Cars & Autos | Sunday 24 November, 2019 12:34 am |

The 2020 Ford Ranger is ready for adventure and packed with driver-assist technologies to enable easier driving both on and off-road.

 

Ranger builds on Ford’s more than 100-years of expertise in forging tough and capable trucks. It has been designed, built and tested to meet the Built Ford Tough standards, and is now sold in more than 180 countries where customers have come to depend on its class-leading levels of reliability, durability and quality.

 

“The new Ranger introduces fresh exterior and interior design cues that build on its 'tough truck' image, complemented by the adoption of new technologies that further bolster Ranger's established reputation for safety, convenience and comfort,” said Adriaan Coetzee, Director Product and Brand Marketing for Ford Direct Markets.

 

With a range of new under-the-skin upgrades, powerful and efficient engines, new styling and fresh trim levels to suit a broader range of applications, Ranger is designed to deliver years of dependable service regardless of how it’s put to work. Available with a choice of five trim levels and a range of chassis and powertrain configurations, there’s a Ranger to suit every role.  

 

“Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Coetzee added. “The all-new Ranger is designed for today’s midsize truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability and technology for those who need a pure workhorse, and for those who also blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on getaways.”

 

Built Ford Tough

Like the F-150, Built Ford Tough is engineered into Ranger’s DNA – from its high-strength steel frame ladder chassis to its tough steel body and versatile cargo box.

 

Even the design is tough. Ranger’s muscular body features a high beltline, while a raked grille and slanted windshield lend an athletic appearance - designed to aid aerodynamics, reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy. Short overhangs mean better approach and departure angles for off-road work, while a capacious cargo box is coupled with load securing features for work and play. With a class-leading payload of 1425kg and up to 3.5 tons towing capability – aided by Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme and Trailer Sway Mitigation, Ranger is a truly safe and dependable workhorse.

 

From the rear, the Ranger nameplate stamped in the tailgate conveys strength, and the tailgate itself is designed to handle people and cargo. A rugged spray-in bed-liner comes standard on all trims, ensuring Ranger’s cargo box resists scratch and impact damage with every load.

 

Inside, Ranger blends comfort and functionality with room for up to five people, their gear and accessories. All trim levels have been specified to best address the needs of the target customer – from those who need a functional workhorse, to those who appreciate the finer execution of a centre stack packed with an 8-inch touch screen, with the SYNC® 3 system, and an instrument cluster that displays real-time vehicle, navigation and audio information.

 

Ranger’s clamshell hood houses a choice of three engines designed to deliver the power and torque customers demand, while also using less fuel than ever before. Ford’s diesel engines create more power and, in most cases, far torque than their key rivals – making Ranger the perfect choice for work that demands uncompromising power. Depending on specification level, the Ranger’s 2.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine produces 150/160 PS and 375/385Nm torque, giving Ranger impressive load hauling capability.

 

The 3.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine available in the higher specification XLT and Wildtrak develop a class-leading 200PS and 470Nm torque. Peak torque is available from 1,750rpm, handing Ranger incredible power at exceptionally low engine revs. Ranger’s 2.5-litre Duratec engine also develops tremendous power and torque, with 163PS and 226Nm.

 

Built to work: Base, XL and XLS

Strength and durability are core attributes of the workhorse Ranger variants: the Base, XL and XLS. Engineered for work, the Base, XL and XLS come preloaded with powerful and dependable engines, a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed auto transmissions, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive, and the option of low- and high-riding chassis. An e-locking rear differential helps maximise surface contact on tough terrain, given Ranger the ability to scale steep inclines, sand and loose surfaces with ease.

 

An 800mm wading depth and short front and rear overhangs means that Ranger is also capable of taking you anywhere you need to go.

 

The Base – and its slightly higher specced stablemates, the XL and XLS – are designed for work. With a class-leading payload of up to 1,425 kilograms and tie-down hooks along the exterior of the cargo bed, Ranger is equipped to carry exceptional loads.

 

Base and XL come with an integrated load rest with two pivoting guides for longer objects, making Ranger perfectly suitable for demanding jobs.

 

This is borne out by a demanding testing programme that has seen Ranger endure a punishing schedule of vehicle and powertrain durability tests to ensure Ranger delivers years of reliable and dependable operation with a minimum of down time. Environmental testing includes hot and cold climate tests – and high-altitude tests at over 4,000m.

 

The XL stands out from the Base with its chrome grille, and chrome accents on the wing mirror housings, door handles and rear bumper. Ranger XL comes in a choice of single or double cab, 2.5-litre petrol or 2.2-litre turbodiesel, two- or four-wheel-drive, and either five-speed manual (petrol only), six-speed manual (diesel only) or six speed (diesel only). The XL adds 16-inch steel wheels and a few added luxuries for the working set like power windows and mirrors and remote central locking. Four-wheel drive models get extra underbody protection for off-road work.

 

The XLS boosts equipment levels even further with a comprehensive list of standard equipment. Available only as a high-riding double cab pickup, the XLS can be specced with a petrol engine and five speed manual transmission (4x4 only); or a 2.2-litre diesel engine with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox (both 4x2 and 4x4).

