Ford Ranger – Which One to Buy?

XL SPECIAL EDITION

Look, it has special edition right there on the name. This Ford Ranger variant does pretty much what it says on the tin, taking a regular XL and adding some extra equipment.

Available only as 4×4 dual-cab cab-chassis, the XL Special Edition is powered by the venerable 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine that many Australians are familiar with, producing 147kW/470Nm and mated to a six-speed automatic.

With a keen driveaway price of $49,990, the XL Special Edition adds a factory-fitted steel roo bar, LED light bar, and fixed-head snorkel.

A standard automatic XL Ranger will cost you $48,790 before on-road costs, making the Special Edition good value for someone wanting an entry-level model with some factory-fit equipment.

XLT FULLY LOADED

Ford’s marketing department was playing with a straight bat when deciding the name for this variant, and the Fully Loaded is essentially a ready-made option pack for XLT 4×4 dual-cab pick-up variants, costing an extra $1500.

For that, Ford adds gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels, leather accented upholster, adaptive cruise control and park assist. What you choose to load it with after that is up to you.

Unlike the XL Special Edition, the XLT Fully Loaded pack is available for both the aforementioned 3.2-litre five-cylinder and those fitted with the 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder unit, which produces 157kW/500Nm, and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

A six-speed manual XLT with the 3.2-litre engine costs $57,240 before on-roads, while the automatic with the same engine is $59,440. An XLT with the 2.0-litre diesel will cost you $60,940.

XLT DOUBLE CAB CHASSIS

Adding to the XLT Ranger family, the Double Cab Chassis pairs a workhorse utilitarian tray with the popular dual-cab body style.

The Double Cab Chassis mirrors regular XLT variants in specification, but instead of a pick-up body, is a cab-chassis (i.e. a tradie-style aluminium tray replaces the uniform body you see on pick-up variants).

That means you get AEB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch wheels, and a tow-bar tongue as standard.

XLT Double Cab Chassis models cost $1000 less than the respective pick-up equivalents (listed above).

FX4 MAX

This is the newest special edition to come from Ford Australia, and it sits between the XLT and more expensive Wildtrak and Raptor variants.

The FX4 Max costs $65,940 before on-road costs, and is only available as a 4×4 dual-cab pick-up model. Just a single engine is on offer with the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel standard for all.

For the extra cost over an XLT, the FX4 Max’s main benefit is a raft of locally developed suspension upgrades.

The highlight of which is 2.0-inch monotube Fox dampers both front and rear, with those at the back gaining a remote reservoir for hardcore off-road use. Think of it as a Raptor-lite chassis.

Despite its new dampers, the FX4 Max has the same coil spring suspension up front and leaf spring set-up out back that all Rangers have, while the Ranger Raptor has coils and different geometry on each corner. However, the FX4 Max layout has been tweaked slightly by Ford Australia engineers to improve the ride and refinement.

Complementing the suspension is the same BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tyres used by the Raptor, wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels.

All-up, the FX4 Max gains an extra 19mm of ground clearance compared to the XLT, with improved approach and departure angles for the off-roading anoraks.

So, why should you go for the FX4 Max? Well, it is essentially a cut-price Raptor, getting beefier suspension and tyres, without sacrificing hauling ability.

Due to its coil spring suspension front and rear, the Ranger Raptor has a maximum braked towing capacity of just 2500kg and maximum payload of 758kg, whereas the FX4 Max has a 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity, and maximum payload of 981kg.

The FX4 Max also gains a new grille treatment, as well as grey bumper inserts, front skid plate, grey wheel arch mouldings, grey side-mirror caps, and grey doorhandles. It also gains a body-mounted side steps, in-tub lighting, a tow bar, and full-length sports bar.

Inside, the FX4 Max matches the XLT in specification, with the exception of leather and suede seat upholstery, all-weather floor mats. The addition and control of accessories is made more seamless with uprated alternator and associated dash-mounted switch pack that allows you to control retrofitted extras such as light bars and winches from the driver’s seat.

WILDTRAK X

The most expensive special variant offered by Ford, the Wildtrak X, takes what makes the Wildtrak one of the most popular Ranger variants on sale, and adds a slew of extra equipment.

Two engines are available, starting at $66,290 for the 3.2-litre, while the 2.0-litre costs $67,790.

For that, you get bi-LED headlights, a power roller shutter on the tray, FordPass Connect for remote vehicle start/stop from your smartphone, 18-inch wheels, fender flares, a black-finish nudge bar with LED light bar, and snorkel.

That amounts to about $6000 worth of extra kit over a regular Wildtrak, but the X only adds $2000 to Ford’s asking price.

As standard, the Wildtrak already comes fitted with AEB, reversing camera, hill-descent control, hill-start assistance, tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, push-button start, and a leather-accented interior trim.

The Wildtak and Wildtrak X can only be purchased as 4×4 dual-cab pick-up models. If you want a flash Ranger but can’t stretch to the flagship Raptor model, the Wildtrak X makes a compelling case for itself.