Ford Ranger review
The Ford Ranger is the UK’s best-selling pick-up, blending tough, workhorse capability with car-like comfort and bold, lifestyle-focused styling.
Author: The Cazoo editorial team
7th Jan 2026 – 9 mins read
Not so long ago, pick-up trucks were seen purely as workhorses for farms and building sites. But times have changed, and models like the Ford Ranger have transformed them into desirable 'lifestyle' vehicles that are just as at home on the school run as they are on a muddy track. It’s no surprise that it’s the UK’s best-selling pick-up. This third-generation model, updated in 2019, offers a brilliant blend of rugged ability and everyday usability. It drives more like a car than ever before, has a surprisingly upmarket interior packed with tech, and offers a huge range of models to choose from – from basic work trucks to the incredibly bold Raptor version. If you want a vehicle that can work hard and play hard, the Ranger is one of the best all-rounders you can buy.
Pros
- Great to drive for a pick-up, with car-like handling
- Huge range of models to choose from
- Impressive ability both on and off-road
Cons
- It’s not as quiet or refined as a conventional SUV
- Ford's warranty is shorter than some key rivals
- The extreme Raptor model isn't as practical for heavy-duty work
Interior
Dashboard & tech
Ford has worked hard to make the Ranger’s cabin feel less like a commercial vehicle and more like one of its passenger cars. The result is an interior that’s more upmarket than many rivals, with a familiar layout and familiar switchgear. High-spec models feature a large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s SYNC software, which is easy to use and includes smartphone connectivity.
While the cabin has a more car-like feel, it hasn’t forgotten its workhorse roots. The materials are durable and feel built to last, ready to stand up to the rigours of a tough working life. It’s a great blend of comfort, technology, and ruggedness.
Comfort
The Ranger is surprisingly comfortable for a pick-up truck. The ride is well-controlled, and it handles better than you might expect, feeling more like a large SUV on the road. The driving position is high and commanding, giving you a great view of the road ahead.
Of course, it’s not as refined or as quiet as a conventional car like a Ford Kuga. You’ll notice more engine noise and a slightly bouncier ride, especially when the load bed is empty. However, for a vehicle of this type, it’s one of the most comfortable and easy to live with every day.
Quality
The interior of the Ranger is robust and feels well put together. While you will find plenty of hard, durable plastics designed for a working life, higher-spec models like the Limited and Wildtrak add welcome touches of leather and more premium-feeling materials. It successfully bridges the gap between a tough utility vehicle and a comfortable family car.
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
The amount of interior space depends on which of the three body styles you choose. The Single Cab is a strict two-seater, while the Super Cab adds a small pair of rear seats accessed by rear-hinged doors, though space is tight.
For family use, the Double Cab is the one to go for. It’s a full five-seater with four proper doors and offers enough space in the back for adults to get comfortable on shorter journeys, although it’s not as roomy as a large SUV.
Load bay
This is what a pick-up is all about. The most practical version is the Single Cab, which has a huge 2.3-metre-long load bed. Even the popular Double Cab has a generous 1.5-metre-long bed. The Ranger can carry a maximum payload of up to 1,217kg and has an impressive towing limit of 3,500kg for a braked trailer, making it an incredibly useful and versatile vehicle.
It’s worth noting that the extreme off-road modifications on the Raptor model reduce its payload and towing capacity, which means it’s no longer officially classed as a commercial vehicle for tax purposes.
Versatility
The Ford Ranger is hugely versatile. It can be a no-nonsense workhorse, a family vehicle, and an adventure-ready lifestyle truck all in one. The choice of cab styles and trim levels means you can find a Ranger that’s perfectly suited to your needs, whether that’s for business, pleasure, or a bit of both.
Driving
Driving experience
For a large pick-up, the Ranger is surprisingly good to drive. It handles corners with confidence and rides well, feeling more like a large SUV than a commercial vehicle. The steering is light and accurate, which helps make it feel manageable around town.
Where it really excels is off-road. With its selectable four-wheel-drive system and rugged construction, it can tackle tough terrain with ease. The hardcore Raptor model takes this to another level, with a completely reworked suspension that makes it feel almost unstoppable away from the tarmac. It’s a genuinely fun and capable machine.
Performance
All modern Rangers use a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is available in a few different power outputs: 128bhp, 168bhp, or a powerful 210bhp twin-turbo version.
The 168bhp engine provides a good blend of performance and economy, but the pick of the range is the 210bhp unit. It’s impressively punchy, making the Ranger feel surprisingly quick for its size, managing the 0-60mph sprint in as little as nine seconds. Most engines are available with either a six-speed manual or a smooth 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Running costs
Fuel economy & CO2 emissions
Thanks to the introduction of the more modern 2.0-litre engine, the latest Rangers are more efficient than they used to be. The 168bhp version is the most economical, with an official fuel economy figure of up to 40.9mpg. That’s very respectable for a large, heavy four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Value for money
Ford offers a huge range of Ranger models, from the basic XL workhorse to the top-of-the-range Raptor. This means prices vary a lot, but entry-level models are very affordable. Because they are classed as commercial vehicles, businesses can claim back the VAT, and company car drivers benefit from lower tax rates (this excludes the Raptor model). Pick-ups also tend to hold their value well.
Reliability & Warranty
The Ranger has a reputation for being a tough and dependable vehicle. However, many are used as working trucks and for towing, so it’s important to check any used example for signs of abuse and to ensure it has a full service history. From new, Ford offers a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which is shorter than the warranties offered by some rivals like Toyota and Mitsubishi.
Safety
Safety features
The Ford Ranger is a very safe pick-up, and was the first to receive a maximum five-star safety rating from the experts at Euro NCAP. All models come with a good level of standard safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Higher-spec models add even more features like a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
There’s a Ranger for everyone, with six main trim levels. The range starts with the basic XL, a utilitarian workhorse with steel wheels. The XLT adds features like alloy wheels and a touchscreen. Our pick is the Limited trim, which comes with LED headlights, heated leather seats, and keyless entry.
The popular Wildtrak adds more aggressive styling, while the special-edition Thunder features unique black and red design details. At the top of the range is the Raptor, a hardcore off-road version that has been significantly re-engineered with specialist suspension and a muscular bodykit.
Engines
The entire modern Ranger lineup is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. This is available in three power outputs: 128bhp, 168bhp, and a 210bhp twin-turbo version which is fitted to the Wildtrak and Raptor models. Depending on the model, you have a choice of a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. All models come with a selectable four-wheel-drive system.