Al Suttie, Fleet World road tester and UK Car of the Year Awards director, put the Ford Ranger’s practical side to the test with a week’s worth of load-lugging. Here’s how he got on.
Ford Ranger XL 2.0 EcoBlue
List price: £30,741 CO2: 222g/km Economy: 33.2mpg Test efficiency: 33.2mpg
Monday
All of the latest Ford Rangers I’ve driven recently have been high-spec models, including the daft but great Raptor. This week, however, it’s back to basics with the base XL model, albeit in double cab format that so many fleet users will find themselves in with this utility pickup. Nothing wrong with that and I have a couple of tasks lined up for this handy Ford in the week ahead.
Tuesday
First job for the Ranger today is a trip over to St Andrews, a journey of around 50 miles on back lanes, motorway and A-roads. The Ford has no trouble with any of it, and I enjoy the raised driving position that lets me peer into gardens that are otherwise hidden. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel has plenty of power but there is a slight coarseness audible in this one that I haven’t noticed in other Rangers.
Wednesday
The big infotainment screen used in the Ranger is simple to use and, in this XL, has few functions to deal with. Thankfully, it also comes with separate, physical dials for the heating, but it’s a shame that air conditioning is an optional extra. I’d also like to see heated seats included, given this sort of pickup is going to be used a lot on cold mornings. However, the heater is good and strong, as some compensation.
Thursday
First big test for the Ranger’s load bed today is carting a few mountain bikes to the woods for a ride out with friends this evening. The Ford copes admirably with five bikes hooked over the tailgate, with a blanket to protect the paint. The cabin also handles the riders easily, and it’s entertaining to see a group of middle-aged men all get so excited about a pickup truck.
Friday
Another typical Ford Ranger duty is ticked off the list when I take a load of household rubbish to the dump. I’ve done this before with Rangers and never had an issue when driving in, but I suspect the plain white paint and base spec shout work vehicle, so I’m stopped and asked to prove identity and that it’s private waste rather than commercial. After that, it’s a quick job to empty the Ranger.
Saturday
Up early, and the Ranger and I are off to collect a load of logs from a friend’s farm. An oak tree that came down in Storm Arwen is now several large piles of cut logs. The Ranger’s four-wheel drive makes light work of driving up the muddy track and field, and then it’s easy to load up with as many logs will fit safely up to the top of the sides. The weight also helps smooth out the Ranger’s ride on the way back home.
Sunday
Much as I like a base-spec car, I’m glad this one has the option of the side steps. It’s £120 well spent in my view as it does make it easier to get into the cab of the Ranger. This is a proper 4×4 pickup with plenty of ground clearance rather than a lifestyle SUV, so could be a bit of a clamber for my short wee legs otherwise. It also means there’s no danger of dents from people opening car doors in the next bay of a car park.