The 2020 Ford Ranger is an all-round ute with everything one could possibly need from a compact truck, including a powerful engine with impressive towing and hauling capabilities. Some of the more expensive options have nicely trimmed double cabs for taking the family to a tour and complements such as automatic emergency braking. All 4WD Rangers also have lockable rear differentials, so they are good off-road. The available trim levels range from the stripped-down XL to the Lariat.
Exterior
There is a box up front and an open bed in the back. The Ford Ranger assimilates well into the lineup due to the grille. A large 'Ranger' moniker is stamped on the plastic top shelf above the grille. It also skips the slab-sided bodies of the previous year's pickups with a cut line at the bottom of the door.
What is new for the 2020 Ford Ranger?
It has unique body side decals and performance upgrades like off-road tyres and a newly tuned suspension for rugged terrain. Also, the 2020 Ford Ranger also provides a pickup box extender as one of the accessories, and three new colour options have been added to the mix. These are metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Race Red, and Iconic Silver. Ford discarded the Hot Pepper Red Metallic and Ingot Silver options.
Interior
The Ranger appears to be more straightforward, which is a useful attribute for a pickup. The brand has tried to make the cabin more appealing to buyers who may consider an SUV option while still keeping the structure strong enough to deal with the rigours of heavy work. As such, the cabin controls are easy to identify and use.
How comfortable is the Ford Ranger?
The cabin of the Ford Ranger is somewhat basic, and the main controls are easy to handle. The seats are relatively comfortable, and there are sufficient head and legroom for the front passengers. There are controls on the steering wheel that allow for significant functions while on the go.
How many people does the 2020 Ford Ranger seat?
It has a capacity of four people for the SuperCab and the SuperCrew models. The latter is the better option to accommodate passengers in the rear seats comfortably, while the SuperCab back seating ay feel rather cramped.
Performance
The 2020 Ford Ranger features a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that is capable of 201 kW. It feels potent, regardless of the activity. The acceleration is quite brisk, with a time of 6.7 seconds from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is also a carryover option from the previous year for a 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine that is good for 147 kW at 3000 rpm. It is linked to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
How fuel-efficient is the Ford Ranger?
The EPA has not yet released the fuel economy stats for the 2020 Ford Ranger though the expectation is that they should be similar if not the same as the numbers from 2019. That would be 8.9 kilometres per litre in the city and 11 on the highway.
How are the Ford Ranger's ride and handling like?
Like all pickups, it does have some bobbing even when the road has small undulations. Its ability to absorb the shock that comes with bumps is one thing that sets it apart from rivals. The top-tier Ford Ranger Raptor options have an even more sophisticated rear suspension for the ride comfort improvement.
Technology
Infotainment is one of the strong points in the Ranger, considering the 8.0 touchscreen with inbuilt satellite navigation and digital radio. It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well. The 2020 Ford Ranger has also been praised as having one of the most accessible interfaces for users. Even the six-speaker sound system is punchy though it is not exactly a premium sound system.
The XLS package includes front fog lamps and front parking and standard rear sensors. The dual-zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to have some independent control of air temperature. Within the centre console is a small cooler for meds and beverages that require cooling.
Safety
The 2020 Ranger has a complement of six airbags, two for the front passengers, and two at the front side, while two side curtain airbags provide head protection to occupants in the front and rear. The Ranger received top 'Good' scores in the crash tests done by the IIHS. Other driver assistance packages on board the ute are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automated emergency braking.
Pricing
The cost of the 2020 Ford Ranger ranges from $28,340 (base option) to $76,290 for the Raptor. Due to its competitive pricing, it has been pitched as one of the best alternatives to the HiLux. Ford also affords the Ranger with good warranty options of 5 full years and unlimited kilometres.
Is the 2020 Ford Ranger a good buy?
When it comes down to it, the Ford Ranger provides almost everything that a compact ute buyer would want. It is aesthetically pleasing but does not overdo on the looks. The powertrain is capable with various output and transmission options. The suspension and differential have also been modified for work requirements.
Its cabin may not be the best in the market when it comes to material quality, but the technology provides an easily adaptable interface, and the dimensions are comfortable. It provides adequate safety features; however, its insurance and maintenance options are wanting. The 2020 Ford Ranger is a good option for those who do not sweat the details.
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