2013 Ford Ranger Reviews

Released in 2011, the all-new PX Ranger was Ford’s entry into the new-age ute market and the range of models verged on bewildering.

Utes have always been popular with Aussies, but never more so than in recent years when there has been more to choose from than ever before. The humble ute is no longer a mere work wagon; it is now called upon to perform all sorts of duties, from traditional worker, to cool sportster, weekend escaper and family hack.

The dual-cab four-wheel drive ute has become the multi-tool of the automotive world.

Holden and Ford have a longstanding rivalry on the race track -- but it's tame compared to the showroom battle.

The new-age work-and-play dual cabs have become family cars with benefits and that’s a big reason why the Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s favourite

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 abilityThe $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.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.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.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.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.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?This is Ford's top dog Ranger ute, the orange one for shrinking violets - ha! Comes out of a Thai factory but don't hold that against it, the build is pretty good, the look is "tough truck."Goes for $57,390 for the six speed manual two grand more for the six speed auto plus on roads. Ouch.Too many to mention. Hilux, Triton, Navara, Amarok, Colorado, D-Max and so say all of us.This is the 3.2 five pot turbo diesel with a healthy 147kW/470Nm output though these figures are pretty low considering the capacity of the engine and what other makes are getting out of smaller capacity units. Should mean the Ranger will last a long time - understressed.Plenty of poke, loaded or unladen you won't be disappointed. Gets out of the blocks quickly and has strong pull right up to about 4500rpm.Not particularly due in part to the 2200kg kerb weight. Add a tonne in the tray and a full tank and it's approaching 3.5 tonnes. That's why you get an averahge of 9.6-litres/100km. Still, the 80 litre tank means a decent range between refuels.Not particularly. Churns out plenty of carbon, wouldn't be the greenest in manufacturing either.Gets a strong  five stars. Has additional stuff like rollover mitigation,Hill Descent Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Trailer Sway Assist and more.Rides well, a tad firm perhaps but the seats are a good shape and noise and vibes are minimal. Plenty of kit makes wheel time pass quickly - Bluetooth, voice control, 5-inch colour screen with satnav, reverse camera, rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, dual zone climate control, power driver's seat heated front seats, roof rails, roller shutter for tray.Easy controls, smooth shifting six speed auto, supple but controlled suspension, better with a load in the back. Minimal turbo lag off the mark but large turning circle a hassle.Not at 60 grand. Get that tax deduction form ready.

The Ford Ranger ute is so popular, Ford can't get enough of the utes from the Thai factory with demand outstripping supply. They sold 12,753 4X4 versions and 5354 4X2 models last year, narrowly behind Focus (18,586). The overall 4X4 sector of about 125,000 sales was up 25 per cent last year with Ranger sales rising

Who says a hardcore pick-up truck can’t double as a comfortable family car? During my time with the new Ford PX Ranger Wildtrak I often returned to the vehicle to catch couples (and kids) going over it with much interest.Most were impressed with its bold exterior looks and the quality and quantity of features inside the passenger cabin. One dad said he was considering downsizing from his Ford F150 and the new Ranger hot-shot looked the goods. This seems to back up the decision by Ford Australia to take up the sporty compact pick-up truck, bringing to 21 the number of models available in the all-new Ranger line-up.From $57,390, the price tag is hefty. However, this will get you the new the latest in smart technology such as Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and iPod integration. Voice control enables occupants to operate the radio, CD, iPod, USB, air-conditioning and phone. It also offers a five-inch colour screen with satellite navigation.As with all Ford vehicles, capped price servicing is offered on Wildtrak. For example, the maximum a customer who owns a PX Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 3.2-litre diesel would pay at a participating authorised Ford dealer for the first 15,000 km service is $385, which includes 12 months myFord Standard Roadside Assistance ($90).Powering the Wildrak is a 3.2-litre TDCi Duratorq turbo-diesel engine, delivering 147 kW of power at 3000 rpm and 470 Nm of torque peaking from 1500 rpm to 2750 rpm. The variable geometry turbocharger enables low-end torque to improve launch and driveability and to come up with a fuel economy figure, for the manual, as low as 9.4 litres per 100km on the combined urban / highway cycle, with carbon dioxide emissions of 248g per kilometre.At close to five and a half metres long and nearly two metres wide and high the Wildtrak has a prepossessing presence, even when standing still. But get those 18-inch wheels rolling and the truck takes on the roll of a class-leading juggernaut. Standard roof rack and aerodynamic sports bar emphasise the robust character, while unique badging and graphics make the ultimate statement of its ‘Wildtrakness’.The test vehicle was fitted with a retractable tray cover that acts like a roll-top writing desk, disappearing into a compartment behind the cabin when not in use. A warning! Read the instructions on how to operate it. I didn’t and paid a frustrating price until it was explained, then it all came together easily.  The sporty exterior is continued into the double cab with seating for five on leather and cloth trimmed seats inspired by sportswear, featuring contrasting stitching, plus two strips in distinctive Wildtrak Orange.Particular attention has been paid to spaciousness and comfort, making sure three rear passengers are provided with ample knee room and foot clearance.The pick-up’s bulky frame needs some attention when parking, so a reversing camera with guidelines is projected clearly onto a section of the rear-view mirror above the windscreen. A neat addition is the presence of a dotted line down the centre of the image which acts as a guide to the tow ball to help when lining up to hook up to a trailer, caravan, boat or horse float.Unlike some systems in rival vehicles the camera, with the aid of high-intensity reversing lamps, works well in low-light conditions and is backed up by rear parking sensors in the back bumper.Tested to operate at 400 metres below and 4500 metres above sea-level, the motor is designed to operate efficiently under conditions found almost anywhere in Australia. Indeed, primarily developed in Australia, the Ranger was designed for town work, with the ability to head to the Outback for pleasure purposes. Extensive gravel-road testing and extended trips through demanding conditions helped to fine tune suspension settings, tyre performance, and steering feel and response.