We take the 2023 Ford Ranger XL on long-term review to see how this unique bakkie justifies its price...
Bakkies and SUVs dominate the South African roads, with bakkies marginally taking the lead. The Toyota Hilux leads the local bakkie competition, but hot on its heels are the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max – the former claiming the bragging rights title of the Car of the Year for 2023.
There’s no doubt that it’s always nice to drive a car (or a bakkie in this case) with all the bells and whistles included, but the downside of that is the inflated price, which not everyone can afford. Fortunately, there are some more affordable brand-new bakkies that are considered workhorses, excelling in the areas of everyday capability.
Take the Ranger lineup for example. The local range consists of six derivatives (Base, XL, XLT, Wildtrak, Wildtrak X and Raptor) with pricing that starts from R494 400. What we found interesting is that the Base double cab derivative isn’t named as the entry-level model on the Ford South Africa website – instead the XL is.
The XL double cab is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 125kW and 405Nm, and boasting a claimed fuel consumption of 6.9-litres/100km. A six-speed manual transmission transfers power to the rear wheels.
In the higher-spec XLT series, four Double Cab models are available. Customers can choose between the 125kW single-turbo engine with a six-speed automatic or the 154kW 2.0L Bi-Turbo with a 10-speed automatic transmission – both available in 4x2 and 4x4 options. Ford also offers a powerful 184kW and 600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with a permanent all-wheel-drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission, but that’s in the Wildtrak guise.
A Traditional Workhorse
We live in a world where everything has become technologically advanced, and some cars aren’t even available with manual transmissions anymore. The Ranger XL bucks this trend and is available in a manual but still has all the features you really need in a car and more. It does feel more workhorse-like than the bells and whistles bakkies higher up in the Ford range.
The Ranger XL is well priced when compared to similar models from competitors, like the Toyota Hilux 2.7 VVTi RB 5MT and Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 Ddi, which come in at R523 700 and R550 900 respectively. While this gives it an advantage over its rivals, the truth is that the higher-specced variants, which cost considerably more, are the big volume sellers in the sector.
The Drive
Other than a slightly heavier than usual clutch action due to a heavier, more robust flywheel, the six-speed manual provides a smooth driving experience and the gear selector is firm and precise, ensuring seamless shifts. This proudly South African bakkie (it’s built outside Pretoria) never feels underpowered in higher gears, with quick boost build-up being one of its greatest assets. Despite a 2.0-litre engine, fuel consumption remains impressive. During a 60km daily commute, the range indicator showed only 47km of fuel usage.
The suspension is good too, eating up basically anything on the road without so much as a tyre jiggle. During our initial couple of weeks with the bakkie, the drive was slightly stiff even going over normal speed bumps, but that was due to uneven tyre pressures that were quickly remedied at the petrol station.
Any Complaints?
The Ranger XL operated flawlessly in the couple of months it was with us. But as one of the entry models, it lacks leather seating. Cloth can be susceptible to cabin odours, which was the only minor drawback noted, although this be easily resolved with a thorough seat wash.
Included in the price are a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually. Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended for up to seven years or 200 000km, while Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
Stay tuned for more updates on our long-term review of the bakkie in the coming weeks and months.
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