 

The XLS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a SYNC1 entertainment system with six speakers, steering wheel audio control and four-way adjustable seats with lumbar support. A locking rear differential, auxiliary side step and trailer tow package adds functionality, while a rear-view camera, rear park assist, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls aid driver and occupant safety and convenience.

 

“With Base, XL and the new XLS trim levels, we’ve given fleet operators, families and business owners the features they really want in a robust, dependable and versatile package,” said Chris Noel, Fleet Manager at Ford. “With a wider range of trim levels and powertrain options, there really is a Ranger to suit every application.”

 

XLT and Wildtrak: Ready for Adventure

Ranger is also designed to appeal to a new generation of midsize truck customers who head off-road to recharge. Ranger priorities ground clearance to help take owners anywhere they’d like to go, while also providing an additional level of comfort and convenience.

 

The XLT can be specified with either a 2.2- or 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine, and is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The XLT sits on 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres, and has a chrome plated roll-over hoop fixed to the cargo box, and steel side steps.

 

Inside, the XLT is equipped with SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, complete with an eight-inch touchscreen and navigation. There is a cool-box between the two front seats and a dual 4.2-inch cluster screen embedded in the instrument binnacle. The front seats are four-way power adjustable, and the steering wheel and gear shift knob are trimmed in leather.

 

New for 2020 is the passive entry and passive start system. That means owners are able to enter a locked vehicle and start it without taking the key out of their pocket

 

Dual zone climate control comes as standard in the XLT, while independent rear row vents help keep back seat passengers comfortable. Night driving is improved with projector beam headlamps, while follow-me-home lighting and footwell illumination add convenience when returning home in the dark.

 

The range-topping Ranger Wildtrak incorporates smart driver-assist technology, passenger convenience and connectivity technologies. Advanced driver-assist technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning and a Reverse Sensing System.

 

Ranger is the first pickup to come with Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking. Ultrasonic sensors alert the driver when a suitable parking spot is found, and the system calculates trajectory and steers the vehicle into the slot. The driver must apply throttle and brakes as needed. Ranger Wildtrak is also the only pickup in the segment to include front and rear parking sensors to detect objects at low speeds, and a system that provides proximity alerts.

 

The eight-way power adjustable seats are trimmed in black leather with contrasting orange stitching, and ambient cabin lighting helps elevate the Wildtrak’s feeling of luxury. A 230v power invertor allows for charging of laptops and USB outlets provide more options for passengers to connect.

 

Additional features include HID headlamps with auto high beam, LED front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers and lighting for the cargo bed. The spray in liner is replaced with a drop-in liner, and all Wildtrak models come with a roller shutter cover and box rails that can be adjusted to secure loads.

 

The Ranger Wildtrak comes in high-riding four-wheel-drive configuration only. It is powered by a 3.2-litre inline five-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 200PS and 470Nm of torque, and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

 

Trim level highlights

 

Base

• 15-inch steel wheels
• Manual windows and mirrors
• Central locking
• AM/FM radio with Bluetooth, USB connection and two speakers
• Air-conditioning, manual
• Self-coloured door handles, mirror housings, bumper and grille
• Driver and passenger airbag
• Front bench seat (60:40 split)
• Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
• Load rest
• Outer load bed hooks
• Limited slip differential (4x4 only)
• Spray-in bedliner
• ESC with DAC/HDC, TPMS, rear fog lamp

 

XL

• 16-inch steel wheels
• Power windows
• Power mirrors
• Volumetric alarm
• Remote control central door locking with flip key
• Two speakers (single cab)/Four speakers (double cab)
• Chrome door handles and mirror housings
• Body coloured front bumper
• Chrome rear step/bumper
• Front grille, chrome
• Front high back bucket seats
• Rear bench with centre arm rest
• Daytime running lights
• Glove box lamps
• Underbody protection (4x4 only)

 

XLS

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• SYNC 1 with AM/FM/CD
• Six speakers
• Steering wheel audio control
• Rear view camera, rear park assist
• Power locking rear tailgate
• Trailer tow package
• Halogen front fog lamps
• Cruise control
• Side step
• Front and rear mudflaps
• Auto dimming interior mirror
• Front side and curtain airbags
• Four-way manual adjustable seats
• Locking rear differential

 

XLT

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Sync 3 with 8-inch touchscreen and navigation
• Passive entry/Passive start
• Power folding mirrors
• Driver knee airbag
• Dual zone climate control
• Independent rear seat vents
• Cooled centre console
• Leather steering wheel and gear shifter
• Follow me home lighting
• Footwell illumination
• Roll bar – chrome
• Side step – steel
• Projector beam headlamps
• Four-way power seats
• Dual 4.2-inch cluster screen
• External temperature display

 

Wildtrak

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Moulded sport bar
• Roof bars
• Roller shutter cover
• Drop-in bed liner
• Box rails
• Door mirrors and front grill in London Grey
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert
• Assisted parallel parking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• HID headlamps with auto high beam, LED front fog lamps
• Ambient cabin lighting
• 230V power invertor
• Eight-way power seats
• Leather accented seats – black with orange stitching