Ford Ranger
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a pickup truck that can handle serious work without compromising on everyday comfort? The Ford Ranger might be exactly what you need. This mid-size pickup has evolved into one of the most sophisticated and capable trucks on the UK market, offering a compelling blend of rugged capability and car-like refinement. It’s the truck for people who need genuine utility but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or technology.

From first glance, the current Ranger commands attention with its bold, muscular styling and imposing presence. Its design strikes the perfect balance between workmanship and sophistication, setting it apart from more utilitarian rivals like the Toyota Hilux or Isuzu D-Max. The interior represents a massive leap forward from previous generations, featuring premium materials and advanced technology that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury SUV. You get the sense that Ford has genuinely listened to customer feedback about what modern pickup buyers want.

Behind the wheel, the Ranger delivers a surprisingly refined driving experience for a commercial vehicle. The engines are smooth and responsive, making both urban commutes and motorway cruising comfortable and composed. It handles predictably and offers impressive ride quality, transforming the traditional pickup experience into something much more civilised. While it commands a premium price compared to some competitors, you’re investing in Ford’s latest engineering, superior build quality, and a truck that genuinely excels as both a workhorse and a family vehicle.

What's the Ford Ranger Like to Drive?

The Ford Ranger lineup centres around efficient yet powerful diesel engines designed for both work and leisure. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine is available in multiple power outputs, from the entry-level 130hp unit up to the flagship 213hp version. The base engine provides adequate performance for most users, delivering smooth acceleration and confident overtaking ability. For those needing more punch, the higher-output variants transform the Ranger into a genuinely quick truck that can tow up to 3,500kg with ease.

What impresses most about the Ranger is how civilised it feels on the road. The steering is well-weighted and precise, making this substantial pickup surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between load-carrying capability and ride comfort, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining stability under load. The 10-speed automatic transmission is a standout feature, shifting smoothly and keeping the engine in its optimal power band. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on the motorway, the Ranger feels composed and refined in a way that sets it apart from more agricultural competitors.

Inside the Ford Ranger: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Ranger and you’re immediately struck by how far pickup interiors have progressed. The dashboard design is modern and intuitive, dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Material quality is impressive throughout, with soft-touch plastics on key surfaces and robust, well-finished switchgear. The driving position is commanding yet comfortable, with excellent seat adjustment range and clear visibility all around.

Space is generous in both single and double-cab configurations. Front passengers enjoy excellent comfort with supportive seats that work well on longer journeys. The double-cab variant offers genuine rear-seat accommodation for adults, something many competitors struggle with. Cabin refinement is particularly noteworthy, with effective sound insulation keeping road and wind noise to minimum levels. Higher trim levels add luxury touches like heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium audio systems, creating an environment that rivals many luxury SUVs for comfort and sophistication.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Ranger?

As a commercial vehicle, the Ranger benefits from attractive business tax advantages, but private buyers should expect higher running costs than traditional cars. The efficient diesel engines deliver respectable fuel economy, with real-world figures typically ranging from 28 to 35 MPG depending on driving conditions and load. Insurance costs reflect the vehicle’s size and value, sitting in higher groups than mainstream cars but remaining reasonable for the pickup class.

The initial purchase price positions the Ranger at the premium end of the pickup market, but this reflects its advanced engineering and superior refinement. Servicing costs are generally reasonable through Ford’s commercial vehicle network, and the brand’s widespread presence ensures parts and support are readily available. Depreciation tends to be slower than many cars, particularly for popular trim levels and colours. For businesses, the Ranger’s combination of capability and efficiency makes it an attractive proposition, especially when considering flexible financing options that can spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.

Is the Ford Ranger Practical for Everyday Use?

The Ford Ranger excels in practical capability, offering genuine utility for work and play. The pickup bed provides ample space for cargo, tools, or recreational equipment, with tie-down points and optional bed liner ensuring versatility. Payload capacity is generous across the range, while the 3,500kg towing limit handles everything from large trailers to boats or caravans. The tailgate drops down smoothly and can support significant weight, making loading and unloading straightforward.

Inside the cabin, storage solutions are thoughtfully designed with door bins, cup holders, and console storage catering for daily necessities. The double-cab configuration offers surprising passenger space, making it genuinely practical for families or work crews. Compared to other used Ford vehicles, the Ranger stands out for its combination of commercial capability and passenger comfort. Its compact dimensions for a pickup make it more manageable in urban environments than full-size American trucks, while still delivering serious work capability when needed.

The Ford Ranger stands as the most accomplished pickup truck currently available, delivering commercial capability wrapped in genuine refinement and sophistication. It successfully bridges the gap between utilitarian work truck and premium family vehicle, offering advanced technology, impressive build quality, and composed road manners that shame many traditional SUVs. The efficient diesel engines, practical load bay, and impressive towing capacity ensure it handles serious work demands without complaint.

You choose the Ranger when you need genuine pickup capability but refuse to compromise on comfort, technology, or driving refinement. Its premium interior, quiet cabin, and car-like handling make every journey more pleasant than traditional pickups allow. Whether you’re using it for business, leisure, or family duties, the Ranger adapts seamlessly to different roles. For buyers seeking the most sophisticated pickup available, the Ranger represents the current class benchmark, particularly when supported by competitive financing packages that make ownership more accessible.