Pros

  • Solid off road credentials
  • Excellent on road dynamics
  • Impressive safety kit
  • Showing solid long term reliability

Cons

  • Wide turning circle can be a pain
  • Must be cared for to maintain long term reliability
  • It feels big in metro areas
  • Doesn’t hide its size well

Verdict

We ask so much from 4×4 dual cab utes and the Ford Ranger balances lifestyle, work, safety and efficiency arguably better than any other vehicle in its class.

While Toyota has built the HilLx’s reputation (and popularity) on decades of incredible reliability, Ford have had to create a vehicle that...

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Publish: December 31, 2020
ReDriven Red Power

Since it was released in 2011, the Australian-developed Ford Ranger has consistently dominated various comparison tests and earned countless accolades.

This, in addition to Ford’s constant onslaught of variants, model updates and special editions, has seen the Ranger become one of Australia’s highest selling vehicles.

Especially in 4×4 dual-cab ute configuration, its sales dominance has resulted in the used car market being flooded with options when it comes to buying a second hand Ranger.

But should you buy a Ranger at all and if so, which one should you buy?

Since it was released in 2011, the Australian-developed Ford Ranger has consistently dominated various comparison tests and earned countless accolades.

This, in addition to Ford’s constant onslaught of variants, model updates and special editions, has seen the Ranger become one of Australia’s highest selling vehicles.

Especially in 4×4 dual-cab ute configuration, its sales dominance has resulted in the used car market being flooded with options when it comes to buying a second hand Ranger.

But should you buy a Ranger at all and if so, which one should you buy?

Since it was released in 2011, the Australian-developed Ford Ranger has consistently dominated various comparison tests and earned countless accolades.

This, in addition to Ford’s constant onslaught of variants, model updates and special editions, has seen the Ranger become one of Australia’s highest selling vehicles.

Especially in 4×4 dual-cab ute configuration, its sales dominance has resulted in the used car market being flooded with options when it comes to buying a second hand Ranger.

But should you buy a Ranger at all and if so, which one should you buy?

Ford Ranger XLT-1 Ford Ranger XLT-2 Ford Ranger XLT-3 Ford Ranger XLT-4 Ford Ranger XLT-5 Ford Ranger XLT-6 Ford Ranger XLT-11 Ford Ranger XLT-14 Ford Ranger XLT-9 Ford Ranger XLT-8 Ford Ranger XLT-7 Ford Ranger XLT-10 Ford Ranger XLT-12 Ford Ranger XLT-13 Ford Ranger XLT-15 Ford Ranger XLT-16 Ford Ranger XLT-17 Ford Ranger XLT-18

  • Injector and injector seal failures
  • EGR valve and cooler failures
  • Occasional reports of clutch and dual mass flywheel issues
  • Engine oil leaks
  • We highly recommend fitting an oil catch can
  • The major potential issue is if you attempt an oil change yourself, it is critical to be refill the engine with oil within 10 minutes. If not, the oil pump may drain out and fail to re-prime, leading to a failure to run
  • Injector and injector seal failures
  • EGR valve and cooler failures
  • Occasional reports of clutch and dual mass flywheel issues
  • Engine oil leaks
  • We highly recommend fitting an oil catch can
  • The major potential issue is if you attempt an oil change yourself, it is critical to be refill the engine with oil within 10 minutes. If not, the oil pump may drain out and fail to re-prime, leading to a failure to run
  • Injector and injector seal failures
  • EGR valve and cooler failures
  • Occasional reports of clutch and dual mass flywheel issues
  • Engine oil leaks
  • We highly recommend fitting an oil catch can
  • The major potential issue is if you attempt an oil change yourself, it is critical to be refill the engine with oil within 10 minutes. If not, the oil pump may drain out and fail to re-prime, leading to a failure to run

Body Styles

  • 2 door Cab Chassis
  • 2 door Utility
  • 4 door Cab Chassis
  • 4 door Utility

