Ranger XL pick-up is brilliant and my new favourite Ford – it’s proper comfy, pulls like a train and best bit is price
MY new favourite Ford isn’t a car or a van.
It’s a pick-up truck.
The cheapest one.
White paint.
Steel wheels.
Pull-up handbrake.
Manual gearbox.
As simple as a margherita pizza.
Ford sells SEVEN types of Ranger, from this basic XL at £31k, all the way up to the £60k Baja Rally-ready Raptor.
Pay more, get more toppings.
The £47k Platinum V6, for example, has quilted leather seats with buttons to warm and soothe your back. Wooden dash. B&O sound system.
Chrome grille. All-in. Like a plush German SUV.
But you don’t need that.
The XL is an ace workhorse/family truck combo without even trying.
That upended iPad in the middle of the dash is your command centre, phone, DJ, sat nav, reversing camera and more.
One-touch cruise control on the steering wheel makes motorway driving a breeze.
Stress-free
Switch from 2WD to 4WD when the weather turns bad, or the road turns bad, or both, with the rotary controller.
You won’t get stranded in a field of wet grass at the rugby club like many SUVs.
You feel safe up here, properly comfy, with acres of cabin space and a commanding view of the world around you.
The only extra I’d pay for is a set of sidesteps (£120) to help the kiddlywinks climb in.
And maybe some rubber floor mats (£65). But that’s it.
Everyone gives you a wide berth in a Ranger, which is nice of them.
You won’t scuff the wheels riding up a kerb.
So you’re not precious about parking or doing tight three-point turns.
The ride is a bit Tigger bouncy without any weight in the back but otherwise life is easy and stress-free.
Bike rides. Tip runs. Beach gear. Whatever.
Chuck it all in the back and go. There’s no need to get the cabin all snotty.
That’s the family bit sorted.
As a workhorse, you’ll be pleased to learn that XL has the same muscle as other Rangers — if not more.
You can carry 1,074kg of stuff in the back. Or tow 3,450kg. Just not both at the same time.
The 2-litre diesel pulls like a train. Dagenham’s finest.
We averaged 35mpg on test, beating the official 33mpg, and topped 500 miles on a tank.
So, that’s the Ranger XL.
My new favourite Ford.
Half wheelbarrow, half SUV.
Totally brilliant.
When Ford calls to collect it, I’ll be out.
Key facts
FORD RANGER XL
Price: £31,116 exc VAT
Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel
Power: 170hp, 405Nm
0-62mph: 11.6 secs
Top speed: 112mph
Economy: 33mpg
CO2: 222g/km
Out: Now
