Ford Ranger Review: The Pickup That Drives Like an SUV

Overview

This review covers the current-generation Ford Ranger, which reached UK customers in 2023. It is a body-on-frame pickup sold across Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Middle East as well as Europe, and in the UK it comes mainly as a four-door double cab.

Trims run from the workmanlike XL and XLT through the popular Wildtrak to the plush Platinum and the high-performance Raptor, with a plug-in hybrid added in 2025. It suits buyers who need a working pickup that can also serve as comfortable family transport.

Specification	Ford Ranger (UK market)
Diesel engines	2.0 EcoBlue: 170PS or 205PS bi-turbo (500Nm), 2023 to early 2026; 3.0 EcoBlue V6: 240PS, 600Nm
Petrol and hybrid	PHEV: 2.3 EcoBoost plus electric motor, 281PS, 697Nm; Raptor: 3.0 EcoBoost V6 petrol, 292PS, 491Nm
Gearbox	10-speed automatic (six-speed manual on some early 2.0 models)
Towing (braked)	3,500kg; Raptor 2,500kg
Payload	About 1,050 to 1,100kg double cab; Raptor 652kg
Economy (WLTP)	V6 Wildtrak 27.7mpg; Raptor 20.5mpg; PHEV electric range 26 miles (2027 model year)
Price	Double cabs about £45,000 to £63,500 including VAT (August 2026 list prices)

Engines and Performance

For the first three years, most UK Rangers used the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel, in 170PS single-turbo or 205PS bi-turbo form. The bi-turbo is the one to have, with 500Nm of torque and adequate, if not quick, performance. Ford dropped the 2.0-litre from the UK range in early 2026, so any example you find will be a used or pre-registered vehicle.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is now the core engine. With 240PS and 600Nm it is noticeably stronger and more relaxed, particularly when towing, and it reaches 62mph in under 10 seconds. Road tests generally praise the refinement of both diesels but note that the 10-speed automatic can be slow to respond and holds gears longer than expected.

The PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an 11.8kWh usable battery. It is the most powerful Ranger apart from the Raptor, and keeps the 3,500kg tow rating. The Raptor is a different animal: long-travel suspension, a 292PS petrol V6 and huge off-road speed, but reduced towing and payload.

Off-Road Ability and Practicality

The Ranger is a genuinely capable off-roader, with four-wheel drive that can be switched on the move, low-range gearing and an 800mm wading depth. V6 models add a permanent four-wheel-drive mode for slippery roads. Terrain management is controlled by a simple rotary dial.

Almost every double cab carries more than a tonne, and all except the Raptor tow 3,500kg. The load bed takes a Euro pallet, and the tailgate has useful built-in features. The rear seat is roomy but rather upright, and the PHEV gives up a little load bed space.

Interior and Technology

This is where the Ranger pulls ahead of most pickups. The cabin borrows heavily from Ford’s SUVs, with a 10in touchscreen on lower trims at launch (12in from XLT up on the 2026-27 range) and a 12in portrait screen on Wildtrak and above, running SYNC 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is a digital instrument panel, good storage and, on higher trims, leather and heated seats. It earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022, and on the road it rides and handles more like an SUV than a commercial.

Reliability and Running Costs

The Ranger’s reliability record is average rather than outstanding. Ford scores poorly in some owner satisfaction surveys, and the new model has had recalls. Known concerns include jerky or hesitant shifts from the 10-speed gearbox and, on the 2.0-litre, the belt-driven oil pump that runs in oil, which needs correct servicing. The warranty is three years or 60,000 miles. Unlike Ford’s vans, the Ranger does not get the 100,000-mile commercial vehicle cover.

Expect around 27 to 28mpg officially from the V6 and a little more from the 2.0-litre. The Raptor is thirsty, and the PHEV only saves fuel if charged regularly.

Buying One in the UK for Export

The Ranger is one of the most common pickups on the UK used market. 2023 to 2025 Wildtraks with the 2.0 bi-turbo are plentiful, and V6 versions are increasingly easy to find. Many are sold by trade dealers with prices shown excluding VAT, so check how a price is quoted.

Look for a full Ford dealer service history, confirm that recalls and software updates have been done, and check the load bed, towbar and underside for signs of hard work. Test the gearbox from cold for smooth changes.

For export, the Ranger’s global presence is a big advantage, since parts and expertise exist in most markets. Its separate chassis copes well with rough roads. However, these are Euro 6 diesels with a particulate filter and AdBlue, so they need decent, low-sulphur fuel. The V6 is the stronger long-term choice for heavy towing and hot climates.

Verdict

The current Ranger is the best all-rounder among UK pickups: comfortable, well equipped and fully capable of hard work. The V6 Wildtrak is the pick for most buyers, while a well-maintained 2.0 bi-turbo offers strong value used.

Pros

• Refined, car-like to drive
• 3,500kg towing and one-tonne payload
• Modern, well-equipped cabin
• Excellent global parts availability

Cons

• Average reliability record
• Slow-witted 10-speed gearbox
• Upright rear seat
• Euro 6 diesels need good-quality fuel

Image: 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X by Harvey Bold, Wikimedia Commons (CC0), resized.