Engine Specs

  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 122kW / 226Nm (XL 2011)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 110kW / 375Nm (XL 2011 – 2015, XL Hi-Rider 2011 – 2015, XLS 2014 – 2015)
  • 3.2 litre, 5-cylinder turbo diesel, 147kW / 470Nm (XLT Hi-Rider 2011 – 2022, XL 2011 – 2022, XLT 2011 – 2022, Wildtrak 2012 – 2022, XLS 2013 – 2022, XL Plus 2014 – 2018, XLS Special Edition 2016, FX4 2017 – 2022, Sport 2019 – 2022)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 122kW / 225Nm (XL 2012 – 2014)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 118kW / 385Nm (XL 2015 – 2022, XL Hi-Rider 2015 – 2022, XLS 2015 – 2016)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel, 157kW / 500Nm (XLT Hi-Rider 2018 – 2022, XLT 2018 – 2022, Wildtrak 2018 – 2022, Raptor 2018 – 2021, FX4 2019 – 2022, FX4 Max 2020 – 2022, XL 2021 – 2022, Raptor X 2021 – 2022)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (XL)
  • 6-speed Manual (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, XLS, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Sport)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic (XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XL, XLT, Wildtrak, XL Plus, XLS, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Sport)
  • 10-speed Sports Automatic (XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, Raptor, FX4, FX4 Max, XL, Raptor X)

Fuel Consumption

  • 6.8 – 8.4 / 100km (XL, XLT, Wildtrak, FX4)
  • 6.7 – 9.7 / 100km (XL Hi-Rider)
  • 6.2 – 7.7 /

Body Styles

  • 2 door Cab Chassis
  • 2 door Utility
  • 4 door Cab Chassis
  • 4 door Utility

Engine Specs

  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 122kW / 226Nm (XL 2011)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 110kW / 375Nm (XL 2011 – 2015, XL Hi-Rider 2011 – 2015, XLS 2014 – 2015)
  • 3.2 litre, 5-cylinder turbo diesel, 147kW / 470Nm (XLT Hi-Rider 2011 – 2022, XL 2011 – 2022, XLT 2011 – 2022, Wildtrak 2012 – 2022, XLS 2013 – 2022, XL Plus 2014 – 2018, XLS Special Edition 2016, FX4 2017 – 2022, Sport 2019 – 2022)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 122kW / 225Nm (XL 2012 – 2014)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 118kW / 385Nm (XL 2015 – 2022, XL Hi-Rider 2015 – 2022, XLS 2015 – 2016)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel, 157kW / 500Nm (XLT Hi-Rider 2018 – 2022, XLT 2018 – 2022, Wildtrak 2018 – 2022, Raptor 2018 – 2021, FX4 2019 – 2022, FX4 Max 2020 – 2022, XL 2021 – 2022, Raptor X 2021 – 2022)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (XL)
  • 6-speed Manual (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, XLS, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Sport)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic (XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XL, XLT, Wildtrak, XL Plus, XLS, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Sport)
  • 10-speed Sports Automatic (XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, Raptor, FX4, FX4 Max, XL, Raptor X)

Fuel Consumption

  • 6.8 – 8.4 / 100km (XL, XLT, Wildtrak, FX4)
  • 6.7 – 9.7 / 100km (XL Hi-Rider)
  • 6.2 – 7.7 / 100km (XLT Hi-Rider)
  • 7.4 – 11.4 / 100km (XLS, Sport)
  • 8.6 – 12.4 / 100km (XL Plus)
  • 7.5 – 9.4 / 100km (Raptor, Raptor X)
  • 7.3 – 9.2 / 100km (FX4 Max)

Length

  • 5110mm – 5426mm (2 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Cab Chassis)
  • 5110mm – 5362mm (2 door Utility)
  • 5351mm – 5560mm (4 door Utility)

Width

  • 1850mm – 1977mm (2 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Cab Chassis)
  • 1850mm – 1860mm (2 door Utility)
  • 1850mm – 2028mm (4 door Utility)

Height

  • 1703mm – 1804mm (2 door Cab Chassis, 2 door Utility)
  • 1804mm – 1821mm (4 door Cab Chassis)
  • 0mm – 1873mm (4 door Utility)

Wheelbase

  • 3220mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1486kg – 1969kg (2 door Cab Chassis)
  • 1789kg – 1863kg (2 door Utility)
  • 1759kg – 2105kg (4 door Cab Chassis)
  • Unknown kg – 2342kg (4 door Utility)

