2012 FORD RANGER REVIEW

What’s hot: Bigger, stronger, quieter, car-like refinement with big ute payload
What’s not: Wheel that only adjusts for rake (not reach), more expensive than HiLux
X-Factor: Looks tough, is tough; but it’s not only tradies who are gonna love this truck

Price: $55,390 (XLT auto), $43,890 (XL manual)

Fuel Consumption (claimed): 9.2 l/100km (auto)
Fuel consumption (on test): 9.9 l/100km (auto)

OVERVIEW

This is the one. Ford's 2012 PX Ranger is the new benchmark and the one to take the battle to Toyota's dominant HiLux.

Of all the pretenders to the HiLux throne - the Amarok, Mitsubishi's Triton, Navara, Colorado, Isuzu's D-Max - none have the armoury of the Ranger.

Strong, tough, refined, and quieter than all, the Ford Australia-designed and engineered new Ranger is a generation ahead of each.

And with optional six-speed auto, 470Nm of torque and a 3.35 tonne braked towing capacity for the 3.2 litre diesel tested here, it is perhaps two generations ahead of the HiLux (its recent update notwithstanding).

But will it outsell the HiLux? Only the brave would make that call. As we commented in reviewing the updated HiLux, its reputation as a tough, reliable work-companion is deserved. That's why it has ruled the segment for 14 years.

We put the new Ranger XLT and XL twin-cab 4x4s through their paces on the highway around the Adelaide Hills, and off-road into some challenging tracks and trails through the Flinders Rangers.

It was impossible not to be impressed. We were expecting the Ranger to be good, but few could have expected how good. For engineering, for practical work-horse capability and refinement, Ford has leap-frogged every other contender in the sector. Bar none.

INTERIOR

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Quality: The XLT Ranger's interior is both well-designed and well put-together. But while it's good, it doesn't kill the opposition. I would give the nod to the Amarok over the Ranger for interior feel.

The new Ranger does however beat the HiLux, Triton and Navara for trim quality and for the clean lines and shapes of the interior: from the stippled sloping dash to the brushed metal centre stack, instrument bezels, and satin metal highlights to the doors.

It’s a pretty nice place to be, whether in XLT or XL configuration.

Comfort: With wide-opening doors, well-padded seats and appealing tactile surfaces - like 'cold-feel' door handles, appealing seat fabrics, padded door-rests – the Ranger XLT feels more like a modern sedan than a ‘fourby’ ute, both for the snug ambience of the interior, and for its isolation and refinement.

And, front and back, it’s roomy. The B-pillars have been moved forward in the twin-cab to create larger rear-door openings and larger rear glass. The doors open ‘square’, at close to 90-degrees, to make getting in and out easier.

And, in the back, there’s ample room for Lenny, Dags and Gino (we put a 6'2" guinea-pig in there for a knee and headroom check), and oodles of room for the young family.

A debit is that the steering-wheel adjusts for rake only, and not reach, and the carpets are commercial fare (for those who care about carpet).

Features: Besides the obvious like bigger tyres, alloy wheels, three-bar chrome grille and stepped rear bumper, the XLT carries a higher grade of trim, metal garnishes to the interior and doors, and a much longer feature list.

The XLT comes with steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth with voice-control. There is a 4.2-inch colour screen, rain-sensing wipers, a clever ‘joy-stick’ control in the centre-stack, iPod and MP3 CD audio system, and automatic locking doors on driveaway.

There are other smart touches like regenerative charging when decelerating (common to all models) and alarm with motion sensors (to keep the tools better secured).

Storage: The double-cab tub is 1549mm long, 1560mm wide, 1139 between the wheel-arches and 511mm deep. This makes it one of the biggest in its class for cubic capacity and capable of taking a payload of 1148kg.

For trade buyers, or those looking to tow something seriously big, the new Ranger comes with a 3.35 tonne braked towing capacity which monsters most of its nearest competitors.

Lift up the rear seats and you'll find storage compartments (to keep valuables out of sight), fold the backs forward and you'll find more stowage space. The glovebox is designed to take a lap-top computer and the centre-console is vented to the air-con to keep drinks cool.

There are drinks holders in the console, bottle holders in the doors, and drinks holders in a folding arm-rest for rear-seat passengers.

ON THE ROAD

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Driveability: Here, on road, at the wheel, this is where the Ranger crushes the opposition. Its 3.2 litre I5 diesel is simply a cracking unit.

