It's very close to getting to know the new generation of Ford Ranger — but we already know the first details. Despite this, the «blue oval» brand did not want to miss the opportunity to reaffirm the arguments of what is “the best-selling pick-up in Europe” — it was perhaps the most repeated phrase by those responsible for the brand — and prepared three special editions: Stormtrak , Wolftrak and Raptor SE.
Three editions with a list of reinforced equipment, designed to revitalize the sales of this generation of Ford Ranger that is in «end of cycle».
Is it still a valid proposal? That's what we were trying to find out, during a "triple dose" test across Spanish lands. The answer is in the next few lines — or in the abstract at the end of the article.
Ford Ranger. off road without fear
It's not every day that we have at our disposal a test path like the one that Ford has prepared for this Ranger presentation. There was mud, dirt, asphalt and even more radical gradients to put Ranger's off-road skills to the test.
Despite the rain that had been felt in the previous days — and which increased the degree of difficulty of all obstacles — the Ranger "climbed" everything.
Of all the tests, one of the most fun was made at the wheel of the Wolftrak version. Ford prepared a small slalom test, where we were invited to do the course first with all-wheel drive on and then with only rear-wheel drive and with the differential lock active.
As you would expect, it was with the all-wheel drive «off» that we had the most fun.
If the Ford technicians had left it, it was still there. Entertaining to “wind up” pedestrians with the Ford Ranger Wolftrak. It may be the less powerful version, however, the 170 hp and 420 Nm of the Ford EcoBlue 2.0 (Diesel) engine are still enough to make the rear axle «take off» with ease. But that is not the focus of this release.
The Ford Ranger Wolftrak is, of this trio, the version most suited for professional use. In the work box we find tubular iron supports and inside there are fewer “perks” than in the Stormtrak and Raptor SE versions.
Even so, the endowment of this Ranger Wolftrak's equipment remains sufficient — despite the absence of the automatic gearbox, present in the other versions — justifying the price of 44 800 euros in Portugal.
Are we going to get the wheels dirty?
Ford Ranger continues to offer above-average off-road capabilities — something we've proven before with the more extreme Raptor. And it was precisely in the Stormtrak version that we started to put the “hardest questions” to Ranger's traction system and suspensions.
With gearboxes “on”, traction system activated, rear differential locked, 213 hp of power and 500 Nm of maximum torque, it is difficult to stop the progression of the Ford Ranger Stormtrak. And even those with less experience will feel confident to face the roughest paths.
Due to the rain and the passage of several groups of journalists along these paths in the previous days, we have already found the test route very degraded. Fortunately Ford had the courage to maintain the pre-established route and we were treated to axle crossings that pushed the ranger's suspension and traction system to the limit.
Leaving the difficult trails behind, it is worth highlighting the standard equipment of this version, which aims at a target audience that doesn't just want a work vehicle. With leather seats, electric loading platform cover, exclusive body inserts and a 10-speed automatic transmission, this Ford Ranger Stormtrak definitely targets an audience that is looking for a vehicle whose skills are not exhausted in professional use and are also looking for a high-quality vehicle. leisure.
However, don't expect to find materials at the level of Ford's SUVs on Ranger Stormtrak. The origins of this pick-up continue to be noted. Fortunately, the good sound insulation work and the correct suspension tuning make it relatively easy to forget about the assumption of this model. Price? 56 000 euros.
A price differential that is justified by the more powerful engine, the 10-speed automatic gearbox, specific decoration, leather seats, 18″ wheels, load box with electric control and SYNC3 infotainment system, among other “perks” a few years were unthinkable in a vehicle of this segment.
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Ford Ranger Raptor SE. The most desired version
It's the most expensive version — it's offered in our country for 68,900 euros, just 900 euros more than Raptor's "normal" version. It's also the most desirable, fun, and — perhaps for that very reason … — the least focused on professional use. The Ford Ranger Raptor SE is all that and more.
Born in the Ford Performance division, this version, in addition to offering a more aggressive look, also has a more evolved suspension scheme, tailored to drive with the «knife in the teeth».
At the front we find double aluminum arms that work together with suspensions supplied by FOX Racing — a brand with a lot of experience in this type of vehicle. The practical result of these changes is wider front lanes, greater stability and an obstacle-absorbing capacity unparalleled in the segment.
The Ford Ranger Raptor SE is definitely the funniest pickup truck on the market.
On the rear axle, in addition to FOX Racing suspensions, we have at our disposal a multilink scheme designed to maximize performance in sporty driving. The load and work capacity is compromised, but in compensation we gain an ability to progress in sporty driving that at times can be disconcerting.
As for the response of the mechanical part, it is noted that the 213 hp could receive the company of more «equidae». Not because of engine response demerit, but because of Ford's brilliant work on the chassis/suspension combination.
On the road, whichever version is chosen, Ford Ranger surprises for its comfort — with an advantage for the Raptor SE — and for the consumption that can be around 8.0 l/100 km if we take full advantage of the 10-speed automatic transmission.
