Though there have been pick-up trucks with the Ford Ranger name badge since 1983, it's only been available in the UK and other European markets since 1998. Back then, pick-ups were workhorses, used almost exclusively as commercial vehicles. But then changes to company car tax rules, which made pick-up trucks much more financially attractive, tempted people to switch out of their saloons and hatchbacks.
The early Rangers were rather utilitarian, and drivers switching from normal family cars got a rude shock in terms of handling, comfort and refinement on the road. They were solid and dependable vehicles, though, and drivers loved them for their rugged, no-nonsense nature.
Fast forward to today and the Ford Ranger is a far more sophisticated machine, offering all the luxury gadgets, safety technology and refinement you’d find in a modern SUV, but with the added benefit of an extremely handy load bed out back.
Rangers are available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and in a variety of bodystyles, from simple two-door, two-seat regular cab models to quad-cab family wagons with raised ground clearance and serious off-road ability. You can also get plush special editions, including the beefy-looking, performance-focused Ford Ranger Raptor. They're all powered by diesel engines, with no petrol, hybrid or electric options available.
Though it doesn't have the perceived indestructibility of a Toyota Hilux, the Ranger is nevertheless a tough and reliable vehicle, and as smart inside as a Volkswagen Amarok.
Generations: 3
Ford Ranger Mk3, 2011-2020
Bodystyles:
- Single-cab pick-up
- Crew-cab pick-up
- Double-cab pick-up
Notable features:
- First pick-up to be awarded the maximum five stars by independent safety organisation Euro NCAP – including for pedestrian protection
- High-performance Ford Ranger Raptor model from 2018 brought rally-style looks and sophisticated (for a pick-up truck) independent rear suspension
The introduction of the new Ford Ranger mk3 in 2011 marked a huge step forward. For the first time, it delivered a chunky, muscular look that made it feel much more like more glitzy full-sized pick-ups.
It was also much more hi-tech than before, with Bluetooth voice control and satnav available for the first time as part of the Ford Sync infotainment system. It also featured an ESP stability control system.
Body styles include a two-door model, a four-seat extended cab and a full four-door five-seat double cab.
Initially, power came either from a 2.2-litre TDCi common-rail turbodiesel with 123bhp or 148bhp, or a usefully powerful 197bhp, 3.2-litre, five-cylinder turbodiesel. This power was sent to either the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic.
A major facelift came in 2015, with more macho front-end styling. The interior got a significant update, too, the most notable part of which was the introduction of a much larger 8.0-inch central touchscreen for the Sync 2 infotainment system. Power went up to 158bhp for the 2.2-litre model, and automatic stop-start was added to help improve fuel economy.
Perhaps equally significant were the newly introduced driver assistance features, which included a lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control with ‘Forward Alert’, front and rear park assist, and a useful rear view camera.
In 2019, the 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel was dropped in favour of a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel with 210bhp, which is matched up to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine was specified in the performance-focused Ranger Raptor off-roader model, which also got uprated suspension and other chassis components. The infotainment system also gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, courtesy of the new Sync 3 software, as well as a traffic sign recognition safety system.
If you want to find out more, read our expert review of the Ford Ranger mk3.
Ford Ranger Mk2, 2006-2011
Bodystyles:
- Single-cab pick-up
- Crew-cab pick-up
- Double-cab pick-up
Notable features:
- Some models featured dials showing compass direction and an inclinometer showing the car’s lean angle. Very useful for off-roading
- Design and engineering still shared with the Mazda BT-50, but the Ford Ranger mk2 got unique Ford styling
- A tipper version was available on chassis-cab models
The second generation of Ford Ranger improved on its predecessor in almost every way. For a start, it had improved payload and towing capacity, so it was better at being a utilitarian workhorse than before. But it was also more sophisticated and better equipped, making it more appealing to non-commercial owners and drivers.
Part of this was down to new, more sophisticated common-rail turbodiesel engines. These were much more refined than the direct-injection engines in the original Ranger, as well as being significantly more powerful; the 2.5-litre could muster 141bhp and the 3.0-litre model 154bhp. A five-speed automatic transmission was also available as an option for the first time.
The interior was much more car-like, with improved emphasis on occupant comfort and higher-quality materials. The back seats were still rather upright perches and you couldn’t adjust either the driver’s seat or the steering wheel for height, but it was a lot more like driving a ‘normal’ car than before. Top-end models were well appointed, too, with a CD changer, electric windows all round and even parking sensors
A facelift in 2009 brought slightly flashier styling front and rear, with a new grille and lights, plus some new engine and gearbox combinations.
Ford Ranger Mk1, 1999-2006
Bodystyles:
- Single-cab pick-up
- Crew-cab pick-up
- Double-cab pick-up
Notable features:
- Despite its utilitarian nature, all Ford Ranger mk1 models got central locking, twin airbags and electric windows
- Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Thunder special editions are plusher than the Ford Ranger XLT models and start to move pick-up away from utilitarian roots to appeal to more lifestyle-conscious buyers
- Four-wheel-drive versions are usefully capable off-road thanks to a low-range gearbox
- Mechanically and visually almost identical to the Mazda B-Series
Although not as popular as the Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara, the first Ford Ranger still sold in reasonable numbers as a dependable and robust pick-up truck. It set the template for what would become a hugely popular vehicle.
The Ranger mk1 offered a pretty rough-and-ready driving experience, however. Power came from a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that was more focused on reliability and load-lugging than refinement or performance. In fact, even the most powerful models only had 108bhp. There was no petrol option.
A variety of bodystyles were sold, with a choice of a two-seat, two-door single-cab model (generally on utilitarian steel wheels rather than alloy wheels), a four-seat version with rear-hinged rear doors (known as the Super Cab) and a double-cab five-seater. The first Ranger was also available with either two-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive.
Towards the end of its life, some plusher special editions were introduced, such as the Thunder and Wildtrak models. These were aimed at buyers who would use them as leisure vehicles or family cars rather than as commercial workhorses, but the changes were mostly limited to styling tweaks rather than mechanical updates.