Ford Ranger XLT 2013 review

With more off-road camper-trailers and caravans coming onto the market, it's a task to find something that has the potential to tow off the beaten track.

The new Ranger dual-cab can carry the family and a decent load - we're sampled the XLT six-speed auto 4WD, which is knocking on the door of $55,000 but has a broad breadth of ability

Value

The $53,390 XLT with six-speed automatic (a $2000 impost) has plenty of standard - a USB-input and Bluetooth equipped six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth phone link, cruise control, an auto-dimming centre rear vision mirror, power windows, an alarm, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, but tilt-only steering wheel adjustment.

There's also a chilled centre console, several 12-volt outlets (including one in the tray), rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.

Technology

The 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is a reasonably civilized unit that produces 147kW and 470Nm and is best when hooked up to the intelligent six-speed automatic.

The 80 litre fuel tank is emptied at the rate of 9.2l/100km, says Ford - we finished up with a trip computer that read 10.8.

Design

The big bold nose isn't pretty but it has macho road presence. It's big, 5.3m of overall length, with a high-sided and lined rear tray equipped with tie-down points to keep the one-tonne payload in place.

The cabin is roomy enough for four adults, and the Australian engineering team's efforts to keep it well-insulated and quiet have paid dividends.

Safety

The Ranger scored a five-star ANCAP rating and stability and traction control and six airbags.

The 4WD system is backed by a rear diff lock and the clever trailer sway control function.

Part of the stability control system, Ford says it can brake individual wheels to control a snaking trailer, reassuring back-up when you have a claimed maximum 3350kg braked towing capacity (and a maximum 335kg ball download); the Ranger's listed gross combination mass is 5950kg.

Drive

The big Ford was engineered for global markets by the team at Broadmeadows and it shows - decent ride quality, good body control and steering that doesn't leave you wondering anywhere near as much as the outgoing car or some of the opposition.

The six-speed automatic is the better transmission, with a useful Sport setting and a manual shift mode.

The Ranger showed plenty when it comes to towing, load-lugging or off-roading, with ample grunt, 237mm of ground clearance, 800mm wading depth and a rear diff lock equipped 4WD system that makes short work of most terrain.