With 147kW and 470Nm, it's strong, strongest of its natural enemies – only the Navara 3.0DT V6 2WD diesel gives it any heat – but it's far and away the quietest and smoothest of all.

Mated to the six-speed auto, it pulls like a train on the tarmac. We did a looping run with 800kg in the rear tub; quite simply we forgot about it.

The Ranger barely knew it was there, it still pulled effortlessly, retained its on-road compliance, and only on tight corners was it apparent there was “something in the back”.

The 6R80 six-speed transmission has both Sport and Normal modes. It is simply a matter of flicking the lever and, if left in Sport, upshifts occur later, or you can paddle it up and down through the gears manually.

It also comes with ‘grade logic control’ which automatically downshifts on descents or into corners (making towing a safer proposition).

Refinement: Is this the most refined diesel in the commercial 4X4 class? We'd reckon it is. Clatter, that diesel thing, is all-but absent. Away from idle, at highway speeds, or grinding up a steep incline, it rarely sounds stretched or harsh and is more refined than what you'll find under the bonnet of a lot of up-market, expensive family sedans.

On-road, the interior is well isolated not only from road shocks and mechanical harshness (fluid-filled body mounts at work here) but also from road-roar and wind noise.

And, thanks to the tub design, even when travelling at well-above normal highway speeds, whistling or wind-shear that can occasionally be generated between the tub and the passenger compartment has been engineered out.

Suspension: With coil-over shocks double wishbone front suspension, rack and pinion steering, the Ranger drives more like a car than a commercial ute.

The turning circle is reasonably tight, and, while there is not a lot of feedback through the wheel on the highway, it's about right off-road.

Braking: That three-plus tonne braked towing capacity not only demands a strong chassis, but strong braking performance. While the pedal is more commercial underfoot than car-like, it's not heavy and has a progressive feel.

We found the braking fade free and, even when clearly working overtime on the longer looser descents (rattling on and off with the traction control), on no occasion were we left with a wooden pedal feel at the bottom.

Off-Road: You can flick between 2H and 4H at up to 110km/h. Great when belting along a gravel road, and the additional traction and control is felt instantly.

For 4L, it’s a matter of coming to a stop, slipping to neutral then engaging the transfer case via a switchable button on the console. Sure beats fiddling about with a lever.

Off-road, in four-low, diff-lock engaged, with those 470 Newton-metres all working quietly at your disposal, a rigid chassis and with long wheel articulation, you can pick your way up and over almost anything.

It’s so capable, it takes the challenge – and consequently some of the fun – out of it. But you’re gonna love it if you’re dragging a heavy boat up a slippery boat ramp or hauling a Bobcat out of a sodden building site.

Transfer-case, drivetrain, oil pan and fuel tank are tucked inside the side rails for better off-road protection. Minimum ground clearance is 230mm with 16-inch wheels fitted, more of course in the XLT with its 17-inch rims.

We found the bump-stops only once, and had no trouble stepping up and over some pretty steep, rock-strewn pinches.

Also, while we didn’t have the opportunity to test it out, with an 800mm wading line, the Ranger comes with the deepest water fording capability in its class.

SAFETY RATING

ANCAP RATING: Not yet rated.

Safety features: The Ranger comes loaded with all the expected safety features, and some unexpected.

The expected include front, side and curtain airbags, pretensioning seat-belts and child restraint anchorages. Also expected is electronic stability control, ABS, EBD and traction control.

Less expected is the adaptive load control, trailer sway control (using the ABS and ESC to stabilise and prevent jack-knifing when towing – a potential life-saver for those towing large caravans and boats) with roll-over mitigation control, and rear park assist and rear-view camera system.

It also comes with hill-descent control and hillstart assist.

In the manual, we tried the hill-descent control in ‘angel’. That is, we pushed it out of gear on a steep – like really steep – rock-strewn descent and took the foot off the brake. This messes with the head big-time: no trouble, gravity, traction control and ABS simply conveyed us to the floor of the valley. All we did was steer.

WARRANTY AND SERVICING

Warranty: TBA

Servicing: Capped-price servicing across the range, service intervals 15,000km.

HOW IT COMPARES: VALUE FOR MONEY

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The update to the HiLux saw Toyota revise its pricing down across the range. Nissan and Mitsubishi also have some very attractive price discounts at the moment for the Triton and Navara.

