2023 Ford Ranger XLT V6 evaluate

By linda Last updated Aug 1, 2022 10

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This automotive wants no introduction. The brand new Ford Ranger is the most important new car launch in Australia this yr, and the V6 is the engine consumers are keenest on.

Not like the fully-loaded Wildtrak, and even the mid-range Sport, the XLT V6 must tread a tough tightrope.

On the one hand, its price ticket and V6 engine imply it must be a good ute able to hauling a household in consolation. On the opposite the XLT badge appeals to tradies, or off-roaders eager for a fairly reasonably priced base on which to construct their dream truck.

Has the Blue Oval managed to strike the correct steadiness?

Contents show

How a lot does the Ford Ranger XLT V6 price?

The sprawling Ranger line-up comprises 23 variants. For a full breakdown of each mannequin’s worth and customary gear, click here.

The XLT is ostensibly a mid-range mannequin, given it sits above the XL and XLS, however beneath the Sport and Wildtrak.

Realistically although, it’s more likely to be the entry level for many personal consumers, preferring flashy screens and creature comforts over stripped-back, fleet-friendly simplicity.

The XLT line-up begins at $53,990 earlier than on-roads for a 4×2 bi-turbo diesel pickup, and jumps to $59,190 earlier than on-roads for the 4×4 prolonged cab, and $61,190 for the 4×4 dual-cab pickup.

Shifting to the V6 bumps the worth to $62,290 earlier than on-roads for the 4×4 dual-cab-chassis, and $64,190 for the 4×4 dual-cab pickup on check right here.

That sticker places the V6 dual-cab pickup in direct competitors with the Toyota HiLux SR5+ automatic ($63,180). It additionally takes on the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Crew Cab ($64,990 drive-away), Mazda BT-50 SP ($63,390), and Nissan Navara PRO-4X ($60,490).

The XLT may not be the top-spec Ranger, but it surely’s in step with top-spec rivals.

2022 Ford Ranger XLT

4×2 twin cab pickup, 2.0 bi-turbo diesel, 10AT: $53,990
4×4 prolonged cab pickup, 2.0 bi-turbo diesel, 10AT: $59,190
4×4 twin cab pickup, 2.0 bi-turbo diesel, 10AT: $61,190
4×4 twin cab chassis, 3.0 V6 diesel, 10AT: $62,290
4×4 twin cab pickup, 3.0 V6 diesel, 10AT: $64,190

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Ford Ranger XLT V6 like on the within?

Earlier than we get to the flagship know-how options, it’s price calling out how snug the Ranger is behind the wheel.

With a tilting and telescoping wheel, well-padded seats that accomodate tall drivers, and loads of storage up entrance, it’s simply one of the best ute on the market in case you’re planning to spend lengthy stints on the freeway – at the least, earlier than you get into the RAM realm.

In a world the place the HiLux nonetheless lacks a telescoping wheel, the Ranger units the usual for contemporary utes.

The XLT is likely to be a lower-end member of the vary, but it surely’s not brief on sizzle. The vertical touchscreen is definitely smaller than the unit within the Wildtrak, but it surely’s nonetheless streets forward of the rest within the ute class at first look.

Likewise the digital instrument cluster. It doesn’t function maps or many customisation choices, so it’ll be attention-grabbing to see the way it compares with the Amarok when it touches down, however for now it lends the brand new Ranger a extra trendy feeling than its predecessor.

As for the precise operation of the display screen? It’s a blended bag. The software program seems and feels very trendy, and Ford has retained some bodily buttons for frequently-used local weather features, so it’s straightforward to fiddle with the temperature on the transfer.

The menu construction is logical, and the sheer quantity of display screen actual property means key info isn’t buried. It’s doable to have your mapping, radio preferences, and local weather info on show all of sudden, for instance. The wi-fi Apple CarPlay related flawlessly for us, though it drains the battery quickly with no wi-fi charger.

A bit extra processing energy nonetheless wouldn’t go astray although; the display screen typically lags if you’re hopping between features.

FordPass Join is customary on the XLT, and permits house owners to lock or unlock and remotely begin their automotive, test gasoline ranges, discover the automotive, activate the outside lighting, and even test the indications in your trailer are working.

It seems like Ford has actually considered easy methods to value-add with its app within the Ranger, moderately than simply translating passenger automotive know-how right into a car with a unique set of targets.

Cupboard space across the cabin is plentiful. The central bin is deep, the door pockets have loads of room, there are two cupholders on the transmission tunnel, and the slot beneath the dashboard is large. The slot forward of the gear selector is ideal for a big McDonalds fries – no chip disaster right here.

It’s a disgrace the additional glove compartment and cupholders within the Wildtrak aren’t customary right here although, given having much less cash doesn’t imply you’ve gotten much less to retailer.

