Ford Ranger Fx4 Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Oct 01, 2021

 

If you are looking for a dual-cab ute that is capable of doing jumps, tow 3500kg and hauls almost a tonne of cement, then Ford Ranger Fx4 is what you need!  This Ford Ranger is specced-up in order to bridge the gap between the XLT and Raptor variants. This variant comes out with a higher price tag but incorporates a list of added enhancements. It is known for its 'exciting 4X4 capabilities' and a 'thrilling off-road experience'. The company advertises that this rager will take you to those parts of the world that are yet to be discovered. In this article, we will review the Ford Ranger Fx4 to see if these bold claims are valid or not.

 

Ford Ranger Fx4 Engine:

With a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, the Ford Ranger FX4 Max exclusively produces 157kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. It is also coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting available through a switch on the gear lever. It also incorporates a sports mode for the gearbox. The fuel consumption that Ford claims for this range is 8.0L/100km on the combined cycle. A test that included a mix of highway, city, and off-road driving sat above 11L/100km on the combined cycle.

 

Ford Ranger Fx4 Exterior:

The Ford Ranger FX4 offers bespoke styling cues that distinguish it from the rest of the Ranger line-up. This Rangerger has a significant appeal in contrast to its competition. The Ranger has muscular styling. It has a black mesh grille that gives it a more bold look. It also incorporates integrated LED daytime running lights and standard LED headlamps. 

 

The exterior of the Ranger is upmarket by the black mirrors and door handles. The styling is further improved by the eye-catching 18-inch multi-spoke black alloy wheels. It also has bold red 'FX4' decals located at the base of the front doors and a 3D 'FX4' badge on the tailgate.

 

The Ranger gets a sportier demeanour with the tubular sports bar with extended legs. This also adds up further practicality to the load box. With this Ranger, one can easily carry bicycles, canoes or other gear for sporting or working activities. The bin of the Ranger has a drop-in bedliner that protects it from damage. 

 

The bedliner also has a 12-volt power socket that can power a portable fridge or other accessories. The Ranger's most valuable feature is its innovative Easy Lift tailgate. Its tailgate can be easily raised or lowered with minimal effort.

 

Here are some of the main exterior features of the Ford Ranger FX4:

✓ 17-inch alloy wheels

✓ Unique side steps

✓ Bi-LED headlights

✓ Keyless entry and start

✓ Front/rear parking sensors

✓ Unique front grille

✓ Matte black sports bar

 

The Ranger FX4 is available in five distinctive colours: Sea Grey, Moondust Silver, Frozen White, Agate Black and Race Red. 

 

Ford Ranger Fx4 Interior:

The Ford Ranger FX4 interior incorporates a slightly different dashboard and steering wheel layout with additional volume controls. The Ford Ranger FX4 has also introduced FordPass Connect, allowing the owner to remotely connect to their vehicle,  lock and unlock, check fuel levels, and remotely start. Another unique feature that FX4 Max includes is a set of six auxiliary switches that allows connecting additional electrical components. 

 

The interior of the Ford Ranger is pretty scratchy and rugged, which is fine for a vehicle that is intended for off-roading and work. The cabin centres an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest version of Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. This system comes with a wired Apple CarPlay, a wired Android Auto, inbuilt satellite navigation and real-time traffic updates.

 

The infotainment system provides:

✓ Good speed

✓ Input response

✓ Ease of use 

 

In order to keep it current, the system can be upgraded with software updates over time. The Ranger also has an inbuilt voice recognition system whose functionality is extended when a mirrored smartphone is connected.

 

Inside the cabin of the Ford Ranger, you will get a dual-tier storage compartment, a pair of cupholders, and adequate door and glove box storage. It also has sufficient toe room under the first row. In the second row, you will have plenty of legs and headroom for an adult. There is a pair of storage areas underneath the second row, the jack and two top-tether points. In the second row, you will also find a 12V and a 230V power outlet.

 

Safety:

ANCAP first tested the Ford Ranger in 2011, and then as part of the 'PXII' update, its safety rating was updated in 2015. In both instances, it was rated five-star in terms of safety rating. This is because the Ford Ranger comes with different safety features.

 

Here are a few standard safety features:

✓ Autonomous emergency braking

✓ Pedestrian detection

✓ Lane keep assist

✓ Lane departure warning

✓ Front and rear parking sensors

✓ Reverse camera

✓ Front, side and head curtain airbags

 

However, the only missing features are the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

 

Pros:

✓ It has quick acceleration from a powerful turbocharged engine

✓ It includes many modern safety features

✓ It has added ground clearance

✓ Its all-terrain tyres help off-road

✓ It has a  punchy four-cylinder diesel engine

✓ It has auxiliary switches that provide added flexibility for modifications

 

Cons:

✓ It has an unsettling ride over undulating pavement

✓ It has limited in-cabin storage

✓ Its Infotainment system isn't the easiest to use.

✓ It can be pretty thirsty, despite the economic claim

✓ It produces excessive tyre noise above 70km/h

✓ It  lacks body control on corrugated surfaces

 

Final Verdict:

With the list of different updates, including performance suspension, its towing and load-carrying ability, alternator, tyres, and rear diff lock, the Ford Ranger FX4 is ready to take you further than its other variants. It is a pretty good choice for those who are looking for a midpoint between Raptor and XLT, as this Ranger offers some features that are genuinely geared for getting you further off-road.

 

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