Ford Ranger XL judged Australia's best 4x4

The Thai-manufactured Ford Ranger XL 3.2 (d) has beaten the Mazda BT50 XTR and VW Amarok Highline TDI 420 to take out the 4x4 dual cab car of the year, as judged by the Australian Automobile Association on behalf of Australia's motoring clubs.

Divisions for judging criteria include: value for money, design and function, on-the-road and offroad, comprising 24 weighted subcategories including safety, fuel consumption and handling.

Dual cab utilities (DCUs) were included in Australia’s Best Cars rankings for the first time this year, due to steadily growing popularity. DCUs were the third largest-selling vehicle category last year, having grown 25% over the previous year, and now sell in higher numbers than any of the SUV categories. Once the vehicle of choice on worksites, a five-seat DCU these days is just as likely to be a family crossover vehicle, towing a caravan or carrying camping equipment rather than sand and cement, yet with sales remaining predominately 4WD they’re also serious workhorses.

With this new buyer profile in mind, the most recently launched DCUs are better targeted to crossover usage. The three finalists, the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and VW Amarok, are all significantly easier trucks to live with on a daily basis than their forebears, but in keeping with their 4x4 work ethic, they were also tested with a half-ton load and four occupants on second-class roads and hills.

The Ford Ranger was literally all-new in September 2011, the result of Ford’s “global compact pickup truck platform”; and along with the new engines, gearboxes, chassis, suspension, steering, brakes and sheet-metal came a more considered approach to design and function. Ford took the opportunity to study its dual cab competitors in such things as shifting the centre pillar position for improved vision and rear seat space, wider opening rear doors for access and multiple storage compartments, resulting in the Ranger’s more integrated and accommodating cabin. As a result, Ranger is comfortable in each of its seating positions and notably spacious in the rear, reflected by solid scoring in all areas of living with the vehicle.

Ranger’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine mated to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission forms the backbone of the best performing vehicle in the dual-cab line-up. This engine is also matched to a six-speed manual. With 470 Nm of torque on tap from just 1500 rpm, it delivers more pulling power than Toyota’s 70 series 4.5-litre V8. Ranger’s hill climbing power when loaded, smart 4WD including switchable low range and long wheelbase stability make it an ideal vehicle for towing. It has a 3500 kg rated towing capability and includes electronic trailer sway control as standard. In rough terrain the Ranger also offers excellent ground clearance at 237 mm, an 800 mm wading depth and good wheel articulation for traction. The official combined fuel economy figure of 9.2 L/100 km is consistent with the class average, although our test figures are closer to 11 L/100 km, meaning the 80-litre fuel tank will provide a range in the region of 800 km.

The entry XL model Ranger is well priced in this company and has a more purposeful, tough and robust look which was preferred over its sister truck the Mazda BT50, where there is a more stylised approach and opulent features. In addition to the Ford’s basic comfort and commanding driving position, all twin-cab models are equipped with dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags for a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

For further information, including full details on testing and results, visit the Australia’s Best Cars website