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 (these rules have since been changed back, unfortunately).
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.
Over the years, Rangers have been available with 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.
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. Learn all you need to know about the numerous generations available in our guide to the various Ford Ranger models.
Ford Ranger Generations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ford Ranger Pros and Cons
- Ford Ranger Mk3, 2023-present
- Ford Ranger Mk3, 2011-2023
- Ford Ranger Mk2, 2006-2011
- Ford Ranger Mk1, 1999-2006
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ford Ranger years are the best?
The latest mk4 version of the Ranger is the most complete yet, but it won't come cheap. The earlier mk3 was almost as good, but will likely cost you a lot less on the used market, so that's a good bet if you have a more limited budget.
Which Ford Ranger years are the worst?
The earliest mk1 incarnation of the Ford Ranger is very long in the tooth now, and even in its day, it was a rather rough-and-ready vehicle. These are the ones we'd avoid, but to be honest, you'd probably struggle to find one for sale on the used market now anyway.
Is a used Ford Ranger a good deal?
Absolutely. It's a cracking all-rounder that does a good job in every single area. Even better, the Ranger has been the UK's best-selling truck for a number of years, and its popularity means that there's plenty of choice on the used market.
Ford Ranger Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Later versions are dynamic class-leaders
- Lots of choice over engine and spec
- Popularity means plenty of examples on the used market
Cons:
- Early models rather utilitarian
- Some newer models look a tad pricey
- PHEV has a short electric-only range
Ford Ranger Mk4, 2023-present
Bodystyles:
- Single-cab pick-up
- Double-cab pick-up
Notable features:
- Co-developed alongside the Volkswagen Amarok
- Hands-down the best truck of its type
By the time the fourth-generation Ranger came along, Ford had teamed up with Volkswagen to co-develop their respective ranges of commercial vehicles, meaning the Ranger is mechanically very similar to the Volkswagen Amarok. Both trucks are the best of their type to drive, with a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, but we prefer the Ford because it’s more affordable, and better equipped. These things are subjective, obviously, but we also reckon it looks better, with styling inspired by that of the cool Ford F-150 truck from the US.
Regular trim levels have included Ranger XL, XLT, Limited, Tremor, Wildtrak, Wildtrak X, MS-RT, and Platinum. XL, the old entry-level trim aws rather spartan: it does at least come with a 10.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but you’d still want to upgrade to XLT for essentials such as alloy wheels and air conditioning. XLT is now the base-level trim of the range. We reckon Wildtrak is probably the trim that’ll suit most people: it has posher cabin materials, leather upholstery, comfort suspension, a bigger 12.0-inch infotainment screen, electric front seat adjustment, and many other luxury features. We reckon there’s no point paying the extra to upgrade to the Platinum unless you really need a 360-degree camera, a power assisted tailgate and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Almost all the engine options available are EcoBlue diesels: there were 2.0-litre engines with 168bhp or 202bhp, or a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 237bhp. These days, only the V6 remains. The least powerful engine came with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the rest got a 10-speed automatic.
One of the exceptions is the high-performance Ranger Raptor version, which could once-upon-a-time be specified with either the 202bhp diesel engine or a 282bhp Ecoboost V6 petrol engine, both with the 10-speed auto, but once again, only the V6 now remains. All these Rangers have a four-wheel drive powertrain, which can be switched to rear-wheel drive to save fuel and lower emissions.
The other exception is the plug-in hybrid model, which pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 277bhp, an electric-only range of up to 25 miles, and theoretical fuel economy of 91 mpg.
The most basic versions are single-cab variants, while the Ranger double-cab adds rear doors and rear seats. Only double-cab variants are sold nowadays, however. The more basic your truck, the higher its payload, but all except the Raptor satisfy the one-tonne requirement. The Raptor can’t tow as much as the rest, either.
Ford Ranger mk4 Review
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