Ford Ranger XL 2018 review: snapshot

The XL is the entry point for the 2018 Ford Ranger range. With its 16-inch steel wheels it’s the back-to-basics workhorse aimed more at those with muddy boots than sharp suits. 

The no-frills cabin has a tough vinyl hose-out floor but is a comfortable mobile office that includes useful features like Ford’s 'SYNC' multiple connectivity system with Bluetooth, adjustable speed limiter, cruise control, single zone air-con, auto on-off headlights and more. The ute models also get numerous inner and outer tie-down points, rear view camera and rear parking sensors. 

The XL range starts as a 4x2 available as either a single cab cab-chassis ($27,390) or single cab ute ($28,390). Both are available only with the 2.2-litre TDCi four cylinder turbo-diesel and six-speed manual gearbox. 

The XL 4x2 is also available as a 'Hi-Rider' with the same high-riding suspension as the 4x4 model and large Hi-Rider decals to prove it. Available in a choice of single cab cab-chassis ($30,890 man/$33,090 auto), super cab cab-chassis ($33,240 man only), dual cab cab-chassis ($37,590 auto only) and dual cab ute ($36,390 man/$38,590 auto) body styles, the only engine available is the 2.2-litre four.

The XL is also available as a 4x4 model with the 2.2-litre engine as either a single cab cab-chassis ($38,790 man only), dual cab cab-chassis ($43,290 man/$45,490 auto) or dual cab ute ($44,290 man/45,890 auto).

The 4x4 XL range is also available with the larger 3.2-litre TDCi five cylinder turbo-diesel in single cab cab-chassis ($41,290 man/$43,790 auto), super cab cab-chassis ($43,790 man/$46,265 auto), super cab ute ($44,790 man only), dual cab cab-chassis ($45,790 man/$47,990 auto) and dual cab ute ($46,790 man/48,990 auto).