Ford Ranger 2020 Review

Ford Ranger 2020 - Tough Ute Gets a Soft Makeover

Ford’s best-selling ute in Australia now comes with more standard equipment across the range. These include the 8.0-inch SYNC3 touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and the USB port behind the rear-view mirror for plugging in dash-cams

The entry-level XL is now available with an optional heavy-duty suspension while higher-spec trims come with brighter Bi-LED headlights and a power roller shutter for the tray. The limited-edition Ford Ranger FX4 has also returned as part of the MY2020 range which adds off-road suspension and tyres, and a terrain-management system.

Ford Ranger FX4

With the addition of new features, prices for the line-up have slightly increased.

Ford Ranger 2020 Aggregated Reviews

WhichCar.com.au - 4/5
CarSales.com.au (FX4) - 76/100
CarAdvice.com.au (FX4) - 8.3/10
CarsGuide.com.au (FX4) - 4.2/5 (Daily Driver); 4/5 (Tradies)

We Love

• Great off-road performance
• Advanced safety options
• Quick and light steering
• Smooth power delivery of engine

Pain Points

• Pricier than most utes of its type
• Bouncy ride when not loaded with cargo
• Can be challenging to maneuver in city car parks
• Basic cabin design

Ford Ranger 2020 on the Outside

Not much has changed in the Ranger’s exterior styling except for a few tweaks in the mid- and top-spec models. These include the replacement of the HID projector headlights with the brighter Bi-LED headlights, which not only provide improved visibility for the driver and other motorists on the road but also give the car a square-edged aesthetic.

• The top-spec Wildtrak gets a standard machined-finish 18-inch alloy wheel design with optional six-spoke black rims, as well as on XLT.
• The entry level XL is available with a heavy-duty suspension (HDS) pack for an additional $500. The new HDS suspension bits come with thicker rear springs with revised spring rates, new front and rear dampers, and Bridgestone A/S tyres on 4x2 XL models (standard on 4x4 XL models). Ford has also recalibrated the stability control system and anti-lock brakes to suit the HDS.
• Meanwhile, the limited-edition FX4 is noticeably black. It has a darkened bi-LED headlights, ebony black mesh front grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, 3D effect decals for the front door and tailgate, and a black extended low-rise sports bar. The exterior mirrors, door and tailgate handles, and fender also have an ebony black finish. FX4 badges and stickers complete the look. The car’s tub has no cover but is protected by a liner and has a 12-volt socket, four tie-down points and illumination.

The Interior of the Ford Ranger 2020

The interior of the Ranger gets fancier with the price.

• The entry-level XL single cab has basic motoring interior with only vinyl floor coverings.
• The XLS features carpet on the floor, dual-zone air-conditioning, and a cooler in the centre console, for your "juices"
• The XLT features smart key-less entry with push-button start, LED daytime running lights, brighter Bi-LED headlights, windscreen wipers that automatically set into action when it rains, a sports/rollover bar, and sensors that alert if a tyre has lost pressure. It also has a 12V power outlet in the tray, towbar, and optional part-leather seats for double cab versions and 18-inch alloy wheels.
• The top-spec Wildtrak has the Tech pack’s active safety features as standard, LED front fog-lamps and a power-lock tailgate. There is also a remote-controlled roller shutter for the load area, a mirror-mounted USB socket to plug in a dash-cam, heated front seats with leather accents, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Wildtrak also has bigger and fancier 18-inch wheels, puddle lamps, and other styling tweaks that make it stand out visually.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The latest Ranger has a plethora of comfort and safety upgrades including:

• Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that’s viewable on an 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Bluetooth audio connectivity with voice control
• An AM/FM radio with single CD player, USB input and iPod integration
• Cruise control, operated from buttons on the steering wheel
• Air-conditioning, power windows, power-adjusted external mirrors, and headlamps that switch on automatically in the dark
• Standard reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and an “easy-lift” tailgate
• Adjustable lumbar support on the driver’s seat
• Hill launch assist
• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane keeping assist with lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition
• Electronic stability control
• Trailer sway control
• A locking rear differential that’s standard on all 4WD and High-Rider trims
• A 230-volt inverter, which allows running of household electrical equipment, except on XL Single Cab
• Optional adaptive cruise control and semi-auto parallel parking

What's it like to drive a Ford Ranger 2020?

When fitted with the more powerful five-cylinder turbo-diesel, or optional 2.0-litre Bi Turbo diesel, the Ranger makes light work of hills and loads. The Bi Turbo in particular feels sprightly and provides instant response even from a standing start.

Off-road, the 4WD Ranger is a solid performer with good traction. There is dual-range gearing and a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which means you can use 4WD only off-road. The standard diff-lock on all 4WD models is a very helpful feature in very rough or slippery going, and an 800mm wading depth is about as good as you will get in any ute.

The FX4 is fast and loud on the road. It also consumes fuel fast and can be a bit slow on the uptake at times. With Bridgestone Dueler highway tyres, it is conveniently quiet and refined on asphalt and stable in rear-wheel drive on dirt roads. Steering is light and direct.

When the going gets rougher, the Ranger remains capable, particularly the Wildtrak.

Who is the Ford Ranger 2020 for?

Like other utes, the Ford Ranger is a versatile workhorse that is ideal for the weekday worker or the weekend recreational transporter. It’s perfect for self-employed tradies with families, especially ones that appreciate some style with their substance. The better trimmed interiors, however, will be harder to maintain in working or off-road environments.

Entry-level ranger owners in the construction and mining industries can also take advantage of the HDS pack, which improves approach and departure angles by increasing bump-stop clearance by 25mm, or around 70 per cent with a typical load mass of 550kg.

Feature Summary

Price: $28,340 to $76,290
Vehicle Type: Ute
Variants: Single and Double Cab
Dimensions: 3,220mm wheelbase
Engine: 3.2-litre, five-cylinder turbo diesel; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin turbo-diesel
Power: 147kW at 3,000rpm and 470Nm at 1750–2,500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic or manual
Fuel Economy: 7.4L/100km; 8.4L/100km
AV and Tech: Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment
Payload Capacity: 1,069-1,476kg
Towing Capacity: up to 7,500 lbs with the Trailer Tow Package
Safety: 5 Star ANCAP (2015) Rating
Warranty: 5 years unlimited kilometre
Rivals: Toyota HiLux, Holden Colorado, Isusu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, WV Amarok, Nissan Navara

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