By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Admitted, the F-150 is a top-seller pickup for nearly five decades and a best-seller for 44 years in the U.S. But you just can’t ignore the Ranger in the Ford stable, No. 2 in the midsize truck segment and top-seller in 20 countries. Truly a global dynamo, this Ford pickup is slotted between the smaller Maverick and the larger F-150.
Our test drive was equipped with the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine, that blasts off 315 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 400 pounds-feet of torque @ 3250 rpm. EcoBoost is essentially twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine working in tandem with gasoline direct injection to produce a dominant but fuel-efficient engine. Mated to the power train, providing seamless shifts, is a 10-speed auto gear box. Guiding the truck is an electric power-assist steering while suspension is handled up front by a short-long-arm independent and a Hotchkiss-type non-independent live rear. The result is a remarkably supple ride that soaks obstacles with dexterity, sure-footedness and poise.
Conveying a bold and brawny appearance, and understandably so, are C-clamp headlights surrounding a black grille, center bar and surround. Step back into the rear and C-clamp tail lamps copy the front with RANGER engraved on the tailgate. Take a seat behind the robust leather-wrapped steering column and you find yourself staring at a massive 12-inch vertical infotainment screen mated with Sync4 to access audio, phone, nav controls, and a 12.4-inch driver digital instrument cluster. Other amenities at no cost are dual auto a/c, 10-way power/heated driver and eight-way front-passenger seats, 60/40 easy-fold rear bench, wireless phone charger, zone lights, 360-degree camera, overhead sun glass holder, push-button start, dual glove box and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Our 5-foot-bed Super crew cab came with the optional FX4 package ($1,295), which fetched us an electronic locking rear differential, off-road tuned suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, FX4 badging and Trail Control (low-speed, off-road cruise control).
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control, antiskid system, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are some of the standard features. The Co-Pilot 360 3.0 package will get you pre-collision assist with auto emergency brakes, blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering/reverse brake assists, rearview camera and auto high-beam headlamps.
This is one Ranger you want by your side while venturing into the packed and highly competitive midsize pickup market. Though by no means a full-size truck, this Ford serves the purpose of one with commanding cargo and towing capability, and adequate fuel efficiency while delivering a utilitarian ride.
FORD RANGER (LARIAT 4X4)
Tires: P255/65R18
Wheelbase: 128.7 inches
Length: 210.6 inches
Width: 86.7 inches
Height: 73.9 inches
Weight: 4,415 pounds
Tow capacity: 7,500 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 20/24/22
Base price: $49,150
Web site: www.ford.com
