Ford Ranger review

Many love a large SUV or pick-up for its high-up driving position - it lets them survey the world below – and, if that’s you, you’ll appreciate the lofty Ranger. And that’s not all; the driver is treated to a comfortable seat that gets six-way manual adjustment - including adjustable lumbar support - on entry-level models, while Limited and Wildtrak trims get standard eight-way powered seats.

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

Ford has attempted to make the interior of the Ranger 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 upper trims get fancy leather seats, the distinctly cheap-feeling plastics elsewhere mean the Ranger’s working-class roots still shine through.

Entry-level XL cars get a simple monochrome screen infotainment system, although Bluetooth and 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 on top. The top-end system is much better than the two more basic versions, being visually more appealing as well as easier to use. In fact, it is one of the better systems fitted in pick-ups, if not quite as intuitive as the touchscreen equivalent in the Volkswagen Amarok.