litre TDCi is more powerful with 156bhp and 280lb-ft of torque. Both versions handle well for an off-road vehicle with leaf spring rear suspension. Slippery conditions can cause the back end to slide about under power when unladen, but 4x4 versions can deal with this by engaging all wheel-drive. They also have a low ratio for serious off-road work. The ride is comfortable on most surfaces, but the raised suspension of 4x4 models results in plenty of bodyroll in corners. The brakes don't feel particularly strong and the standard-fit anti-lock brake system activates very easily in slippery conditions.