Towing

  • 750kg (unbraked) – 3500kg (braked) (2 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Utility)
  • 750kg (unbraked) – 2500kg (braked) (2 door Utility)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars, tested 2015 (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, XLS, XL Plus, Wildtrak, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Raptor, Sport, FX4 Max, Raptor X)

Body Styles

  • 2 door Cab Chassis
  • 2 door Utility
  • 4 door Cab Chassis
  • 4 door Utility

Engine Specs

  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 122kW / 226Nm (XL 2011)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 110kW / 375Nm (XL 2011 – 2015, XL Hi-Rider 2011 – 2015, XLS 2014 – 2015)
  • 3.2 litre, 5-cylinder turbo diesel, 147kW / 470Nm (XLT Hi-Rider 2011 – 2022, XL 2011 – 2022, XLT 2011 – 2022, Wildtrak 2012 – 2022, XLS 2013 – 2022, XL Plus 2014 – 2018, XLS Special Edition 2016, FX4 2017 – 2022, Sport 2019 – 2022)
  • 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 122kW / 225Nm (XL 2012 – 2014)
  • 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 118kW / 385Nm (XL 2015 – 2022, XL Hi-Rider 2015 – 2022, XLS 2015 – 2016)
  • 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder twin turbo diesel, 157kW / 500Nm (XLT Hi-Rider 2018 – 2022, XLT 2018 – 2022, Wildtrak 2018 – 2022, Raptor 2018 – 2021, FX4 2019 – 2022, FX4 Max 2020 – 2022, XL 2021 – 2022, Raptor X 2021 – 2022)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (XL)
  • 6-speed Manual (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, XLS, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Sport)
  • 6-speed Sports Automatic (XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XL, XLT, Wildtrak, XL Plus, XLS, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Sport)
  • 10-speed Sports Automatic (XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, Raptor, FX4, FX4 Max, XL, Raptor X)

Fuel Consumption

  • 6.8 – 8.4 / 100km (XL, XLT, Wildtrak, FX4)
  • 6.7 – 9.7 / 100km (XL Hi-Rider)
  • 6.2 – 7.7 / 100km (XLT Hi-Rider)
  • 7.4 – 11.4 / 100km (XLS, Sport)
  • 8.6 – 12.4 / 100km (XL Plus)
  • 7.5 – 9.4 / 100km (Raptor, Raptor X)
  • 7.3 – 9.2 / 100km (FX4 Max)

Length

  • 5110mm – 5426mm (2 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Cab Chassis)
  • 5110mm – 5362mm (2 door Utility)
  • 5351mm – 5560mm (4 door Utility)

Width

  • 1850mm – 1977mm (2 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Cab Chassis)
  • 1850mm – 1860mm (2 door Utility)
  • 1850mm – 2028mm (4 door Utility)

Height

  • 1703mm – 1804mm (2 door Cab Chassis, 2 door Utility)
  • 1804mm – 1821mm (4 door Cab Chassis)
  • 0mm – 1873mm (4 door Utility)

Wheelbase

  • 3220mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1486kg – 1969kg (2 door Cab Chassis)
  • 1789kg – 1863kg (2 door Utility)
  • 1759kg – 2105kg (4 door Cab Chassis)
  • Unknown kg – 2342kg (4 door Utility)

Towing

  • 750kg (unbraked) – 3500kg (braked) (2 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Cab Chassis, 4 door Utility)
  • 750kg (unbraked) – 2500kg (braked) (2 door Utility)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars, tested 2015 (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, XLS, XL Plus, Wildtrak, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Raptor, Sport, FX4 Max, Raptor X)

Warranty

  • 3 years / 100,000 km (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, XLS, XL Plus, XLS Special Edition, FX4)
  • 5 years / unlimited km (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XL Plus, XLT, XLS, FX4, Wildtrak, Raptor, Sport, FX4 Max, Raptor X)

Servicing

  • 15,000 km / 12 months (XL, XL Hi-Rider, XLT Hi-Rider, XLT, Wildtrak, XLS, XL Plus, XLS Special Edition, FX4, Raptor, Sport, FX4 Max, Raptor X)

