The What Van? Road Test: Ford Ranger (2019)

Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021

Rear 3_4

Operating

The Ranger is protected by a three-year/60,000 mile warranty with roadside assistance provided for the first year; a less-generous package than is provided by some of Ford’s
key competitors.

The paintwork warranty lasts for 12 months, which seems rather stingy, while the anti-perforation corrosion warranty runs for 12 years. Neither of these warranties has a mileage limit.

Service intervals are set at two years/18,000 miles.

A full-size spare wheel is provided – something we can only applaud – and the tools plus a medical kit are concealed under the rear seat cushion.

In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 37mpg – not far off the 40.3mpg NEDC (New European Drive Cycle) official combined figure quoted by Ford.

It should be noted, however, that NEDC figures are now being widely displaced in favour of more-realistic WLTP (World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) figures.

Ford Ranger XL Double Cab 4x4 2.0L EcoBlue 170hp pick-up

Price (ex VAT) £23,795

Price range (ex VAT) £21,545-£41,145

Gross payload 1,140kg

Load length 1,613mm

Load width (min/max) 1,139mm/1,560mm

Load bay height 511mm

Loading height 835mm

Gross vehicle weight 3,270kg

Braked trailer towing weight 3,500kg

Residual value 30.5%

Cost per mile 49.9p

Engine size/power 1,996cc, 170hp @ 3,500rpm

Torque 420Nm @ 1,750-2,250rpm

Gearbox 6sp

Fuel economy (combined NEDC) 40.3mpg

Fuel tank 80 litres

CO2 183g/km

Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls

Service intervals 2yrs/18,000mls

Insurance group 42

Price as tested £25,025

* after 48 months @ 20,000mls/year - source - KWIKcarcost

Options

Metallic paint £500

Load box bed-liner inc power point and tie-down hooks £250

Trailer tow pack £400

Locking wheel nuts £80

Rivals

Isuzu D-Max

Price (ex VAT) £16,594-£40,680

Gross payload 1086-1282kg

Braked towing weight 2,500-3,500kg

Engines 164hp 1.9 diesel

Verdict: Isuzu has performed the neat trick of ensuring D-Max remains a credible workhorse while broadening its appeal to more leisure-oriented users with a variety of higher-specification models. A tough, no-nonsense package, it’s good to see that it is available in single and extended-cab configurations alongside the double-cab version. Unusually you can order it in 4x2 as well as 4x4 guise. More power is required however – a need Isuzu will have to address sooner rather than later.

Nissan Navara

Price (ex VAT)£22,650-£38,792

Gross payload 1,115-1,180kg

Braked towing weight 3,500kg

Engines 163hp, 190hp 2.3 diesel

Verdict: Revamped a while back, the Nissan Navara remains a sensible choice, with decent handling, plenty of towing capacity and sufficient off-road capability to keep most users out of trouble. As with so many other 4x4 pick-ups, the Navara’s on-highway ride is unfortunately not its strong suit – especially when unladen. Like Isuzu’s D-Max, it is available with a wide assortment of different trim levels. Our pick would be the more powerful of the two engine options if you regularly undertake longer journey times.

Toyota Hilux

Price (ex VAT) £21,540-£32,857

Gross payload 1,075-1,105kg

Braked towing weight 3,500kg

Engines 150hp 2.4 diesel, 204hp 2.8 diesel

Verdict: With a well-justified reputation for being able to stand up to the most monumental battering, the strongly built Hilux now packs more punch, thanks to the arrival of a 204hp 2.8-litre diesel. Its arrival is at the heart of a major upgrade, which includes everything from a retuned suspension to upgraded satellite navigation and some restyling. Its generous warranty package should be applauded – this is something that Ford might want to consider emulating.

The Final Verdict

Design 7/10 – A practical working tool with sufficient off-road capability for most users

Cabin 7/10 – Comfortable working environment with plenty of storage space

Ride 6/10 – Firm when unladen but improves when you drop some weight into the back

Refinement 8/10 – Well put together and in-cab noise levels are properly suppressed

Load area 7/10 – Good to see a ladder rack. Also good that it can tow such a heavy trailer

Handling/performance 7/10 – Former is exemplary for a large 4x4 pick-up but the latter can be sluggish

Engine/transmission 7/10 – Decent fuel economy and four-wheel drive is easy to engage

Standard equipment 8/10 – Not short of kit for an entry-level model and the stress on safety is praiseworthy

Operating costs 7/10 – Warranty could be more generous but a Ford badge should ensure strong second-hand value

What Van? subjective rating 7/10 – Sensible well-equipped workhorse that covers most of the bases

Overall rating: 71/100

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