2018 Ford Ranger 2.2 XL 4x4 High Rider Single Cab MT Review

For commercial vehicle users in the Malaysian market, a 2.2L diesel-powered single-cab pickup has always been the core choice that balances practical loading capabilities and off-road passability. The 2018 Ford Ranger 2.2 XL 4x4 High Rider Single Cab MT, as a popular model in this segment, attracts the attention of many individual and engineering users with its well-balanced configurations, reliable four-wheel-drive system, and spacious cargo area. This time, through an actual test drive, we focus on its performance in daily cargo transportation, driving on unpaved roads, and highway commuting to see if it can meet local users' demand for a versatile pickup truck.

From the exterior, this Ranger maintains the rugged style of the Ford pickup family. Its trapezoidal front grille, combined with sturdy chrome trims, is highly recognizable. The combination of halogen headlights and front fog lights on both sides can adequately meet the lighting needs during the local rainy weather. The body side lines are straight, with 16-inch wheels paired with 255/70 R16 tires. The high ground clearance ensures good passability, and the cargo bed's side walls are at a moderate height, making it convenient for daily loading and unloading of goods. The tail design is simple, with vertically arranged tail lights that provide clear warning effects when illuminated at night. Overall, the exterior does not feature excessive flashy designs, leaning more towards practicality.

Inside the cabin, the interior primarily uses black hard plastic, aligning with its commercial vehicle positioning, yet the detailing is fairly neat. The dashboard layout is simple, with an 8-inch central control screen (although this test vehicle is a basic configuration, it retains basic Bluetooth connectivity) and a manual air conditioning control area below. The physical buttons offer a solid tactile feel, making them easy to operate by touch. The instrument panel is of the Electroluminescent Analogue type, with clear displays of information such as the tachometer and speedometer, providing real-time vehicle status feedback. In terms of features, keyless entry, a single-zone manual air conditioner for the front row, and rear parking sensors are highly practical for daily use, while the 220V/230V power outlet satisfies temporary power supply needs on construction sites.

Space performance is one of the core advantages of a single-cab pickup. The vehicle's dimensions measure 5,362mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,815mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,220mm. The cargo bed length exceeds 1.8 meters, and the width is close to 1.5 meters, making it capable of carrying standard-sized goods or tools without any issues. The front seats are manually adjustable, with firm padding yet good support, making long drives less fatiguing. There is storage space under the passenger seat for toolkits or small items. Although it's a single-cab model, the front-row headroom and legroom are fairly generous, and a driver measuring 180cm can also find a comfortable seating position.

In terms of power, the 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum output of 120PS and a peak torque that kicks in at just 1,700rpm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The power response during acceleration is rather immediate; a light press on the gas pedal allows you to feel the low-end torque advantage of the diesel engine, and it doesn't feel strained when fully loaded. During high-speed driving, the gearbox shifts clearly with moderate travel, and the cruising RPM stays around 2,000rpm in 6th gear, demonstrating decent fuel efficiency. Our tests recorded an average fuel consumption of approximately 7.8L per 100 kilometers, which is relatively above average among similar segment four-wheel-drive pickups.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of a pickup truck. The front suspension is a double wishbone independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a leaf spring non-independent suspension, which performs well in filtering road bumps. Especially when driving on unpaved roads, the body stability is quite good. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance, has clear directional feedback, and body roll during cornering is within an acceptable range. The four-wheel-drive system is a part-time setup, and when switched to low-speed four-wheel-drive mode, the power distribution is even, making it capable of handling muddy roads or light off-road sections with strong off-road capability. The braking system performs stably, the brake pedal travel is moderate, and the body posture remains well-controlled during emergency braking.

In terms of driving comfort, although it is a commercial vehicle, the noise control is fairly good. At high speeds, wind and tire noise stay within acceptable limits. The diesel engine noise is somewhat noticeable at idle, but it does not significantly affect conversations inside the cabin when driving. Although the seat padding is slightly firm, it does not cause significant fatigue even during prolonged driving. The rear seats are designed to fold down, providing additional storage space when needed. The air conditioning system cools quickly, and the single-zone manual control is adequate for daily needs.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2018 Ford Ranger 2.2 XL 4x4 High Rider Single Cab MT lie in its balanced practicality and reliable performance. Compared to the Toyota Hilux 2.4 E Single Cab in the same class, it offers richer features (such as keyless entry and reverse radar) and a more stable four-wheel-drive system; compared to the Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 M Single Cab, it has a larger cargo bed and better fuel economy. This vehicle is suitable for users who need a balance between cargo carrying, off-road capability, and daily commuting, particularly for individual entrepreneurs, engineering practitioners, and those who frequently travel between urban and rural areas.

In conclusion, the 2018 Ford Ranger 2.2 XL 4x4 High Rider Single Cab MT is a "practical" pickup truck. It does not have excessive flashy features but fulfills users' needs in core aspects such as power, space, and off-road capability. If you need a reliable work truck that can occasionally handle unpaved roads, this vehicle is worth considering.