Ford ranger platinum 2023 review

The latest Ford Ranger has been a commercial and critical hit since it launched in Since then, the Blue Oval has added regular updates and has now rolled out the most expensive mainstream version yet, the Ford Ranger Platinum.

And is it worth the money over a Wildtrak? Glenn Butler goes looking for answers. If you're into utes, no introduction is necessary, so feel free to jump right to the pricing section below. If you're new to utes, a bit of background will help set the scene. Dual-cab utes are enjoying incredible popularity right now. In fact, the top two new vehicles bought by Australians in and so far in are the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger in dual-cab 4x4 configuration.

Ford ranger platinum 2023 review

Which Ford Ranger is right for you? The final verdict is now in, but not before a thorough assessment of the flagship Ford Ranger Raptor as family car, city commuter, forest dweller and rally weapon. Last but most, not least, the Ranger Raptor is the ultimate dual-cab. Mechanically, there are inch alloys with aggressive BF Goodrich tyres and a full-size spare , diff locks front and rear, adaptive Fox shocks, active dual exhaust, a reinforced box frame and stronger power steering motor. The only things it lacks compared to the Platinum are quilted leather upholstery and memory front seats with ventilation. There are now some options to contend with, a power roller tonneau made available from MY And yet, the Ford Ranger Raptor wears the tag with relative comfort. Part of the reason is the level of differentiation. Step out of a Wildtrak and the Raptor is obviously a class above. The steering wheel is different, chunkier with different buttons and a pair of shift paddles on the back. This feeling continues when you hit the start button and the boosted V6 growls into life. Possibly the most remarkable aspect of the Ford Ranger Raptor is that it feels different the moment you turn the steering wheel. The tech all works pretty seamlessly, especially if you consider that the majority of people will be using smartphone mirroring.

The retention of physical buttons for air-con and volume — as well as digital controls — is appreciated.

But at this price point come some fairly serious expectations. Can the Ranger Platinum live up to the big billing? The premium pack that is popular with Wildtrak buyers has also been thrown in for nix with the Platinum, bringing you a speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo, full LED tail lights and an overhead auxiliary switch bank. Likewise, maximum scores were awarded recognising the Good levels of protection offered to child occupants in the frontal offset and side impact crashes. Every Ranger carries a high level of standard safety gear including dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting curtain airbags, along with a driver and passenger knee airbag. Features such as pre-collision assist, post-impact braking, blind-spot monitoring with trailer tow function and cross-traffic alert, reverse brake assist and evasive steer assist are all available.

Considered more of a diet F than mini-truck, the Ranger comes with a hp turbocharged inline-four and speed automatic transmission. It comes up big with a pound maximum towing capacity, however. The Ranger can be ordered as either a two-door SuperCab with a six-foot bed or a four-door SuperCrew with a five-foot bed. This is largely an appearance package with an exclusive Eruption Green Metallic paint color and black mesh grille. Azure Gray Metallic Tri-coat is also added as an available paint option.

Ford ranger platinum 2023 review

And is it worth the money over a Wildtrak? Glenn Butler goes looking for answers. If you're into utes, no introduction is necessary, so feel free to jump right to the pricing section below. If you're new to utes, a bit of background will help set the scene.

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Promotional Mailer. Soft-touch surfaces are now hard plastic, the leather steering wheel is now plastic, you have to turn the wipers on yourself oh the humanity! There is a price to pay if you engage in such behaviour. In an industry often concerned with appearing rather than being, Ford has stayed true to delivering authentic luxury — where the vehicle performs as it presents. Model grades from XLS up also include front parking sensors. And that's really what it's all about. Family Cars. Motor Shows. All news and reviews. If you're new to utes, a bit of background will help set the scene. Things we like The kW 3.

The Platinum showcases the breadth of ability the current Ranger possesses. Making an upmarket pick-up truck is no easy venture, though. Just ask Mercedes , whose ill-fated Nissan Navara -based X-Class quietly went off sale many years ago.

All Family Cars. It remains one of the classiest and most dynamically accomplished Utes on sale today. Cars for Sale. Start Comparing. Private seller cars. Check out the video above to see them in action. Alastair Crooks. Become a dealer. All up, an MY The climate controls themselves are split between the touchscreen and some physical buttons below for functions like demisting, which is a little odd. The Ranger Platinum includes an embedded modem that works with the FordPass app to provide a group of handy features including remote start, fuel level check and remote unlocking.