Ford Ranger review

Prices in the UK start at £28,275 excluding VAT (add 20 per cent if you’re not able to take advantage of any tax relief) for the two-seater single cab, and £29,800 for the five-seater double cab in its weakest 168bhp guise.

The double cab begins at £34,550 if it's the 202bhp 2.0-litre you're after, or £43,850 for the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6. Again, minus the donation to HMRC.

So more than you'd pay for an Isuzu D-Max or Toyota Hilux but less than a VW Amarok, though that only comes in double cab form. Let’s not forget either that the Amarok is positioned as the posh pickup of the lot. 

What are the trim choices?

There are seven trims to choose from: XL, XLT, Tremor, Wildtrak, Wildtrak X, and Platinum, but not all trims are available with all engines. Listen carefully…

The two-door single cab is only available in entry-level XL trim and lesser-powered 168bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The four-door double cab is available in XL and XLT trims when paired with the same engine, and Tremor, Wildtrak and Wildtrak X trims with the upper powered 202bhp four-pot. Finally, you’ve the choice of Wildtrak and Platinum trims with the top-spec 237bhp 3.0-litre twin-motor V6. Got it? 

What do they come with?

Not even the internet has enough space to run through every bit of kit on the Ranger, but entry-level models come equipped an 8.0in digital instrument cluster, 10.1in central touchscreen, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors, while XLT models add slightly more style courtesy of 16in alloys and body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and doors handles. 

Tremor models are more off-roady courtesy of 17in alloy wheels, an increased ride height and wider track, Bilstein dampers, all-terrain tyres and wheel arch mouldings, while Wildtrak models max out the creature comforts courtesy of 18in alloy wheels, auto folding door mirrors, a 12in central touchscreen, heated steering wheel and seats, interior ambient lighting, part leather trim, privacy glass and keyless start.

Top of the range Platinum models get luxuries such as 18in alloy wheels, a 12.4in instrument cluster, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, B&O sound system, heated and ventilated leather seats, and wireless phone charging.

What’s the best spec?

We’re yet to try the 2.0-litre four pots, but we’d say peak Ranger is the 3.0-litre V6 in Wildtrak trim, which offers maximum power for whatever your commercial (and off-road) needs require and a standard equipment list longer than our arm. In such guise, you’re looking at £48,850 excluding VAT. It'll be expensive on fuel, mind.

Alternatively, there's always the less work, more play-focused Ford Ranger Raptor... you can read our separate review on that by clicking this here hyperlink.