Top Customizations of the Ford Ranger
In 2017, the Ford Ranger was Australia’s top-selling 4×4, knocking off its arch rival the Toyota Hilux for the very first time. While the Hilux has long been thought of as the perfect automobile no matter where in Australia you call home, the Ford Ranger is starting to make its own case for that label and has found a fantastic place within the Australian market.
As it stands, the Ranger is dominating Toyota in 4×4 sales, particularly in the Dual cab Utes, which focuses on attracting drivers who plan on using their Ford Ranger for business and for pleasure.
The reason why the Ranger has gained so much popularity at the moment is in large part because there are so many ways to customize your Ranger so that it works best for you. There is a bevy of options in terms of model grades, body, engines, transmissions, suspension configurations, and more that allow you to make this car do exactly what you want exactly how you want it.
In fact, there are so many options available, that it might be hard to really get a grasp on all of them. Luckily, we’ve done the work to break down all of the best customizations you can get your hands on with the Ford Ranger.
First off, the Ranger offers two different drivetrains to choose from – the 4×2 of the 4×4 – and five different model trains, the XL, the XL Plus, XLS, XLT, and the Wildtrak.
Most 4×2 drivers will be grabbing their ranger for commercial use, and there are several different combinations that offer the best bang for your buck.
The most affordable Ranger customization comes with the 4×2 drivetrain and the XL model. This truck features a single cab cab-chassis and a single cab ute. They are the two cheapest Rangers available in the entire fleet and are also the closest to the ground.
If you’re looking for a bit more clearance on your truck, opt for the 4×2 XL Hi-Rider. The Hi-Rider comes with a choice of single cab cab-chassis, super cab, dual cab, and dual cab ute body styles. All come with the 2.2-litre engine, and all offer that tough 4×4 stance without the added price attached to it.
Beyond the 4×2 XL Hi-Rider is just one more model, the XLT Hi-Rider. This custom build brings added luxury features both inside and outside. The thing is practically covered in chrome and the 3.2-litre TDCi five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine will really pack a punch. Because of its size, the XLT Hi-Rider only comes in the super cab ute and dual cabe ute. This model is going to run you approximately $20,000 more than the most basic 4×2 cars in the fleet, but it definitely comes with its added perks.
For all of these options, the front seat of a Ford Ranger is definitely a fun place to be. Despite the fact that the steering column only offers tilt adjustment, the Ranger is as comfortable to drive as it is useful. First gear is appropriately short and used primarily for towing heavy loads up hills. As for the sixth gear, it’s overdriven to reduce fuel consumption on the highway.In fact, in tests, the Ford Ranger clocked in at an average of 7.7 litres per 100km. That translates to a range of over 1000km on a full 80-litre fuel tank.
Just like the 4×2 builds, the 4×4 vary in terms of what you want and what you need. Starting off the 4×4 build is the XL which comes in single cab cab-chassis, dual cab-chassis, or dual cab ute. While only the top 4×2 Ranger comes with the 3.2-litre engine, every 4×4 model has it available. The 4×4 XL comes with the 2.2, but you can move up to the 3.2-litre TDCi five-cylinder turbo-diesel if you want. It’ll run you a bit more in the cash department.
To choose between the 2.2 and 3.2, remember that one of the main things you’re going to be deciding between is power. According to drivers, the 2.2 is something of an over-achiever, so unless you really believe you’re going to need the extra power that comes with the 3.2-litre engine, the 2.2 should be just fine.
Following the XL, the XL Plus comes the XL Plus. It’s designed specifically for mining companies, government agencies, and other rugged industry roles. It features expanded wiring harness, dual batteries, canvas seat covers, and more. While it only comes with the option of the 3.2-litre engine (as you might expect) it does come with the choice of either the sing cab, dual cab, and dual cab ute bodies.
Topping out the 4×4 models is the XLT, which comes with body choices of either a super cab ute or dual cab ute, is basically the most dressed up version of the 4×4 before the consumers decide to get the most luxury option. That option is, of course, the Wildtrak.
While the automatic transmission Wildtrak tops out at over $60,000, it comes with a unique mixture of features both inside and outside the car to help justify its large price tag.
What makes all of these models so great is the fact that they are highly customizable. All come with the option of factory-approved accessories such as mudguard flares, side steps, engine intake snorkels, sports bar, bull bars, load bedliners, canopies, carry racks, towing packs, and more.
As for the interior, you can customize it heavily as well. Every Ranger gets the base storage options with include bottle holders, storage pockets, stray trays, a center dash pad, and more. It also has all the glitz and glamour a driver could want including fabric options, top of the line dashboard technology, and everything in between. Lenders finance Ford Rangers regularly.
Beyond that, the Ranger is simply great to drive. While their build in Thailand, these trucks are definitely Australian in spirit. They’re rugged, surefooted, responsive, and downright enjoyable to drive.
Both engine options are great, as previously mentioned, and the ride quality is smooth. Of course, you can expect a bit of a kick in the rear of the car whether you’re carrying an empty or a heavy load, but how else would you know you’re driving a truck?
Finally, all Rangers share the maximum five-star ANCAP crash safety rating. Passive safety features offer front passenger, front, and seat side airbags. Active safety features include dynamic stability control, emergency brake assist, hill descent control, hill launch assist, roll over mitigation, and more.