Driven: Ford Ranger 3.2 Limited Review [2016]

When the third-generation Ford Ranger was launched in 2011, it set precedence in so many different areas. It was the first pickup to offer a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, electronically-selectable four-wheel-drive system, car-like levels of comfort and refinement, and fuel economy of over 35mpg – although not from the 3.2-litre Limited.

Attractive Appearance

On the outside, the Ranger sports a new tough-looking and aerodynamic front-end design, and this Limited model stands out even further from the crowd with a chrome grille and tubular sports bar, 17-inch alloys and plastic side steps with metallic inserts.

Smart and Functional Cab

The Ranger has, what we consider, one of the best pickup cabs; it’s smart, functional, comfortable and offers good all-round views with a raised driver’s seat with low windows and dashboard. There are leather seats which are heated and eight-way adjustable in the front.

What really impressed us, however, was the infotainment system. The 8.0-inch touchscreen display comes with voice-activation and steering wheel-mounted controls, as well as Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity. Cruise control, air-conditioning and parking sensors are also standard features on the Limited trim level.

On the Road

Ford’s 198hp 3.2-litre five-pot Duratorq engine was previously the most powerful on the market, but this has since been beaten by Volkswagen, who has announced that the new 3.0-litre V6 in the Amarok will produce up to 224hp.

It doesn’t feel particularly nippy (0-62mph takes 10.9 seconds which is slower than the new 176hp Mitsubishi L200 and 188hp Nissan Navara) and the engine is very loud even during light acceleration, although it cruises effortlessly and silently at 70mph on the motorway. The steering feels responsive and there’s plenty of feedback, and there’s very little body roll going into the bends.

Off the Road

The Ranger has a similarly notable performance off-road. Despite the heavy chassis, the Ford feels nimble off-road thanks to the impressive four-wheel-drive system (with selectable two- and four-wheel drive modes, as well as a low range 4×4 setting) which works in conjunction with electronic stability control and traction control.

There is also hill descent control but we found that, because the first gear ratio was very low, it would descend down hills at a controllable speed anyway. The maximum approach angle of 28 degrees is fairly low, but the departure angle of 28 degrees, ground clearance of 229mm and wading depth of 800mm are among the best in the industry.

Load Area

Moving towards the back of the vehicle, the Ford Ranger packs some impressive dimensions. The load bed is measured at 1,549mm long by 1,560mm wide, and loads are kept more secure by the 511mm high sidewalls.

There is a 1,050kg payload, which is around the industry standard for this spec, and the towing capacity is still rated at 3.5 tonnes. There is a 12v socket for power tools provided in the load area, along with a load bed liner and six lashing points.

Summary

The Ford Ranger is no longer the most comfortable, hi-tech or even most powerful pickup on the UK market but it is, nonetheless, still a very good all-rounder. It has respectable driving manners, it’s good off-road, there’s a decent load area, 3.5-tonne towing capacity and, with the Limited trim, there’s a lot of standard kit and it looks the part too.

However, it’s noisy during acceleration, it’s quite thirsty at 34mpg combined and, because of the heavy chassis, it’s slower than the 2.3-litre Nissan Navara and 2.4-litre Mitsubishi L200 on the 0 to 62mph sprint.

Engine	3.2-litre diesel	Approach angle	28.0°
Power	197hp	Departure angle	28.0°
Torque	470Nm	Load bed length	1,549 mm
Economy	34.0 mpg	Load bed width	1,560 mm
0-62 mph	10.9 secs	Payload	1,050 kg
Turning circle	12.4 m	Towing limit	3,500 kg

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Liam Campbell

Liam Campbell is an award-winning journalist with a master's degree in Automotive Journalism from Coventry University. Growing up on a farm and learning to drive in a Mk1 Range Rover, Liam likes to think he knows a thing or two about commercial 4x4s. Previously, he was the Van Editor at Parkers and resident pickup expert at Car magazine before taking up a post at Professional Pickup.