When you climb into the driver’s seat of a pick-up truck, especially if you’re not particularly tall, you’ll appreciate the handles on the A-pillars and the running boards of the Wildtrak model. Unlike many pick-up trucks that greet you with a sea of black plastic, the Wildtrak offers a more luxurious interior.
While there are hard materials present if you look for them, the dash and door tops are padded with imitation leather, and there are stylish design elements like painted trim and chrome accents around the air vents. It may not be as upscale as a BMW interior, but it’s certainly a step up from a Ford Focus.
On the lower trims like XL and XLT, you’ll find the expected black plastic interior, but everything still feels solid and well-built. The passenger side loses an extra cubby, which may feel a bit stingy, but the materials are durable and practical for a work vehicle. There’s even some padding on the door where you might rest your elbow.
All Rangers, regardless of trim level, feature the same general design with large screens. Lower trims come with a 10.1-inch screen, while the Wildtrak and higher trims boast a 12.0-inch display. Climate controls are always visible at the bottom of the screen, and unlike the Amarok, all Rangers have physical controls as well. Air conditioning is an optional extra on the Ranger XL for £500.
The digital gauge cluster is standard on all models, with the Raptor and upcoming Platinum trim levels getting a larger screen. While not highly customizable, the interface is clear and easy to navigate using the steering wheel buttons.
Despite its size, the Ranger is surprisingly easy to drive, with excellent visibility thanks to its square corners, straight sides, large mirrors, and thin pillars. The high seating position provides a commanding view of the road, making it easy to maneuver in traffic.
In terms of interior space, the rear legroom is similar to a family hatchback, but the generous headroom and flat roof make it comfortable for passengers. The rear seat base can be flipped up to reveal storage cubbies, while the backrest can be folded down to create a shelf.
The most important aspect of a pick-up truck is its bed, and the Ranger does not disappoint. With a payload of at least one tonne on all models (except the Raptor), the bed can accommodate a Euro pallet and comes equipped with hooks, tie-down points, and protective plastic lining. Ford offers a range of accessories for the bed, and aftermarket suppliers also provide additional options.
Our test car was equipped with a spray-in bed liner and a powered shutter, both of which performed well. The torsion bars for the tailgate make it easy to open and close.
The multimedia system in the Ranger features Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment software on a large portrait touchscreen. While the screen’s vertical orientation may be less distracting while driving, the viewing angle could be improved.
In conclusion, the Ford Ranger offers a comfortable and practical interior, excellent visibility, and a versatile bed for all your hauling needs. Whether you’re using it for work or leisure, the Ranger is a capable and stylish pick-up truck that stands out in its class.
