Ford Ranger Review Australia | Ute Performance | Towing | Price Guide

Few vehicles have captured the spirit of Australia’s road and off-road culture quite like the Ford Ranger. Whether it’s used by tradies hauling gear to worksites, families exploring the Outback, or adventurers towing boats and caravans across the coast, the Ranger has earned a reputation for strength, dependability, and cutting-edge features.

In 2025, the Ranger continues to dominate the segment, rivaling household names like the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-MAX, and Mitsubishi Triton. But what truly makes the Ford Ranger a standout ute in the Australian market? Let’s break down its specs, performance, towing ability, features, ownership costs, and whether it’s worth the money for different types of buyers.

Design and Exterior Appeal

The Ford Ranger’s design has evolved over the years, moving from a purely utilitarian workhorse to a vehicle that blends toughness with urban style.

• Front Fascia: The bold grille and C-clamp LED headlights give it a muscular stance, hinting at Ford’s American F-Series DNA.
• Body Styles: Available in single-cab, super-cab, and dual-cab configurations, the Ranger offers flexibility for both tradies and families.
• Wheels and Tyres: Depending on the variant, you’ll find everything from 16-inch steel rims for work models to 20-inch alloys on high-spec trims like the Wildtrak and Raptor.
• Colours: Ford caters to diverse tastes with practical whites and greys for fleets, as well as bolder shades like Sabre Orange and Luxe Yellow.

The Ranger strikes a balance: rugged enough for worksites, stylish enough for the city, and refined enough for lifestyle-focused buyers.

Interior and Cabin Comfort

Step inside the Ranger, and you’ll notice a cabin that feels far removed from the bare-bones utes of old.

• Dashboard and Technology: A large vertical touchscreen (up to 12 inches) runs Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Seating: Cloth upholstery is standard on lower trims, while leather-accented seats are available on premium variants. Dual-zone climate control and heated seats add a touch of luxury.
• Practicality: Ample storage spaces, cupholders, and charging ports make it family-friendly. The rear seats in the dual-cab offer reasonable comfort for adults, though taller passengers may find long trips snug.
• Driver Focus: A fully digital instrument cluster is standard on mid-to-top trims, providing navigation and customisable driving information.

Compared to rivals, the Ranger’s interior is one of the most refined in the segment, especially in lifestyle trims like the Wildtrak and Platinum.

Engine Options and Performance

The Ranger lineup in Australia is powered by a range of diesel engines, catering to both budget-conscious buyers and performance enthusiasts.

• 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel: Produces around 154 kW and 500 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic. Efficient, smooth, and capable for everyday use.
• 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel: A powerhouse with 184 kW and 600 Nm, delivering effortless towing and serious off-road performance. Standard on higher trims like Wildtrak V6 and Raptor Diesel.
• Petrol Option: The Raptor also gets a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol engine producing 292 kW and 583 Nm, tuned for high performance and off-road thrill seekers.

On-Road Performance: The Ranger handles surprisingly well for a ute. Steering is precise, suspension tuning balances comfort with toughness, and road noise is impressively contained.

Off-Road Capability: With selectable 4x4 modes, locking rear differential, hill descent control, and a wading depth of up to 800mm, the Ranger thrives in harsh terrain. Whether it’s muddy tracks, rocky climbs, or sandy beaches, the Ranger feels unstoppable.

Towing and Payload

One of the Ford Ranger’s strongest selling points is its towing capacity.

• Braked Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 kg across most variants, enough for medium-to-large caravans, boats, and trailers.
• Unbraked Towing Capacity: 750 kg.
• Payload: Ranges between 900 kg and over 1,200 kg depending on variant and configuration.

Practical features like an integrated trailer brake controller, 360-degree camera, and trailer light check system make towing easier and safer.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain:

• 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel: Around 7.5–8.0L/100km in mixed conditions.
• 3.0L V6 Diesel: Averages 8.5–9.5L/100km.
• 3.0L V6 Petrol (Raptor): Higher consumption, around 12–13L/100km, but delivers unmatched performance.

Service Intervals: Ford offers 12-month/15,000km intervals, with capped-price servicing available.

Warranty: 5-year/unlimited km warranty, plus roadside assistance.

When compared to rivals like the Toyota HiLux or Isuzu D-MAX, the Ranger is competitive in running costs, with slightly higher fuel consumption in the V6 models offset by superior performance.

Safety Features and ANCAP Ratings

The Ford Ranger has consistently scored well in ANCAP safety tests, with a 5-star rating in its latest assessments.

• Standard Safety Tech: Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Airbags: Full coverage including front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags.
• Child Safety: ISOFIX points in the rear seats make it family-friendly.

Ford has ensured that even base models include advanced safety tech, giving peace of mind for families and fleets alike.

Variants and Pricing Guide (Australia 2025)

Prices vary depending on trim and drivetrain:

• XL (Workhorse Spec): From around $36,000 drive-away.
• XLT: From $52,000 drive-away.
• Sport: Around $58,000–$62,000.
• Wildtrak: From $70,000+, offering lifestyle luxury.
• Platinum: Around $78,000, focused on premium buyers.
• Raptor: From $85,000–$92,000 depending on engine choice.

These prices make the Ranger competitive, though higher trims approach SUV and luxury territory. Still, the blend of performance and versatility makes it an appealing buy.

Ownership Experience

Tradies and Work Use

The XL and XLT trims remain the backbone for tradies, offering robust payload, towing, and minimal frills at affordable prices.

Families

The dual-cab Sport and Wildtrak trims appeal to families, with extra tech, safety, and comfort for long road trips.

Off-Road Enthusiasts

The Raptor is in a league of its own, designed for thrill-seekers who want Baja-style off-road performance.

Fleets

The Ranger continues to be a favourite among commercial fleets due to its reliability, widespread dealer network, and ease of servicing.

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

• Toyota HiLux: Known for reliability but falls short on technology and comfort compared to Ranger.
• Isuzu D-MAX: Tough and dependable but less refined inside.
• Mitsubishi Triton: More affordable but smaller in dimensions and capability.
• Volkswagen Amarok: Shares underpinnings with Ranger but leans towards premium positioning.

Overall, the Ranger offers the best blend of performance, comfort, and tech, making it one of the most complete utes in the market.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful engine lineup including V6 diesel and petrol options.
• Outstanding towing and payload capability.
• Refined interior with cutting-edge tech.
• 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
• Strong off-road credentials.

Cons

• Higher-spec trims can be pricey.
• Fuel economy suffers in petrol Raptor.
• Large size may be intimidating in urban areas.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Ford Ranger?

The Ford Ranger remains one of the most versatile and capable vehicles in Australia. Whether you’re a tradie needing a dependable workhorse, a family looking for a dual-purpose SUV alternative, or an off-road enthusiast craving adventure, there’s a Ranger variant that suits your needs.

While the price tag on higher trims can be steep, the overall package—performance, towing ability, advanced safety, comfort, and tech—makes the Ranger a worthy investment. In a market flooded with options, the Ranger continues to set the benchmark for what an Aussie ute should be.