Ford Ranger pickup (2011-2022) - Interior & comfort

Pick-up trucks like the Ford Ranger are generally built as tough workhorses. This means that instead of the tactile, attractive materials you’ll find in an SUV, the emphasis is on longevity – a builder isn’t too worried about how pretty their dashboard is, as long as it doesn’t fall apart.

That said, the Ford Ranger’s interior is nicer than most, although it can get noisy at motorway speeds as the upright body shape generates a lot of wind noise. It’s an easy car to drive, despite the imposing length of its 5,362mm body in all but the Regular Cab versions, while the light steering makes placing the Ranger in city streets easier than you expect. The 10-speed automatic gearbox makes amends for its costliness by being perfectly suited to the engine; it's unobtrusive and smooth to use, while making short work of towing.

Ford Ranger dashboard

The Ranger's interior doesn’t feel quite as upmarket as the class-leading interior finish of the Volkswagen Amarok and the now-discontinued Mercedes X-Class, but is noticeably nicer than those of most rivals. There are more cheap, shiny plastics than you’ll find in an SUV, but they should stand up to wear and tear, which is more likely given the Ranger’s intended use.

You’ll find the same style of buttons and switches used in Ford’s passenger-car range, which feel well made and are easy to use. The Ranger also has a semi-digital instrument cluster, alongside a traditional analogue speedometer, which displays many of the truck’s readings and functions.

Equipment

All Ford Ranger models are equipped with a suite of grip and stability-enhancing electronic systems, as well as hill-start assist to prevent the vehicle rolling back when you’re pulling away, hill-descent control to limit downhill speeds off-road and trailer sway control that can restore control of a trailer that’s started to weave while being towed.

The rather utilitarian Ford Ranger XL has a short list of standard equipment compared to passenger cars, but Ford’s clever EasyFuel system (which prevents you filling up with petrol by mistake), tinted glass, electric door mirrors, a heated windscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB digital radio and a height-adjustable driver’s seat are the highlights.

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The XLT model adds chrome and body-coloured trim, cruise control, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, automatic wipers and a load-bed liner. It also has Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch colour screen, which can support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Limited model is fairly luxurious and is loaded with kit such as dual-zone air-conditioning, rear parking sensors and power-operated leather seats. The Limited is distinguished outside by privacy glass and chrome rear bumpers. The 2021 model year saw the arrival of new Wolftrak and Stormtrak limited-edition models. The former is based on the XLT trim but with black exterior styling, unique black alloy wheels and extras like sat nav and rear parking sensors. Stormtrak edition cars get exclusive red and black styling upgrades, a redesigned grille, illuminated kickplates, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear parking camera.

The aggressive Raptor gets the option of Performance Blue paint - usually reserved for ST models - and black exterior trim to give it an even tougher appearance. Inside, there’s black full-leather upholstery, plus numerous sporty additions including heavily bolstered front seats and a chunkier steering wheel with magnesium gearshift paddles, plus bespoke dials ahead of the driver. Underlining its non-commercial status is the addition of a lockable cover for the load area.

Options

The Ford Ranger options list is primarily made up of practical items, such as various different types of tonneau cover for the load bed, tow bar and the off-road pack, which offers a locking rear differential for greater traction and extra underbody protection Models without standard air-con or sat nav can add these individually.

It’s also well worth adding the driver assistance pack for its lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition and autonomous emergency braking systems – a real boost for safety.