2017 Ford Ranger Double Cab ute: Which spec is best?

The Ford Ranger is consistently one of Australia’s top-selling vehicles. A large part of this is due to its dual cab model type, whose ruggedness, practicality and interior comfort have found favour beyond the traditional tradie market. Easy to steer and well-equipped the more pricey versions will take the family almost anywhere in relative comfort.

Variants

There are five main Ranger Double Cab ute or pickup variants, including the range-topping Wildtrak. The line-up is stretched by different engines, transmissions and drivetrain layouts.

The Ranger Double Cab range starts with the workmanlike XL which comes in 4x2 ‘Hi-Rider’ or 4x4 versions. The 4x2 is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder or by a 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel engine while the 4x4 is only available with the latter.

Standard equipment includes cruise control, power mirrors, auto headlights, driver’s seat lumbar support, hill launch assist, trailer sway control, 16-inch steel wheels, rear parking sensors and a 4.2-inch multi-function display that shows driver information. While there’s no touchscreen it does have a reversing camera and Bluetooth audio connectivity with voice control.

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The XLS is essentially the same as the XL but only comes in 4x4 form with the 3.2-litre diesel engine and six-speed auto gear box. It also has carpet on the floor and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The XLT is the most popular of the Ranger dual cabs and comes only with the 3.2-litre engine with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. It adds a host of creature comforts over XLS including an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen incorporating Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment interface, front parking sensors as well as the standard rear sensors, dual-zone air-conditioning, auto windscreen wipers, rollover bar, tyre pressure sensors, a 12V power outlet in the tray and towbar for up to 3500kg.

The special edition Ranger FX4 Special Edition is essentially a Ranger XLT with leather trimmed seats, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and beefed-up aesthetics. It’s only available with an automatic transmission.

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The muscular Wildtrak adds a roller shutter for the load area, heated front seats with leather accents, power-adjustable driver’s seat and external bling.

It also brings a suite of active safety aids including adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, lane keeping assistance, driver impairment monitor and automatic high beam control. The active safety suite is also available on the XLT and FX4 as a cost option.

The Wildtrak is only available with 4x4 drivetrain and 3.2-litre engine with a choice of six-speed manual or auto gearboxes.

• Ranger XL 4x2, 2.2L manual - $36,390
• Ranger XL 4x2, 2.2L auto - $38,590
• Ranger XL 4x4, 2.2L manual - $44,290
• Ranger XL 4x4, 2.2L auto - $45,890
• Ranger XL 4x4, 3.2L manual - $46,790
• Ranger XL 4x4, 3.2L auto - $48,390
• Ranger XLS 4x4, 3.2L auto - $48,890
• Ranger XLT 4x2, 3.2L manual - $46,490
• Ranger XLT 4x2, 3.2L auto - $48,690
• Ranger XLT 4x4, 3.2L manual - $55,490
• Ranger XLT 4x4, 3.2L auto - $57,690
• Ranger FX4 4x4, 3.2L auto - $58,915
• Ranger Wildtrak 4x4, 3.2L auto - $59,590
• Ranger Wildtrak 4x4, 3.2L auto - $61,790

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Our Pick

The XLT Double Cab has most of the features of the Wildtrak without the ‘look at me’ appearance. The 3.2-litre five-pot engine is excellent and unless you’re allergic to mud you’re best going with the 4x4 version. The XLT lacks the Wildtrak’s active safety features as standard but even if you spend $800 on these you’ll still driveaway with $3300 change from the flashier ute’s sticker price.

Available options

• Active safety ‘Tech Pack’ (XLT and FX4) - $800
• Premium paint - $550

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