Rear seat area is okay, however doesn’t really feel like a lot of a step on from what was beforehand on provide. Leg- and headroom are each acceptable, and the bench is broad sufficient that three tradies will be capable of journey on brief journeys with out eager to kill one another afterwards.

The inclusion of air vents is sweet, the actual fact Ford has fitted a 12V slot however no USB ports on the rear of the transmission tunnel seems like a missed alternative.

The 12V is flexible with regards to equipment, however you’ll have to plug in a dongle to cost iPads again there.

Together with the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether baby seat factors, the Ranger incorporates a fold-down central armrest, damped rear seize handles, and storage bins beneath the seat bases.

Twin-cab Ranger fashions have a wider tub than earlier than, billed as ample to flat-stow a 1200mm x 800mm pallet.

It’s easier to entry, with sturdy field steps fitted simply behind the tyres. At 100kg, my weight didn’t make them flex.

The counterbalanced tailgate (with mounting factors for vices and even a pre-drawn ruler) will be lifted with a finger, there are six tie-down hoops within the mattress, and the field sides have structural attachment factors for canopies pre-fitted.

The spray-in mattress liner on our tester is a $400 possibility, and feels sturdier than a normal plastic end.

What’s below the bonnet?

Two engines are supplied on the Ranger XLT. The cheaper possibility is a well-recognized 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel producing 154kWand an unchanged 500Nm.

The 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine fitted to our tester produces 184kW and 600Nm.

It’s mated to a 10-speed automated, and sends energy to the highway by means of a four-wheel drive system able to 2H, 4H, and 4L operation – but in addition a 4A mode that enables for all-wheel drive on the tarmac, no matter situations. That may endear the V6 Ranger to loads of clients.

Claimed gasoline economic system for the V6 is 8.4 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle, and the ute has an 80L gasoline tank. We noticed 9.0L/100km on a blended freeway and metropolis drive loop.

Payload within the XLT is 949kg, and braked towing capability is 3500kg. Its GCM is 6400kg, and its GVM is 3280kg. Tare weight is 2267kg.

How does the Ford Ranger XLT V6 drive?

The V6 engine within the XLT is a smoother, extra easy mover than any of its four-cylinder rivals.

With 30kW and 100Nm greater than the Bi-Turbo, it’s the torquiest dual-cab ute on provide in Australia forward of the outgoing Amarok.

That performs out with a satisfying surge of efficiency from beneath 2000rpm if you lean on the accelerator, and higher in-gear response at freeway speeds. It doesn’t have to work as exhausting, and if you want it to dig deep you’re instantly conscious there’s a better ceiling on what it could actually do.

Pushed back-to-back with the two.0L it instantly units itself aside with extra muscular efficiency; the kind of efficiency that can instantly endear the V6 to individuals who stay life with a heavy trailer hitched to their ute.

Questioning precisely how a lot quicker it’s? Keep tuned to the CarExpert YouTube channel, a video is coming quickly.

Past the additional punch on provide, the V6 units itself aside with correct full-time four-wheel drive. Relatively than the four-wheel drive system within the Bi-Turbo, which shouldn’t be pushed in 4×4 on sealed roads, the system within the V6 can be utilized on a regular basis.

You’ll be able to set it in 4A and neglect for regular driving, and revel in all-wheel drive traction in moist situations with out the danger of your differentials binding. Utes on all-terrain tyres are notoriously skittish on moist tarmac, so the added safety of a full-time four-wheel drive system reaps advantages in a variety of situations.

Solely the Amarok provides the identical performance on the prime finish of the market, though the cheaper Mitsubishi Triton additionally provides its personal tackle full-time four-wheel drive.

Whereas the core ladder body in addition to the coil entrance and leaf rear suspension setups are acquainted, Ford Australia engineers made the observe 50mm wider and moved the dampers outboard, theoretically chopping down additional on hopping and bouncing when flippantly laden.

The Ranger has at all times been one of many extra snug dual-cab utes to drive unladen, and the brand new mannequin isn’t any exception. The XLT can’t escape its ladder-frame roots and 950kg payload totally, but it surely does clean out the worst edges higher than its rivals with an empty tray.

It’s rock strong over the kind of washboard gravel roads prevalent in distant elements of Australia, and does a wonderful job absorbing the kind of pitted streets prevalent within the much less distant bits. On coarse-chip roads it’s impressively hushed within the cabin, too.

Like its predecessor, the brand new Ranger options mild steering and respectable all-round visibility. It’s one of many best utes to pilot on the town, and the brand new electrical energy steering system feels barely extra direct than earlier than. Within the outdated mannequin you wanted to twirl, twirl, and twirl the wheel some extra at low speeds; the brand new mannequin requires smaller inputs.

The graceful begin/cease system makes a distinction within the metropolis, though loads of house owners will little question flip it off instantly.

