Our Ford Ranger XLT is fitted with an optional accessory pack that adds some fizz to the exterior styling.
Image: Jason Woosey
After taking delivery of our new accessorised Ford Ranger XLT bi-turbo 4x4 double cab in late November, ‘Dezemba’ brought about the opportunity to pack it up and stretch its legs a little.
After relishing the calm quietness that makes Joburg so wonderful over Christmas, we headed to a dog-friendly country retreat near Magaliesburg to get the fur friends away from all the bangs over New Year’s.
While our vehicle doesn’t have the fancier roller-shutter that’s available on some of the more premium versions of the Ranger, the conventional rubber tonneau cover fitted to our test vehicle is a more cost-effective solution that proved relatively easy to use and kept our luggage dry and free of dust.
The large, cavernous load bay swallowed our luggage with ease, including large coolers filled with drinks and braai provisions, as well as dog beds and the usual luggage, and the optional rubberised load floor for the most part kept that luggage from sliding around.
Rear taillight covers and a sports bar distinguish the rear view.
Image: Jason Woosey
Our long-termer is fitted with a bespoke accessory pack that Ford announced last year. Priced at R27,500, it comes with a curated selection of Ford Genuine Accessories, including a ‘FORD’ block-letter grille, ‘Ranger’ bonnet lettering, matt black surrounds for all the lights, black fender flares, protective door mouldings and a large sports bar.
The Ranger XLT in many ways represents a sweet spot in the line-up, offering everything you need to keep you comfortable, without resorting to the expensive extravagance of the Wildtrak or Platinum.
It is also the only trim level that’s available with both the single-turbo and bi-turbo versions of Ford’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. The latter is fitted to our test car, and it’s set to be discontinued during the first quarter of this year, as Ford shifts its focus to an upgraded version of the single-turbo motor, which will gain a conventional timing chain to improve durability.
It is, on the one hand, a pity that Ford is dropping the bi-turbo, as it provides an impressive blend of economy and performance. But on the other hand, the single-turbo model is really so good that I’d strongly consider it if I were in the market for an XLT — you can read my colleague Willem’s impressions of the single-turbo XLT here.
The 154kW and 500Nm bi-turbo has certainly been a peach during my time with it, never wanting for performance and impressing with its quietness of operation as well as its flexible and punchy pulling power. The 10-speed automatic gearbox also feels somewhat more resolved and less ‘busy’ than the version in the previous Ranger.
Fuel consumption so far has averaged 10.6 litres per 100km in a mixture of driving conditions, which is somewhat more than the 9.3 l/100km recorded by our single-turbo long-termer, although in the former case, much of the driving has been in town.
On the open road, the Ranger feels sophisticated and refined, more akin to an SUV than a bakkie, and the ride quality is also class-leading in my opinion.
The Ranger also boasts a completely modern interior, with digital instrumentation and a large 10-inch vertical touchscreen as standard.
The XLT cabin is well appointed.
Image: Supplied
The Sync 4A infotainment system is easy to use and syncs seamlessly with your phone via wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
While much of the vehicle’s functionality is centred on the screens, there are at least physical controls for the climate control system, and there’s a conventional volume button. Ford has also included USB A and C ports in the front, as well as a charging pad, but those in the back only get a 12V socket, to which a USB adapter can presumably be plugged.
Rear legroom is quite generous by bakkie standards, and rear occupants also have their own air vents.
Standard features on the XLT include dual-zone climate control and push-button start, while the leather seats fitted to our test vehicle are an optional extra.
VERDICT
Our accessorised Ford Ranger XLT has so far provided two months' worth of comfortable and hassle-free motoring, impressing with its combination of performance, on-road refinement and practicality.
In January 2026, the XLT double cab is priced from R767,000 in single-turbo guise, with the bi-turbo priced from R802,000 in 4x2 guise and R889,500 as a 4x4.
IOL Motoring