Ford Ranger - Three litre Powerhouse

A couple of months ago I wrote about the new Ford Ranger line up with its carry over engine, two litre Bi-Turbo in the XLT mid spec model, identified like others in the range with its C+D daylight running lights.

Recently I spent a delightful time in the ‘powerhouse V6 184kW 600Nm turbo diesel’ top spec Wildtrak. There is also a just released Raptor, interestingly now with a twin turbo Petrol V6. Well, petrol is cheaper than diesel!!

Sadly the city based motoring Journo’s have never nominated NZ best selling vehicle for the past seven years. The buying public though is more discerning.

Now the Wildtrak is definitely the ‘boss’s car’ with all the fruit including the self park assist. While the 2 litre Bi turbo Wildtrak is listed at $75,990 plus Jacinda tax the V6 asks a hefty $82,490 plus tax. Is it worth that? Answer in a few moments.

The V6 Diesel has permanent 4WD, which like the outgoing VW Amarok locks and unlocks the centre diff.

Interior. Seats are ebony coloured leather clad heated and 8 way powered for the driver and passenger have orange accented stitching... Extremely supportive and provide long under knee and lumbar comfort. So I liked the surround camera vision too on the bigger 12in’portrait’ screen that also houses all the entertainment cruise and 4WD controls other than the low ratio dial. Great too is the easy to find Tire pressure monitoring for the bigger255/65/18 Goodyear Wranglers on the 6 inch screen in front of driver. This also houses most of the engine management and infotainment functions duplicated for ease of use for the driver

On the Road. This is where the Ranger shines. Drive to the 100km/h limit comes up in a shade over 7 sec’s while 160 on a private road was found in 18. It would be quicker I believe though the metalled rutted surface could have slowed it.

If you tow a trailer this is the vehicle for you. All Rangers come with a tow hitch, though I didn’t tow on this occasion, the Ranger will be very capable, particularly with the standard brake controller and the Blind Spot Monitor for trailers I outlined for the 2 litre Ranger. For me the most impressive features are the quietness and the near neutral handling even without a load in the electric roller covered tray. The four wheel disc brakes pull up the 2100kg Ranger easily without fuss. Fuel use overall was 8.9l/100km.

Off the Road. With petrol like acceleration, momentum is easily both obtained and held. This is evident in mud and deep water. OK the pic shows shallow water, but we did drive through 600mm [wading depth 800mm] with the Wildtrak able to boost speed at will in the soft shingle base. Safe and confidence inspiring.

The technology in the Active and Braked Traction Controls is super quick to react to wheel spin and easy to engage/disengage the electronic diff lock.

Overall the 3 Litre Wildtrak could just be the best Ute available in NZ. Retaining its great on road status while setting new standards off road and ease of towing, makes it my pick and when you look how Rangers hold their value, is worth the asking price.

Have a happy safe festive season, while we look forward to some positive changes for 2023.