It’s price noting the reversing digital camera is a magnet for mud and spray, so it’s price carrying a fabric within the cabin in case you depend on it and frequent mucky roads.

The Isuzu D-Max was the primary ute to essentially put a full suite of driver assists entrance and centre, however the Ranger’s methods are arguably higher calibrated. The lane-keeping help retains you between the white strains on the freeway and holds the automotive properly in its lane in difficult situations (test 31:30 in our Ranger Wildtrak video).

It doesn’t have the complete gamut of off-road modes you get within the Sport and Wildtrak, however the XLT has the identical driveline {hardware}. Which means in the correct palms, it’ll go simply as far.

Our expertise with the Ranger off-road to date has confirmed it’s an idiot-proof means to enter the wilderness.

What do you get?

Ranger XLT highlights:

17-inch Darkish Sparkle Silver alloy wheels
17-inch metal spare wheel
Rear disc brakes
Digital handbrake
Leather-based-wrapped ‘e-Shifter’ gear selector
Physique-coloured facet mirrors and door handles
Tow bar
4×2 locking rear axle
Entrance grille with chrome central bar
LED headlights
C-shaped LED daytime working lights
Entrance-mounted tow hook
Black sports activities bar (pickup solely)
Rear tub illumination (pickup solely)
Bedliner with 12V socket (pickup solely)
Spray-in bedliner with 12V socket (tremendous cab solely)
Twin-zone local weather management
Satellite tv for pc navigation
Voice assistant
Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
Keyless entry with push-button begin
Electrochromatic mirror
Rain-sensing window wipers
Adaptive cruise management with lane-centring and cease/go

Ranger Sport provides:

18-inch machine-faced Asphalt Black accent alloys
18-inch spare wheel
Darkish accent grille
Darkish exterior accents
Two front-mounted tow hooks
Skid plate
Entrance flooring mats
Rotary drive mode selector
Wi-fi telephone charging
Off-road display screen
Ebony leather-based upholstery with ‘SPORT’ embossing
Eight-way electrically adjustable driver seat
Six-way guide entrance passenger seat

Ranger Wildtrak provides:

Gray entrance grille with mesh insert
Built-in trailer brake controller
Exterior mirror puddle lights and zone lighting
Roof rails, aluminium tub-top tie-down rails
18-inch alloy spare wheel
Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres
Sailplane-style sports activities bar
Powered curler shutter, by means of key fob
Cargo administration system, dividers
Luxe Yellow paint possibility
12-inch touchscreen improve
Pull-out sprint cupholders and second glovebox
Ambient inside lighting
Entrance heated leather-based seats
Powered front-passenger seat
360-degree cameras
Energetic parking help 2.0

For a full specification breakdown for the Ranger line-up, try our full pricing and specification story.

Is the Ford Ranger XLT V6 protected?

The brand new Ford Ranger is but to be crash examined by ANCAP, so it stays unrated. The outgoing mannequin obtained a five-star ANCAP security score, but it surely was based mostly on testing carried out in 2015.

Commonplace security options embrace:

9 airbags
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Lane-keep help
Lane departure warning
Highway edge detection
Blind-spot help
Rear cross-traffic alert (pickup solely)
Trailer Protection (when manufacturing facility Tow Pack is fitted)
Reversing digital camera (pickup solely)
Rear parking sensors (pickup solely)

Different security gear reminiscent of entrance parking sensors, adaptive cruise management with cease/go, surround-view digital camera, and fully-autonomous parking help can be found on increased trim ranges.

The XLT options adaptive cruise, entrance parking sensors, and absolutely autonomous parking help, however misses out on a surround-view digital camera.

How a lot does the Ford Ranger XLT V6 price to run?

Ford offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Service intervals are each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, and the primary 4 visits are capped at $329 apiece.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Ford Ranger XLT V6

Consider the hype. The brand new Ford Ranger is bloody wonderful, and the V6 has been definitely worth the wait.

Though it’s priced in step with range-topping rivals, the inside know-how and torquey engine imply the XLT doesn’t really feel overpriced. It’s a smartly-designed, well-executed ute that builds on the success of its predecessor.

The XLT sits at an attention-grabbing level within the line-up, although. It’s the most cost effective technique to get your palms on a V6, and realistically consumers aren’t lacking out on something that’s important from the Sport or Wildtrak.

The actual fact the Sport is simply $2500 costlier than the XLT does increase a couple of questions, although. When you’re planning to go off-road, the actual fact you get the complete gamut of drive modes and 4×4 pages within the Sport makes the additional spend price it.

The nicer wheels, powered and leather-trimmed driver’s seat, and wi-fi telephone charger would even have us excited about the Sport.

With that mentioned, not everybody needs their ute to be an all-singing, all-dancing showpiece. If you’d like V6 energy on a finances – or as near it as is at the moment doable – the XLT is an interesting possibility.