Ford Ranger review

Many love a large SUV or pick-up for its high-up driving position, and if that’s you, you’ll appreciate the lofty Ranger. And that’s not all: Even on entry-level models the driver is treated to a comfortable seat with six-way manual adjustment including adjustable lumbar support, while Limited and Wildtrak trims get eight-way powered seats. However, despite this, the Ranger's offset pedals and an awkwardly shaped footrest for your left leg mean the Amarok is a more comfortable proposition for a long drive.

The Ranger is available only with halogen headlights, which are pretty poor compared with the super-bright LED headlights available on other cars. Sitting so high up with relatively thin windscreen pillars means forward visibility is otherwise very good, but the Ranger’s small rear screen and vast extended rear load bay make it tricky to see what’s behind you. On lower trims, you’d be sensible to consider the rear parking sensors that can be fitted as a dealer option (they come fitted as standard on Limited trim and above). A rear-view camera is included on the range-topping Wildtrak and Wildtrak X models, while front parking sensors are an option.

Ford has attempted to make the Ranger's interior more appealing to buyers who may be considering an SUV while still keeping the robustness to deal with the rigours of heavy-duty work. But while pricier models get fancy leather seats, the distinctly cheap-feeling plastics elsewhere mean the Ranger’s working-class roots still shine through.

The entry-level XL Ranger get a simple monochrome-screen infotainment system, although Bluetooth and a DAB radio are standard. XLT models come with a 4.2in Ford Sync touchscreen infotainment system, while the Limited and Wildtrak versions get Ford’s latest Sync 3 software and a larger 8.0in touchscreen. The Sync 3 system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, but only the Wildtrak model gets built-in sat-nav.

Sync 3 is much better than the two more basic systems, being visually more appealing as well as easier to use. In fact, it's one of the better systems fitted in pick-ups, if not quite as intuitive as the touchscreen equivalent in the Amarok.