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:

XL / XL Hi-Rider (2WD)

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2
  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2 Hi-rider
  • Double cab chassis 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Super cab chassis 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Single cab ute 2-door 4×2
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×2
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×2 Hi-Rider 

XL / XL Plus (4WD)

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Double cab chassis 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab chassis 4-door 4×4
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×4

XLS / XLS 3.2 Sport

  • Double cab ute

XLT

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab ute 4-door 4×4

Wildtrack, FX4 Special Edition, Sport

  • Double cab ute

Engine outputs:

  • 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 122kW / 226Nm
  • 2.2-litre, 4cyl turbo-diesel – 110kW / 375Nm
  • 3.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 147kW / 470Nm
  • 2.0-litre, 4-cyl Bi-turbo diesel – 157kW / 500Nm

Drivelines:

  • 5-spd manual, 2WD (XL 2WD, XL Hi-Rider 2WD)
  • 6-spd manual / 6-spd automatic, 2WD (XL 2WD, XL Hi-Rider 2WD)
  • 6-spd manual / 6-spd automatic, 4WD (XL 4WD, XL Plus 4WD, XLS, XLS 3.2 Sport, XLT, Wildtrack, FX4 & Sport)

Fuel use:

  • 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 10.4L/100km
  • 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 8.9L/100km
  • 3.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 9.2L/100km

Dimensions:

Height:

  • 1703mm (Single cab chassis/ute)
  •  1716mm (Double cab chassis/ute)
  •  1800mm (Single cab chassis Hi-rider & Single cab chassis)
  •  1803mm (Super cab chassis Hi-rider)
  •  1815mm (Double cab chassis Hi-rider)
  •  1804mm (Super cab chassis/ute)
  •  1815mm (Double cab

Body styles:

XL / XL Hi-Rider (2WD)

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2
  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2 Hi-rider
  • Double cab chassis 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Super cab chassis 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Single cab ute 2-door 4×2
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×2
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×2 Hi-Rider 

XL / XL Plus (4WD)

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Double cab chassis 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab chassis 4-door 4×4
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×4

XLS / XLS 3.2 Sport

  • Double cab ute

XLT

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab ute 4-door 4×4

Wildtrack, FX4 Special Edition, Sport

  • Double cab ute

Engine outputs:

  • 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 122kW / 226Nm
  • 2.2-litre, 4cyl turbo-diesel – 110kW / 375Nm
  • 3.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 147kW / 470Nm
  • 2.0-litre, 4-cyl Bi-turbo diesel – 157kW / 500Nm

Drivelines:

  • 5-spd manual, 2WD (XL 2WD, XL Hi-Rider 2WD)
  • 6-spd manual / 6-spd automatic, 2WD (XL 2WD, XL Hi-Rider 2WD)
  • 6-spd manual / 6-spd automatic, 4WD (XL 4WD, XL Plus 4WD, XLS, XLS 3.2 Sport, XLT, Wildtrack, FX4 & Sport)

Fuel use:

  • 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 10.4L/100km
  • 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 8.9L/100km
  • 3.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 9.2L/100km

Dimensions:

Height:

  • 1703mm (Single cab chassis/ute)
  •  1716mm (Double cab chassis/ute)
  •  1800mm (Single cab chassis Hi-rider & Single cab chassis)
  •  1803mm (Super cab chassis Hi-rider)
  •  1815mm (Double cab chassis Hi-rider)
  •  1804mm (Super cab chassis/ute)
  •  1815mm (Double cab chassis/ute) 

Length:

  • 5110mm (Single, super & double cab chassis)
  • 5359mm (Double & single cab ute)

Width:

  • 1850mm (all variants)

Weight:

XL / XL Hi-Rider (2WD)

  • 1486kg (Single cab chassis, 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol)
  • 1619kg (Single cab chassis, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1672kg (Single cab chassis Hi-Rider)
  • 1789kg (Single cab ute Hi-Rider)
  • 1759kg (Super cab chassis Hi-Rider)
  • 1789kg (Double cab ute)
  • 1821kg (Double cab chassis Hi-Rider)
  • 1929kg (Double cab ute Hi-Rider)

XL / XL Plus (4WD)

  • 1762kg (Single cab chassis, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1795kg (Single cab chassis 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1870kg (Super cab chassis 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 2018kg (Super cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1909kg (Double cab chassis 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1942kg (Double cab chassis 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 2034kg (Double cab ute 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 2068kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)

XLS / XLS 3.2 Sport

  • 2034kg (Double cab ute 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel)
  • 1938kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre, turbo-diesel)

XLT

  • 2099kg (Double cab ute 2.0-Litre Bi-turbo diesel 4×2)
  • 2131kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel 4×2)
  • 2146kg (Super cab ute 2.0-Litre Bi-turbo diesel 4×4)
  • 2078kg (Super cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel 4×4)
  • 2197kg (Double cab ute 2.0-Litre Bi-turbo diesel 4×4)
  • 2230kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel 4×4)