Model range, pricing and features

Ford Ranger XLT-1

XL

Price when new: $19,740 - $29,190

Price used: $6,500 - $28,700

Equipment

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
  • 4 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – Input for iPod
  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Bluetooth System
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Brake Assist
  • Brake Emergency Display – Hazard/Stoplights
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Rollover Stability
  • Control – Traction
  • Control – Trailer Sway
  • Cruise Control
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Hill Holder
  • Mudflaps – front
  • Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Power Door Mirrors
  • Power Windows – Front only
  • Rear View Mirror – Manual Anti-Glare
  • Rubber – Cabin Floor
  • Seat – Front Bench 3st
  • Trim – Cloth
  • Vented – Guards Front
  • Voice Recognition

MY19 update

  • Brakes – Rear Drum
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Headlamps – Halogen
  • Spare Wheel – Full Size Steel

MY20.75 update

  • Internet Connectivity via Sim Preparation

MY21.75 update

  • Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)

XL Hi-Rider

Price when new: $28,740 - $34,890

Price used: $10,400 - $34,400

Adds

  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Seat – Drivers Lumbar Adjustment Manual
  • Seats – Bucket (Front)
  • Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row

XLT Hi-Rider

Price when new: $43,240 - $51,790

Price used: $16,200 - $49,400

Adds

  • 17″ Alloy Wheels
  • 6 Speaker Stereo
  • Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
  • Carpeted – Cabin Floor
  • Chrome Bumpers
  • Chrome Door Handles – Exterior
  • Chrome Exterior Highlights
  • Chrome Grille
  • Control – Park Distance Rear
  • Cooled Compartment – Front
  • Diff lock(s)
  • Floor Mats
  • Fog Lamps – Front
  • Heated Door Mirrors
  • Power Door Mirrors – Folding
  • Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
  • Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
  • Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy
  • Side Steps
  • Sports Bar
  • Tow Bar

MY19 update

  • Central Locking – Key Proximity
  • Daytime Running Lamps – LED
  • Digital Instrument Display – Partial
  • Headlamp Protectors
  • Headlamps – High Intensity Discharge
  • Keyless Start:- Key/FOB Proximity related
  • Spare Wheel – Steel Rim Only
  • Starter Button

MY20.25 update

  • Headlamps – LED

MY21.25 update

  • Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
  • Laminated Windscreen

MY21.75 update

  • Differential Rear:- Active/Electronic
  • Metallic Finish Door Handles – Interior

XLT

Price when new: $50,890 - $57,690

Price used: $19,400 - $55,200

Adds

  • Illuminated (puddle lamps) Door Mirrors

Wildtrak

Price when new: $57,390 - $62,390

Price used: $23,000 - $59,800

Adds

  • 18″ Alloy Wheels
  • Camera – Rear Vision
  • Cargo Cover
  • Coloured Door Mirrors
  • Electric Seat – Drivers
  • GPS (Satellite Navigation)
  • Heated Seats – 1st Row

MY19 update

  • Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
  • Control – Pedestrian Avoidance with Braking
  • Fog Lamps – Front LED
  • Lane Keeping – Active Assist
  • Parking Assistance – Automated Steering
  • Sail Plane
  • Spare Wheel – Full Size Alloy Wheel
  • Speed Zone Reminder – Road Sign Recognition

XLS

Price when new: $48,090 - $50,290

Price used: $22,400 - $49,800

Adds

  • 16″ Alloy Wheels
  • Metallic Finish Door Mirrors
  • Metallic Finish Front Grille

XL Plus

Price when new: $46,280 - $46,790

Price used: $22,800 - $37,500

Adds

  • Battery – Dual
  • Daytime Running Lamps
  • Seat Covers

XLS Special Edition

Price when new: $50,865

Price used: $33,500 - $37,100

FX4

Price when new: $58,915 - $59,990

Price used: $38,800 - $57,300

Adds

  • Decals – Bonnet
  • Decals – Boot/Rear
  • Decals – Stripes on body
  • Grille – Black
  • Leather Look – Seats

