The Next-Generation Ford Ranger Is an Off-Road Behemoth
No other pick-up is catching up with the Ford Ranger, most credible car dudes will say. But we don't have to be big car guys to know this, too, of course. Ford thinks of the Ranger as the gold standard of pick-ups for a reason. And its next-generation model may have just widened the gap between it and everyone else.
We tested this out ourselves at the Ford Drive Experience in Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales last October (we covered 500 kilometers' worth of ground, mind you). Here, we got to experience the versatility of the Ranger, from paved paths to lahar trails and more. Its features, suffice to say, are all that, man.
Looks and Key Features
Let's start with the interior. This version of the Ranger, with its C-shaped headlights, boxy fenders, 18-inch wheels, and mean grille, is a thing of beauty. Its body just feel sleek, modern, and masculine. It doesn't feel as bulky though, which is nice.
Guys around the industry are saying that the 2023 Ford Ranger's cabin is giving us F-150 vibes. The interior is decked out in dark finishes, leather bucket seats, and quite a few storage bins. Its centerpiece is the 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen, which gives us a display that allows for seamless navigation. We love the new 360-degree view camera, too. The wireless phone charging cradle is pretty cool, as well.
Other features, such as the Active Park Assist 2.0, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist, greatly diminishes the margin of error both on and off the road. These things allow for a much comfortable drive. The Reverse Brake Assist and Pre-Collision Assist also come in handy for emergency situations.
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Under the Hood
TopGear pointed out that while Ford changed things up for the the single-turbo 2.0-liter diesel engine and the six-speed automatic, the 2023 Ranger had its clutch-type radiator fan changed for an electric one. It has a 2.0-liter turbodiesel that gets us 168hp at 3,500rpm and 405Nm of torque between 1,750 to 2,500rpm.
Putting the 2023 Ford Ranger to the Test
Call it a pick-up's pick-up. The 2023 Next-Generation Ford Ranger comes with various drive modes depending on the setting. Let's say, we're going to Zambales, traversing through uphill and downhill spots. We can say that the Ranger's improved suspension is best showcased with 4-High, aiding us through the slippery and loose lahar surface.
The Hill Descent Control feature came in handy, as well. This allows the vehicle to continually adjust brake pressure to help control slippage and maintain a constant preset speed while going down a steep gradient. All we have to do is basically concentrate on steering. Improved rear departure angle (which increased from 21 inches to 23) offers drivers a much more stable and controlled ride. Meanwhile, for water crossing stations, the Ranger is equipped with water-wading capability (up to 800 mm) and the enhanced visibility provided of its 360-degree camera
Our ride throughout the terrain was smooth, considering all those bumpy and sandy patches. Rocks and rubble are no trouble for the Ranger, too, especially when it's in 4-Low. Together with its locking rear differential system, normal mode allows us to test the engine’s torque at a lower RPM and axle ratio.
Interestingly, the 2023 Ford Ranger can also be utilized for, well, drilling and cutting wood. Its clamp pockets, molded compartment slots, and improved bedliner as well as the 230-volt inverter cargo outlet make for quite the handyman help.
It's as adaptable, safe, reliable, and cool-macho as they come. Sure, we can use it for smooth roads and city life, but where's the fun in that? If we really want to see its potential, we best take it for a spin through grizzly terrains like these. The new Ford Ranger is a hell of a ride, but we expected that already, we suppose.
The 2023 Ford Ranger is now on sale in the Philippines. The Ranger Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4×4 is priced at P1.875 million while the Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 is at P1.569 million. Meanwhile, the Ranger Sport 4×4 is available for P1.594 million.