The new Ranger is more expensive than most – it's priced more in line with the Amarok – but packages a lot more car into the money, and a lot more appeal.

VERDICT: OVERALL

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Ford is building terrific cars at the moment. Can you find a dud in the range? And Ford Australia engineers have dropped two absolutely stand-out cars into our laps this year: The Territory, and now the Ranger.

Of those two, the Ranger is the greater achievement. Starting from a clean sheet of paper, and seven years in the making, this is one exceptional dual-cab ute - in both XLT and XL configuration.

Unless Holden has something absolutely magical up its sleeve with the new Colorado, Ford’s Ranger will remain head and shoulders above everything in the sector.

Everywhere you care to look, on every objective measure, where HiLux is good, Ranger is better. Ditto for Triton, ditto for Amarok and ditto for Navara. It’s that good.

HiLux deserves its four-star rating. It has pounded its usurpers mercilessly for nearly two decades. But Ford’s new Ranger is a game-changer.

This is the best dual-cab diesel 4X4 ute you can buy at the moment. But don’t believe a word of this review; when it hits Ford showrooms, go and have a look for yourself.

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• reply ” like !

  

  Luke says,
  8 months ago

  2 likes

  It's great to finally see the results of many years hard work by a talented and dedicated team.
  
  Best of luck to Ford with a great new AUSTRALIAN designed and engineered product.
• reply ” like !

  

  cyclone says,
  8 months ago

  Why has it taken so long to knock the hilux off the thrown. Not taking anything away from the ranger but even the sr5, meant to be the hit top of the range us pretty damn basic and bloody expensive !!!
• reply ” like !

  

  Gump says,
  7 months ago

  3 likes

  Wow...Just when I was convinced that the new Amarok was as good as it gets, the new Ford Ranger seems to be better.
  What I don't get is why the tub width in the Ranger is only 1139mm wide between the wheel arches. Meaning it will not fit a pallet. Surely this would have been an easy engineering solution.
• reply ” like !

  

  Dave says,
  5 months ago

  1 like

  It would help if you clowns (TMR) actually got your facts right. You quote the 5 cyl 3.2L diesel as having ".....127kW and 470Nm.....". Try 147kW and 470Nm!
  • reply ” like !

    

    Tim O'Brien says,
    5 months ago

    4 likes

    Yo Dave, yep, that'd be a typo... we miss 'em from time to time (too busy dodging cream pies, getting shot out of cannons and juggling cats and chainsaws and stuff).
    
    But thanks for the pick-up.
    
    Tim
    (aka the magnificent Bozo the Flatulent)
    
• reply ” like !

  

  Monkey Fluff says,
  5 months ago

  1 like

  The all-new Colorado hasn't reached Australia yet, but it is already winning overseas comparos. I've heard that it claimed the no 1 spot in a recent Thai magazine article, up against the Ranger and Hilux.
  
  Judged better off-road than both.
  
  Looks very cool as well.
  
  One to watch IMO, but for now the Ranger has to be the King of the 4WD Ute field. BT-50 is the better buy IMO and it's styling is unique, and growing on me.
  • reply ” like !

    

    ozmazda says,
    5 months ago

    The Mazda BT50 is the new boy on the block with a fresh bold look and competitive pricing...would be my pick....
    • reply ” like !

      

      MattW says,
      4 months ago

      1 like

      "bold" is an understatement lol. There's a reason they are hiding how it looks under bullbars on the TV ads...
  • reply ” like !

    

    judgejudy says,
    3 months ago

    Wow, the light truck market has certainly improved over the years, the new Ranger and BT50 are pretty amazing. Though im not too sure about the Colorado, not so pretty (uglier than BT, lol) and very American styling which hasnt worked in Australia to date. Hopefully it performs and functions well and contributes to Holdens sales. It would have to have to be very good to beat the Ranger / BT50 and Amarok, interested whether it can get 5 star ANCAP safety. Time will tell
    
  • reply ” like !

    

    Dave Randall says,
    16 days ago

    the bt50 is ugly Ranger in disquise
• reply ” like !

  

  Maggot Chunk says,
  5 months ago

  At the end of the day it is still a Ford, so likely the windows, door handles and everything else like that won't work after 5 years.
  
  The Amarok looks better, it has already proven itself, I'm VERY suprised the tester has rated it below the Amarok............
  • reply ” like !

    

    humble says,
    4 months ago

    2 likes

    Have you driven the Amarok? What most journos fail to mention is that it has no low-down torque, a crappy gearshift and an even worse clutch.
    
