The Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 double cab is positioned as the mid-spec offering in the Ranger line-up, striking a balance between equipment, capability and price.
Image: Willem van de Putte
Whether it’s hauling garden refuse, loading a son’s university residence things, heading off on holiday or tackling a cross-country drive, our long-term Ford Ranger XLT has become the go-to vehicle of choice.
It’s one of the reasons why bakkies are such a familiar part of South African life. They are no longer just a workhorse but have evolved into everyday family transport and long-distance tourers.
Our Iconic Silver Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 double cab is positioned as the mid-spec offering in the Ranger line-up, striking a balance between equipment, capability and price.
At R767 000, it sits below the Wildtrak and Platinum models, but includes the essentials most buyers actually use.
My colleague Verna van Diemen recently put the Ranger XLT to a 1,400-kilometre real-world test, driving solo from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
“Sixteen hours of driving with a few pitstops for water, coffee, energy drinks and snacks felt surprisingly smooth,” she said. “Compared to my usual smaller car, this bakkie felt like home on wheels - solid, spacious, and comfortable with lots of room for my overpacked luggage.
“Cruise control kept the long stretches relaxing, the leather seats hugged me comfortably, and the high driving position gave me a commanding view of the road ahead,” she added.
Technology such as the infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging ports made long hours behind the wheel easier to manage, while safety features provided reassurance.
“Safety tech like lane-keeping assist, rearview cameras and multiple airbags added confidence on busy highways and winding mountain passes.”
“The Ranger handled the journey with ease. Spacious, stable and packed with comfort and safety features, it turned what could have been a stressful drive into a genuinely enjoyable experience,” she concluded.
My own experience with the Ranger XLT confirms those impressions. It remains one of the most comfortable bakkies in the segment, with a ride quality closer to an SUV than a traditional ladder-frame bakkie.
The suspension absorbs uneven surfaces effectively, while the 17-inch wheels with higher-profile tyres help soften impacts. Even over muddy and badly washed-out farm roads, I found it remained composed and predictable.
The seating provides good support, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. On the open road, the Ranger cruises comfortably at highway speeds with the cruise control set to 222km/h, with enough power available for overtaking when required.
With a towing capacity of 3.5 tons the Ranger XLT makes short work of moving house.
Image: Willem van de Putte
Inside, the XLT is functional with a modern layout even after three years in the market. The 10-inch touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4A system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connectivity has been seamless in daily use.
An eight-inch digital instrument cluster allows customisation of key information, while features such as dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, cruise control and keyless entry make it easy as a daily driver.
The interior materials are durable, with a mix of hard-wearing plastics and softer touchpoints in key areas that still haven’t shown any significant wear or scratches.
The front floor mats are thick, hard-wearing rubber, so you don’t have to be concerned about soiling the mats with your muddy shoes.
Power comes from Ford’s 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, producing 125kW and 405Nm. The six-speed automatic gearbox, with selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul, has been reliable and very smooth.
I still have to give it a 4x4 workout, but no doubt it will be as capable as its siblings. It offers 237mm of ground clearance, an 800mm wading depth, a rear differential lock and a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5l/100km, though our early average sat at 9.3l/100km, it’s now down to 9.1l/100km.
After several weeks in daily use and one major cross-country trip, the Ranger XLT has proven itself as both a practical workhorse and a capable long-distance cruiser.
From urban commuting to highway touring and rough rural roads, the Ranger XLT continues to demonstrate why it remains one of South Africa’s most widely used bakkies and why Ford leads the double cab market.