Ford Ranger FX4 2017 Review

Under that fancy dress is the same highly competent ute Australia has grown to love. That's no surprise as it was designed and developed here by a team of Aussies that manage to make a Thai-built ute look, feel and drive 'Australian' in that unique and intangible way a Falcon (RIP) or Territory (RIP) did.

The FX4 gets 'Stark Grey' 18-inch alloy wheels. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

Its sturdy ladder-frame chassis rides high on a relatively long 3220mm wheelbase. With an overall length of 5426mm and 1860mm width, the Ranger has an imposing size and stance tailor-made for hard work or adventure. The cargo tub floor is 1549mm long with 1139mm between the wheel arches.

Impressive off-road credentials include 237mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 29 degrees, departure angle of 21 degrees, a 25 degree ramp-over angle and a class-benchmark wading depth of 800mm.

The XLT-based FX4 is available only in dual cab 4x4 configuration with the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel, but you do get the choice of six-speed manual ($58,915) or six-speed automatic ($61,115) both of which represent a $3500 increase over their XLT equivalents. You also get to choose from four flavours including 'Frozen White' and prestige paint options comprising 'Ingot Silver', 'Magnetic' (grey) and 'Shadow Black'.

Rear seat occupants get bottle holders and smaller storage pockets in the doors. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

The FX4 adds numerous aesthetic enhancements to the well-equipped Ranger XLT including new and unique design 'Stark Grey' 18-inch alloy wheels and lots of black body parts including roof rails, sports bar, rear bumper, side steps, door handles, unique design grille, fog lamp bezels, door mirrors and mudguard features. There's also satin black bonnet and tailgate decal wraps and side decals with FX4 branding.

The black highlights extend into the interior as well, along with carpet mats and leather-accented seats with embossed FX4 logos. Being XLT based, the FX4 also gets Ford's latest 'SYNC3' communication and entertainment interface controlled by a big 8.0-inch touchscreen with tablet/smartphone-like 'pinch-and-swipe' capability. It includes sat nav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto plus access to Apple Siri and Google Now, Spotify, Pandora and Google Maps through compatible devices and apps.

One of the Ranger's strengths has always been its effortless load-lugging ability. For our test we loaded 830kg into the FX4's cargo tub which with a full tank of diesel and a 92kg driver was a payload of 922kg, or about 70kg short of the maximum. Under this weight the nose rose 12mm and the rear leaf springs compressed 63mm, resulting in a near level ride height due to the long rear wheel travel.

The FX4 gets leather-accented seats with embossed logos. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

The 3.2-litre engine and six-speed auto made such light work of this load-hauling requirement it was easy to forget it was even there at times, the big five-cylinder loping along at barely 2000rpm at 110km/h. On long highway gradients where we'd expect it to kick down to fifth, it held on to top gear with the revs dropping as low as 1600rpm but still pulling like a train.

It also conquered our set climb with ease, holding fourth gear at 1800rpm up a long winding 13 per cent gradient at the posted 60km/h speed limit. Engine braking on the way down was just as impressive, using the sequential manual shift mode.

The venerable 3.2 litre in-line five-cylinder turbo-diesel is one of the great ute engines of its time. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

With second gear selected the FX4 confidently restrained its big payload all the way down, with the engine spinning as high as 3800rpm on over-run to maintain the 60km/h speed limit without once needing to brush the brakes. Such powerful engine braking under near-maximum payload is unmatched in this segment and one of the Ranger's greatest attributes.

Ride quality and sure-footed handling are excellent, particularly under heavy loads. The Ranger maintains its composure over a variety of sealed and unsealed roads, with responsive variable rate steering and reassuringly strong braking. These attributes combine with a refined sprung-to-unsprung weight balance that inspires confidence at all times.

One of the Ranger's strengths has always been its effortless load-lugging ability. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

At highway speeds its minimal tyre and engine noise creates a comfortable cabin environment that allows conversations to take place at normal levels, with the only minor wind noise coming from the large door mirrors. Overall, given its primary role as a load hauler, the Ranger's dynamics are hard to fault.

Ford Australia offers a three year/100,000km warranty, with an optional extension available for an extra three years/200,000km, whichever comes first.

Service intervals are 12 months/15,000km with capped price servicing costs ranging from $400 to $640.

If the vehicle is serviced at participating Ford dealers, 24/7 roadside assistance is available for up to seven years/105,000km.