The long-awaited next-generation Ford Ranger is finally available in South Africa, and it’s one impressive bakkie.
I recently had the opportunity to spend a few days in the Karoo behind the wheel of the 4×4, gaining more knowledge on what it was like to drive both on and off road.
There’s a lot to like about the blue oval’s latest double cab, but these features might just be my favourite.
The right amount of power
Ford’s bakkie is now offered with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, lending it a higher power ceiling that really lets it stand out from its peers.
I drove the previous-generation Raptor earlier in 2022, which was equipped with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel powerplant, and while it felt good to drive, I couldn’t help but think that Ford could have given it more ‘oomph.’
That’s not to say that the old car was underpowered, but given how good the rest of the vehicle was it seemed strange that Ford didn’t go the extra mile with the drivetrain – especially for the high-performance halo model.
This new V6 addresses these concerns and then some, providing a new output of 184kW and 600Nm compared to the old 2.0-litre’s 157kW and 500Nm.
The smaller details
Within a few minutes of driving the Ranger, it becomes apparent just how much time and effort the manufacturer put into the design of its new bakkie.
The dials for the climate control, for example, are styled and textured in a way that makes them resemble mini off-road tyres, and the interior door handles are integrated handsomely and have a trigger-like pull mechanism to open them.
There’s also a built-in side step at the back to make it easier to reach into the load bay, and the automaker has included a set of pre-wired overhead toggle switches for those who like to equip their off-roader with all manner of accessories.
These small details go a long way toward making the Ranger feel like a premium vehicle that’s fun to be in, rather than a strictly utilitarian bakkie.
This is all on top of the long list of equipment you get with your new high-rider, such as the vertical tablet-style infotainment unit, leather seats, and 360-degree camera system, and the end result is that the Ford Ranger comes across as one of the most feature-rich vehicles in its class.
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