    Let's not get started on VW reliability either.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Glen says,
      4 months ago

      Where are the statistics to show VWs are not reliable? I have not seen any.
      • reply ” like !

        

        rick says,
        3 months ago

        well buy a VW,you ll be selling it before the warranty runs out. my bro and parents brought new ones 2 yrs ago very unreliable to say the least, well at least they have good relationships with the work shop staff at the local dealer... wanna know details id be more than happy to tell you.
  • reply ” like !

    

    OutbackOZ says,
    4 months ago

    Keep in mind too, Australia is a big place. When you head places its easier to find a Ford/Holden/Toyota dealer unlike a VW/GreatWall etc. Plus unlike most others including VW i dont think you will find another car on the market that has been tested as much or as hard as the Ranger/BT50. Yes there will be little issues with them as any new car. Also if you go for a drive, the power from the engine gives the feeling it will last. not like these small engine putting out big power, take the new 550 Navara V6 Diesel. Yes great power but for how long and at what cost....
  • reply ” like !

    

    judgejudy says,
    3 months ago

    1 like

    Bit harsh on Ford dont you think, they havent made XD,E, Fs in a while. FYi - VW have massive recent quality issues which will change public perception, mainly electrical (Tsi) that isnt supported by company. Looks are very subjective, but I think Amarok looks a little bland in my opinion and no auto or bigger engines as yet, though I like the sheer size of the Amarok, it is quite a bit wider than Ranger, BT and Hilux which would improve second row comfort.
  • reply ” like !

    

    fred says,
    2 months ago

    You must lisen to all the complains on the copetision here, including the hilux,you will be surprised how many window lift fail after 3 months, inter cooler rubers,plastic door handels inside, break and all kinds of irritating things.Dont worry papa say it is normal in Thailand
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  Illinois Lemon Law says,
  4 months ago

  Its simple!.They "Ford" don't want to lose sales of the beloved F-150 that these "Good Ole Boys" here in Alabama love so much.Every day I see people riding solo with no cargo all over town here in the big trucks,burning gas,wasting utility.Ford wants to keep it that way!.Why reward you guys with a small diesel powered truck that gets 40MPG.They want that MONEY.
  
  http://www.illinoislemonlaw.com/
• reply ” like !

  

  cussler says,
  4 months ago

  Hmmm...starting to hear about electrical gremlins with the Ranger. Issues with flat batteries, failing electric windows, accessories overloading the wiring, problems when running trailers with LED lights.
  
  Seems there is a teething problem or two. Typical of an all new model I guess.
  • reply ” like !

    

    OutbackOZ says,
    4 months ago

    There are a few little ones. As for electrical i.e. overloading etc you cant just wire in and power up thing like u use too. It needs to be done right e.g. In the XLT there is a modual under the driver seat to aid in accessories, and the XL u will need to get that modual. This is to stop the overload of the BCM. No more cutting in to a harness to get the power feed.
    
    • reply ” like !

      

      cussler says,
      4 months ago

      Thats interesting Outback Oz. So more a case of owner education than actual vehicle faults.
      
      Gone are the simple days
  • reply ” like !

    

    parafrog says,
    3 months ago

    Lots of comments now coming in about warranty issues for anything not Ford approved being added to the ranger. Electrical wiring thin and cheap, tow bar way too low. Whats the point of buying a 4wd if you cant accessorize it for just that purpose. Everyone knows any model of vehicle comes out stock standard for the wider buyers group, but to skimp on details like not having a relay that accepts replacing normal globes with LED's or even being able to tow a trailer etc with LED's, as well as dramatically reducing departure angle with an anchor of a tow bar, geeze, it makes you wonder. If I have to be more worried about what ISN'T covered by warranty by putting an accessory on this vehicle, then it just may not be the one for me
• reply ” like !

  

  Dennis says,
  3 months ago

  Good on you Ford, I can't wait to give it a test drive. I am still amazed that the Hilux is still given so much cred. It might be built like the proverbial brick outhouse, but it rides like one, it handles like one and it performs like one. I bought one about some years ago when they first bought in the 3.0 litre diesel. I only kept it a year and couldn't wait to get rid of it.
  
  I now have a Navarra D40 STX dual cab - servicing costs ridiculously high - finish mediocre - not happy Jan.
  • reply ” like !

