Our Ford Ranger XLT is fitted with an optional accessory pack that adds some fizz to the exterior styling.
Image: Jason Woosey
With its combination of butch looks and SUV-like refinement, it’s not hard to understand why the Ford Ranger is South Africa’s best-selling double cab bakkie. And it has certainly struck a chord with well-heeled buyers, with high-spec versions like the Wildtrak all over the show.
But it’s the XLT that really hits the sweet spot in the range for me. Not overly extravagant in the way it’s specified, yet still packing in all the things you need to feel comfortable behind the wheel, it remains a “real” bakkie at heart, without forcing you to rough it like the “real bakkies” of yesteryear.
We recently spent a few months with a bi-turbo XLT 4x4 fitted with an accessories package, and it demonstrated to us that the “sensible” XLT specification can be infused with some extra character without breaking the bank. From hauling garden refuse to the municipal dump to daily commuting and a quick getaway to the North West province in December, our XLT did everything it says on the tin and more.
The R27,500 accessory pack includes a blacked-out “FORD” block-letter grille, bonnet lettering, matte black headlight and DRL surrounds, large black fender flares, body-side mouldings and a prominent sports bar. A rubberised tonneau cover was also fitted, offering a more practical and cost-effective load bay solution, even if it is slightly obstructed by the sports bar design.
The Ford Ranger XLT pack includes revised frontal treatment and flared wheel arches.
Image: Supplied
In terms of interior specification, the XLT features Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system with a 10-inch vertical touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, push-button start and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Although the ‘big screen’ cabin is highly digitised, I really appreciate the fact that physical controls for key functions like climate and audio are retained, as this minimises distraction. The XLT also comes with USB-A and USB-C ports up front, a wireless charging pad, and a 12V socket for rear passengers. But perhaps Ford should consider installing USB ports for today’s discerning back-seat drivers who are married to their phones.
The Ranger’s cabin feels solid and well put together, and overall material quality is impressive for a bakkie. The seats are comfortable too, and passenger space is generous by double-cab standards, while rear air vents add a welcome level of comfort for occupants in the back.
The XLT cabin is well appointed.
Image: Supplied
This long-term test was also something of a last fling with Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine before its imminent discontinuation. Going forward, customers will have to choose between a revised version of the 2.0 single-turbo — which is quite likely the pick of the bunch in the XLT application — and the far brawnier 3.0 V6 turbodiesel.
The 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo, credited with 154kW and 500Nm, offers impressive performance, and the 10-speed automatic gearbox does a decent job of keeping the engine in its torque sweet spot. Overall fuel consumption amounted to 10.5 litres per 100km over the duration of our test, in a mixture of conditions.
The wet belt fitted to the bi-turbo is one of the reasons for its quietness of operation. However, there were a few durability concerns, possibly related to owners not following the correct service schedules, prompting Ford to play it safe and fit a conventional timing chain to the revised single-turbo engine.
Along with noise insulation, ride quality is a key strength of the Ford Ranger, which offers almost SUV-like levels of road comfort, and it even steers well for a bakkie, offering a feeling of control and feedback not often seen in this segment.
Rear taillight covers and a sports bar distinguish the rear view.
Image: Jason Woosey
The only downside is this vehicle’s sheer size, which makes it tricky to park in urban settings.
As for load-hauling, the Ranger XLT double cab boasts a competitive payload of 946kg, and the load bay itself has some useful touches, such as a standard spray-in bed liner, 12V power outlet, integrated tailgate ruler, cupholders and a useful rear bumper step that improves access.
As a whole, the Ford Ranger XLT is a well-rounded, comfortable package, offering enough standard equipment to feel modern and usable, but without detracting from its core character as a bakkie and workhorse. The accessory kit, though not necessarily to everyone’s taste, adds some visual spice to the package.
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