Wildtrack

  • 2200kg

FX4 Special Edition

  • 2200kg

Sport

  • 1938kg

Ground clearance (unladen):

  • 210mm (2WD models)
  • 232mm (4WD models)
  • 210mm (2WD models)
  • 232mm (4WD models)

Body styles:

XL / XL Hi-Rider (2WD)

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2
  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2 Hi-rider
  • Double cab chassis 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Super cab chassis 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Single cab ute 2-door 4×2
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×2
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×2 Hi-Rider 

XL / XL Plus (4WD)

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Double cab chassis 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab chassis 4-door 4×4
  • Single cab chassis 2-door 4×4

XLS / XLS 3.2 Sport

  • Double cab ute

XLT

  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×2 Hi-Rider
  • Double cab ute 4-door 4×4
  • Super cab ute 4-door 4×4

Wildtrack, FX4 Special Edition, Sport

  • Double cab ute

Engine outputs:

  • 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 122kW / 226Nm
  • 2.2-litre, 4cyl turbo-diesel – 110kW / 375Nm
  • 3.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 147kW / 470Nm
  • 2.0-litre, 4-cyl Bi-turbo diesel – 157kW / 500Nm

Drivelines:

  • 5-spd manual, 2WD (XL 2WD, XL Hi-Rider 2WD)
  • 6-spd manual / 6-spd automatic, 2WD (XL 2WD, XL Hi-Rider 2WD)
  • 6-spd manual / 6-spd automatic, 4WD (XL 4WD, XL Plus 4WD, XLS, XLS 3.2 Sport, XLT, Wildtrack, FX4 & Sport)

Fuel use:

  • 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol – 10.4L/100km
  • 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 8.9L/100km
  • 3.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel – 9.2L/100km

Dimensions:

Height:

  • 1703mm (Single cab chassis/ute)
  •  1716mm (Double cab chassis/ute)
  •  1800mm (Single cab chassis Hi-rider & Single cab chassis)
  •  1803mm (Super cab chassis Hi-rider)
  •  1815mm (Double cab chassis Hi-rider)
  •  1804mm (Super cab chassis/ute)
  •  1815mm (Double cab chassis/ute) 

Length:

  • 5110mm (Single, super & double cab chassis)
  • 5359mm (Double & single cab ute)

Width:

  • 1850mm (all variants)

Weight:

XL / XL Hi-Rider (2WD)

  • 1486kg (Single cab chassis, 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol)
  • 1619kg (Single cab chassis, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1672kg (Single cab chassis Hi-Rider)
  • 1789kg (Single cab ute Hi-Rider)
  • 1759kg (Super cab chassis Hi-Rider)
  • 1789kg (Double cab ute)
  • 1821kg (Double cab chassis Hi-Rider)
  • 1929kg (Double cab ute Hi-Rider)

XL / XL Plus (4WD)

  • 1762kg (Single cab chassis, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1795kg (Single cab chassis 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1870kg (Super cab chassis 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 2018kg (Super cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1909kg (Double cab chassis 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 1942kg (Double cab chassis 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)
  • 2034kg (Double cab ute 2.2-litre turbo-diesel)
  • 2068kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel)

XLS / XLS 3.2 Sport

  • 2034kg (Double cab ute 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel)
  • 1938kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre, turbo-diesel)

XLT

  • 2099kg (Double cab ute 2.0-Litre Bi-turbo diesel 4×2)
  • 2131kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel 4×2)
  • 2146kg (Super cab ute 2.0-Litre Bi-turbo diesel 4×4)
  • 2078kg (Super cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel 4×4)
  • 2197kg (Double cab ute 2.0-Litre Bi-turbo diesel 4×4)
  • 2230kg (Double cab ute 3.2-Litre turbo-diesel 4×4)

Wildtrack

  • 2200kg

FX4 Special Edition

  • 2200kg

Sport

  • 1938kg

Ground clearance (unladen):

  • 210mm (2WD models)
  • 232mm (4WD models)
  • 210mm (2WD models)
  • 232mm (4WD models)

Warranty:

3-years/100,000kms
5-years/unlimited kms (From 14/5/2018)

Servicing:

15,000kms or every 12 months with Ford’s Lifetime capped-service plans.

Model range, pricing and features

Ford Ranger XLT-1

XL & XL Hi-Rider (2WD)

Price when new: $19,740 - $40,790

Price used: $4,400 - $37,450

The Ranger range kicks off with the XL variant which is available as a 4×2 in single cab chassis or ute and double cab ute, lifted 4×2 Hi-rider in single, super and double cab chassis and 4×2 Hi-rider double cab ute. 4×4 body styles and variant information is listed in the section below.