    

    OutbackOZ says,
    3 months ago

    Dennis, interesting on the Navara. Spanish built one you have (Daul cab STX) is it the YD25 (2.5lt) engine??
    I hope for your sake you dont have any timing belt issues (very costly) EGR problems, electric windows, recall after recall (not on Thailand models)
    I know you'll like the drive of the ranger (ive drivin the ranger, navara, navara 550, and hilux)and yes the 550 has bullship, it makes you wounder how long the live and reliability is. As for the ranger, its smooth (manual a little different) enough power and the best thing is it feel effortless with its power. Good luck mate
    • reply ” like !

      

      Dennis says,
      3 months ago

      Thanks Outback Oz. Fortunately I haven't had any of the dreaded problems so far reported, just expensive service bills - 1k for a 40K service. One of my work mates has an STX and at 90,000km it dropped the oil pump, stuffed the motor and he had a hell of a fight with Nissan to get some cost coverage. He ended getting some help but still a few K out of pocket.
      
      • reply ” like !

        

        OutbackOZ says,
        3 months ago

        No prob Dennis. Some people aren’t aware that Nissan do have capped price servicing. It hurt some dealers as they had to drop there labour rate to $120inc. But yes still not cheap. the 80km will be a little more expensive unfortunately.
• reply ” like !

  

  Kiel says,
  3 months ago

  Hey outback, I have the previous model ranger and where I'm from utes are used for everything even though it isn't really much off roading. All the guys down here boasts and show off with the speed from lights to light with their navaras. I wanna upgrade and get this new 3.2 ranger, do you think this could take a navara from take off? We get the 2.5 navs here not the v6.
  • reply ” like !

    

    OutbackOZ says,
    3 months ago

    Kiel, i wouldnt think the 2.5 navara would have your 3lt ranger by much. As for the new ranger, i would say that you would have the legs (top end) over the navara and it would be close on take offs (i know they'll do 170+) . I have heard (but not driven yet) that the Auto ranger feels like it have more power then the manual. Plus im not the biggest fan of the PX ranger manual, it takes a little getting use too. Just laugh at the navara boys, they'll have many more problems with there navara then u will with either rangers. lol As for the Navara 550, ford hasn't got anything like the power it has, but i think thats a good thing. These arnt sports cars, there work/family cars so the power of the 550's concerns me as nissan havent had the best run of diesel's since the TD42.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Emma says,
      3 months ago

      I have heard the 3.2L is limited to 175 km/h the same top end as the smaller diesel. 0-100 about 10s.
    • reply ” like !

      

      WTR4CE says,
      3 months ago

      3 likes

      Ihave had a stx for the last 4.5years and had no problem what ever from it,its been serviced every 10k ,always loaded to max carrying capacity,3ton.
      This vehicle is now being changed,so went looking for replacement,
      The only one that comes close to this is the new ford ranger,took it for a test drive and was very impressed on how it performed on and off road ,ordered one about 3months ago but still waiting for it to arrive..
      Our company uses Toyota utes ,but will I think when they see the new ranger every one will be pushing to get one when their vehicle come up for replacement.
      Ps.. Can't wait for it to get here:-
• reply ” like !

  

  Craig Hunt says,
  3 months ago

  2 likes

  For all the people who dont like Ford I want one and going to order one
• reply ” like !

  

  Rob says,
  2 months ago

  Wake up people!!! Learn some wiring techniques ,,, take a pos from the battery and some relays and you can run what you want.... Anything that the battery/ alternator can handle. ....... Biggest problem with the new ranger is the people driving them.... No idea at all .... I have one with 100 amps of accesories ...... No problem ... You just run your own new circuit/ relays ... Too easy!!
  
• reply ” like !

  

  Rob says,
  2 months ago

  By the way champs!,, Just run a new cable to the 12vdc outlet in the tray ,, make it 4mm squared and you can run any fridge , compressor, inverter, whatever! You can do all this wiring properly and neatly covered in corregated plastic clipped and out of harms way in a lazy weekend! Including running wires for spotties driving lights , winch or whatever! And it's also pretty cheap.... Jay car is pretty good,,!heaps of other places to gate it from too!
  • reply ” like !

    

    OutbackOZ says,
    2 months ago

    Doin you own wiring is no prob on the ranger as long as power is drawn from the battery. Don't cut into the harness for power or you run the risk of overloading the BCM. No biggy though....
    • reply ” like !

