Ford Ranger Review 2024

Ford Ranger At A Glance

+Striking new looks, will tow up to 3.5 tonnes, car-like autonomous driving tech, improved off-road ability.

-Higher spec models are pricey.

Ford has an impressive pick-up history – indeed, its best-selling model globally is a truck and not a car. Now, the DNA of the USA’s favourite vehicle, the Ford F-150, has found its way over here in the form of the latest-generation Ford Ranger. But is it any good? Read our Ford Ranger review to help you decide.

The first thing you notice about the latest Ford Ranger is its dramatic appearance – it may be a utility vehicle at heart, but it also manages to be achingly cool, its ‘hockey stick’ headlights and Ford Mustang-style grille giving it a real presence on (or off) the road.

Offered as both a single and double cab, the Ford Ranger is a credible rival to the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, and although vastly modernised over the older model it retains its platform, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, it’s a functional, ladder-chassis 4x4 and it’s designed to haul, tow and traverse poor terrain. That means it’s not as comfortable to derive as an SUV, but as a working vehicle it’s hard to beat.

There are four models available and there’s a quite clear divide between the functional models and the leisure ones – the XL and XLT are functional and ready for work, whereas the Wildtrak and Platinum models are much more leisure-focused.

That said, if you’re a business user and want a vehicle that minimises your tax liability while still doubling up as a family car, the higher spec Rangers have a lot going for them.

All are four-wheel-drive as standard and there’s a choice of 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre EcoBlue diesels. A sporty ‘Raptor’ model with a 290PS petrol engine was also offered, but as a limited edition aimed at collectors and enthusiasts rather than professional users.

What does a Ford Ranger cost?