Standard features:

  • Dual-zone climate Control
  • Rubber Flooring
  • Steel wheels
  • Bluetooth phone connectivity
  • 230V power outlet
  • Cruise control
  • Electric windows
  • Brake Assist
  • 5-star ANCAP rating
  • Bluetooth with voice control
  • MP3 and iPod connectivity
  • 4.2-inch multi-function dashboard mounted colour screen
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Reversing camera (From 2017)
  • Rear parking sensors (From 2017)

XL / XL Plus (4WD)

Price when new: $38,390 - $50,590

Price used: $12,000 - $47,650

The 4WD variants of the base-grade XL and XL Plus variants.

Standard features:

  • Dual-zone climate Control
  • Rubber Flooring
  • Steel wheels
  • Bluetooth phone connectivity
  • 230V power outlet
  • Cruise control
  • Electric windows
  • Brake Assist
  • 5-star ANCAP rating
  • Bluetooth with voice control
  • MP3 and iPod connectivity
  • 4.2-inch multi-function dashboard mounted colour screen
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Reversing camera (From 2017)
  • Rear parking sensors (From 2017)

XLS / XLS 3.2 Sport

Price when new: $45,590 - $51,890

Price used: $19,000 - $48,800

The XLS come with a few more niceties than the XL but it’s not quite as equipped as the XLT. This all makes sense but with the used market compressing price differences between variants, we’d recommend spending just a little more and get yourself into an XLT instead.

XLS adds:

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Manual air-conditioning
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Carpet flooring
  • 4.2-inch media screen
  • Bluetooth and USB connectivity
  • From 2017, optional SYNC3 Package

Additional features:

  • 8.0-inch media screen (From 2017)
  • Satellite navigation (From 2017)
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (From 2017)
  • Dual 4.2-inch colour instrument screens (From 2017)
  • Dual-zone climate control (From 2017)
  • Smart key with Push button start (From 2017)
  • Chrome grill
  • Chrome door handles

XLT

Price when new: $43,240 - $60,430

Price used: $13,200 - $54,150

In our opinion, the XLT is the Ranger to get. It’s the highest-selling Ranger variant and with good reason. The XLT has everything you need, a few things that are nice to have and nothing you’d miss.

XLT adds:

  • 17-inch Alloy Wheels
  • Locking rear differential
  • Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Cooled centre console
  • Electromatic rear-vision mirror
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Tray bed liner with integrated 12V socket
  • Polished rear roll bar
  • Privacy glass
  • Reversing camera (From 2017)
  • Front parking sensors (From 2017)
  • SYNC3 Infotainment (From 2017)
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (From 2017)

Wildtrack

Price when new: $57,390 - $65,190

Price used: $19,500 - $59,250

Excluding the Ranger Raptor, the Wildtrak is the flagship Ranger variant.

The internet is filled with glowing reviews of the Wildtrak when new and the only change for used and second hand models is that the Wildtrak is just more affordable.

Well cared for, low mileage Wildtracks with a solid service history are superb used vehicles.

If you can afford it, we highly recommend them.

Wildtrack adds:

  • 18-inch Alloy Wheels
  • Satellite navigation
  • 5-inch multi-function dash mounted colour display (Updated to 8-inch touchscreen display in 2015)
  • Rear-view camera
  • Leather/fabric upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • 8-way power-adjustable front seats
  • Unique sports bar and roof rails
  • Adaptive cruise control (From 2017)
  • Forward collision warning (From 2017)
  • Lane departure warning (From 2017)
  • Automatic high beam (From 2017)
  • Automatic lane keeping (From 2017)

FX4 Special Edition

Price when new: $58,915 - $62,840

Price used: $31,350 - $59,400

Take a Ranger XLT, blacken out the chrome bits, add 18-inch wheels and a unique grill and while you’re at it, give the interior some attention with red stitching and you have yourself an FX4 Special Edition.

FX4 adds:

  • 18-inch FX4 alloy wheels
  • FX4 mesh front grille
  • Darkened bi-LED headlights
  • Extended black sports bar
  • Black exterior mirrors
  • Black door/tailgate handles and fenders
  • Leather-accented sports buckets
  • Red embossed FX4 insignia
  • Red stitching on seats, gear selector, handbrake cover, steering wheel, door trim and floor mats

Sport

Price when new: $52,940 - $55,140

Price used: $37,500 - $51,250

Based on the Ranger XLS, the Sport features a few more extras to close the equipment gap to the range topping Wildtrack and Raptor while remaining a more affordable option.

Sport Adds:

  • Dark grill finish
  • 17-inch black alloy wheels
  • Blackened mirror caps
  • Black door handles
  • Black rear bumper
  • Black sports bar
  • Side steps
  • Tub liner
  • Sport decal
  • 8.0-inch media screen
  • Satellite navigation
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Dual 4.2-inch colour instrument screens

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 December 31, 2020.

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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