      

      Rob says,
      2 months ago

      Right on!!!!!
      • reply ” like !

        

        Rob says,
        2 months ago

        I wouldn't splice into any new car wiring anyway,,,, aside from high beam to power a relay for driving lights,,,,,,, it's not hard to run your own new circuit..... So why not. It won't effect anything so it's cool!
        
      • reply ” like !

        

        Rob says,
        2 months ago

        By the way I'm an electrician! But acc wiring is extremely basic . Just ask me!
        
• reply ” like !

  

  Rob says,
  2 months ago

  One more thing! I own a 2006 d40 Navara 4 litre petrol. I purchased a supercharger kit from stillen USA and installed it. It ripped! But after 20000 kms the left bank blew the catalytic converter (primary). I still drove it for about 80 kms and then replaced both primary cats on each bank with metal matrix cats. ( Nissan stock cats are $ 3000 each yes $ 3000. Metal matrix race cats are $ 700 a pair. ) anyhow.... I now burn about 2 litres of oil per 1000kms. Compression test on 135 cylinders is 160 130 120 psi respectively. Cylinders 246 are dead on 190 psi. So basically the blown cat has ruined my left bank of cylinders through exhaust gas reversion when the engine is in coast ( injectors shut off in coast on vq40 engines) . So my point... If anyone wants to purchase a stillen supercharger kit...... Replace your cats at the same time wiith metal matrix. ( the stock ceramic cats can't handle the extra exhaust gases). Anyhow.. Stiff *** I'm having a beer! Cheers!
• reply ” like !

  

  BARRY YOUNG says,
  1 month ago

  2 likes

  For all the people who don't like Ford - blah - I want one and have ordered one already - cool Can't wait till it arrives at the end of June ....
• reply ” like !

  

  hypers2k says,
  1 month ago

  Hi all. just a few problems with my new XLT double cab, let be down on fwy, in the shop for over a week until they replaced the crank angle sensor, now the gear stick has come all loose, what next? not even 10K yet
  • reply ” like !

    

    Pete says,
    13 days ago

    Hey buddy,just had the same problem with the gear stick coming loose,bolts not loctite ,now I have a clunking noise when I release the clutch suddenly,just on 8000k when this *** happened.I also have condensation in my R/H mirror blinker and voice control not working properly.57000k I paid and this is what I get!!!
    • reply ” like !

      

      Carl says,
      19 hours ago

      Hi guys, wish I only had your problems. 15k and broken flex plate, Easter break plus 4 weeks to fix. Then very next day after getting it back, I was off to a job 600 odd k's away and towing my tool trailer when gear box dropped its bundle again spewing oil everywhere. I have driven it for about 8 days of the last 8 weeks. No parts in OZ to fix these vehicles. Hope its not going to be another 5 weeks to fix cause it's sending me broke.
• reply ” like !

  

  Straddie says,
  1 month ago

  With the turning circle you say it is reasonably tight,What sort of technical term is that you have figures for everthing else,I drive my ute in carparks building sites in the bush etc.Making these utes bigger just because they can doesnt make them better.
• reply ” like !

  

  Straddie says,
  1 month ago

  With the turning circle you say it is reasonably tight,What sort of technical term is that you have figures for everthing else,I drive my ute in carparks building sites in the bush etc.Making these utes bigger just because they can doesnt make them better.
• reply ” like !

  

  Sceptic says,
  1 month ago

  I have a 3.0L diesel SR5 and don't think it is as tough as previous models I've owned. The new ranger sounds good but it could be like an orange off road bike I bought once rather than the good old Honda's I normally raced. All good when new but after a short time heaps of small problems and still a promise this is fixed in the current model. Five years down the track you have spent more time fixing than driving and you can't give them away. I might wait a year or two to make a final call. Hope I am wrong.
• reply ” like !

  

  tony says,
  1 month ago

  1 like

  Hi folks, I am new here. Just about to purchase a new 2012 ranger, I would like to get the 2.2 diesel, which has plenty of power for 95% of my use, but for 4 weeks a year I need it to tow a 1100 kg caravan up the coast. So the question is, will the 2.2 pull the van, will I damage the car/engine in any way?, or will it be OK just a more slugihs?
  thanks. Tony
  • reply ” like !

    

    ace says,
    18 days ago

    2.2 will pull your van no problems
    
    the 3.2 litre manual has the torque truncated in the first three gears anyway so the 2.2 is about on even par for power in the first three gears.