MY20.25 update

  • Gloss Finish Window Surrounds – Exterior
  • Headlamps – Blacked Out Surrounds
  • Mesh Grille

MY21.75 update

  • Matt Black – Exterior Highlights

Raptor

Price when new: $74,990 - $77,190

Price used: $66,300 - $80,900

Adds

  • Calipers – Front 2 Spot
  • Calipers – Rear 2 Spot
  • Coil Springs
  • Disc Brakes Rear Ventilated
  • Driving Mode – Selectable
  • Flares
  • Gear Shift Paddles behind Steering Wheel
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Matt Finish – Exterior Highlights
  • Painted – Wheels
  • Skid Plate – Front
  • Skid Plate – Middle (Transmission case)
  • Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
  • Steering Wheel – Sports
  • Suede Look – Seats Partial
  • Suspension – Heavy Duty
  • Towing – Latch/Hook Front
  • Towing – Latch/Hook Rear

MY19.75 update

  • Electric Seat – Passenger
  • Leather Hand Brake Lever
  • Seat – Passenger with Electric Lumbar
  • Seats – Embossed

MY21.25 update

  • Active Noise Cancellation

Sport

Price when new: $52,940 - $53,540

Price used: $44,400 - $52,500

FX4 Max

Price when new: $65,940 - $66,190

Price used: $57,100 - $63,200

Adds

  • Pedals – Sports

Raptor X

Price when new: $79,390

Price used: $79,000 - $85,200

Adds

  • 4 Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
  • Electric Seats – 1st Row (Front)

We ask so much from 4×4 dual cab utes and the Ford Ranger balances lifestyle, work, safety and efficiency arguably better than any other vehicle in its class.

While Toyota has built the HilLx’s reputation (and popularity) on decades of incredible reliability, Ford have had to create a vehicle that can not only match its sparring partner HiLux, but one that can beat it in almost every category, and they have.

The Ranger is proving to be just as reliable as its equivalent generation HiLux yet the Ranger has far better on road driving dynamics, arguably superior off-road ability, equivalent safety tech, infotainment and practicality.

Yes, you should buy one, but which one?

Our pick is the post-facelift XLT and preferably one with the optional Tech Pack.

The XLT comes with all the best bits of the Wildtrack while only really missing out on some of the cosmetic treatment, and now that a 2016 XLT can be had for around $35,000 here in Australia, we think these are the sweet spot of the range.

We ask so much from 4×4 dual cab utes and the Ford Ranger balances lifestyle, work, safety and efficiency arguably better than any other vehicle in its class.

While Toyota has built the HilLx’s reputation (and popularity) on decades of incredible reliability, Ford have had to create a vehicle that can not only match its sparring partner HiLux, but one that can beat it in almost every category, and they have.

The Ranger is proving to be just as reliable as its equivalent generation HiLux yet the Ranger has far better on road driving dynamics, arguably superior off-road ability, equivalent safety tech, infotainment and practicality.

Yes, you should buy one, but which one?

Our pick is the post-facelift XLT and preferably one with the optional Tech Pack.

The XLT comes with all the best bits of the Wildtrack while only really missing out on some of the cosmetic treatment, and now that a 2016 XLT can be had for around $35,000 here in Australia, we think these are the sweet spot of the range.

We ask so much from 4×4 dual cab utes and the Ford Ranger balances lifestyle, work, safety and efficiency arguably better than any other vehicle in its class.

While Toyota has built the HilLx’s reputation (and popularity) on decades of incredible reliability, Ford have had to create a vehicle that can not only match its sparring partner HiLux, but one that can beat it in almost every category, and they have.

The Ranger is proving to be just as reliable as its equivalent generation HiLux yet the Ranger has far better on road driving dynamics, arguably superior off-road ability, equivalent safety tech, infotainment and practicality.

Yes, you should buy one, but which one?

Our pick is the post-facelift XLT and preferably one with the optional Tech Pack.

The XLT comes with all the best bits of the Wildtrack while only really missing out on some of the cosmetic treatment, and now that a 2016 XLT can be had for around $35,000 here in Australia, we think these are the sweet spot of the range.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Sep 18, 2023.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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