2018 Ford Ranger 3.2 XLT 4x4 (A) Review

As the demand for versatility and power in the Malaysian pickup truck market continues to grow, competition in the mid-size pickup segment has become increasingly intense. Consumers require vehicles that can handle daily commuting as well as occasional cargo transport or light off-road needs. The 2018 Ford Ranger 3.2 XLT 4x4 (A), as a popular model in this segment, has earned its place on many buyers' consideration lists due to its powerful 3.2L turbo diesel engine, off-road capability with a 4x4 drive system, and relatively balanced features. The purpose of this test drive is to evaluate the vehicle's actual performance in aspects such as power, handling, and space, and determine whether it can truly meet the needs of both household use and light off-roading.

In terms of exterior design, the 2018 Ranger 3.2 XLT 4x4 has a rugged overall style that aligns with the utilitarian nature of pickup trucks. The front end features a large trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome accents, giving it high recognizability. The body lines are straight and extend from the hood to the rear, enhancing a sense of robustness. The side is equipped with 265/65 R17 tires, with a moderate gap between the tires and wheel arches, ensuring good off-road ability without appearing overly exaggerated. At the rear, the vertically arranged taillights integrate smoothly with the side body lines, and the rear bumper is equipped with a skid plate to enhance its off-road vibe. Regarding the lighting system, the standard halogen automatic headlights and front fog lights provide adequate illumination for nighttime or rainy conditions, meeting daily usage requirements.

Stepping inside, the interior is primarily practical with a simple and straightforward layout. The dashboard is made of hard plastic material, which, while not luxurious in texture, aligns with the durable nature of a pickup truck. The multimedia screen in the center is of moderate size with clear operational logic, although it may appear slightly outdated compared to newer models in the same segment. In terms of features, the multifunction steering wheel supports audio volume adjustment and call answering, making it convenient for daily use. The instrument cluster is a self-illuminating analog type, displaying key information like engine RPM and vehicle speed in a clear and intuitive manner. The front doors offer keyless entry, and the push-start feature eliminates the need to take out the key, enhancing convenience. The front row features a single-zone manual air conditioning system that is straightforward to adjust, and the rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents to ensure passenger comfort.

Space is one of the Ranger's strong suits, with a body measuring 5362mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1815mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3220mm, providing ample interior room. The front row seats are manually adjustable and offer decent support, ensuring that long drives are not excessively fatiguing. The rear seats have generous space, with a 175cm tall passenger enjoying around two fists’ worth of legroom and ample headroom. In terms of storage, the front door storage compartments can fit two bottles of mineral water, the central armrest box is considerably spacious for various small items, and the rear seats can be flipped up to reveal hidden storage spaces, ideal for tools or private belongings.

In the powertrain department, the 3.2L five-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 200PS at 3000rpm, with peak torque available as early as 1750rpm. During actual driving, the power response is swift. At the start, a light press on the accelerator already gives a noticeable push-back feeling, illustrating the strong low-end torque. Even with five passengers onboard or a fully-loaded trunk, the acceleration does not feel sluggish. On the highway, gear shifts from the transmission are smooth, and overtaking in the 80-120km/h range is neat and quick, without requiring prolonged pressing of the accelerator for power output. When switching to 4x4 mode, the vehicle performs steadily on light off-road terrains like muddy or gravel roads, as the four-wheel-drive system efficiently distributes power to help the vehicle overcome obstacles.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate turning force and precise targeting, making it not feel heavy during daily commuting while also allowing clear feedback of the wheel's trajectory during off-road driving. The suspension system consists of a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear leaf spring non-independent suspension. This combination ensures control while also taking into account cargo needs. When driving over bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the minor vibrations, and the body does not exhibit significant bounce. While cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, avoiding discomfort for passengers. The fuel consumption performance is fairly average, with urban driving showing fuel consumption of about 10-12L per 100 km and highway driving showing about 8-9L, which is within expectations for a 3.2L diesel vehicle.

Regarding driving and riding comfort, the vehicle’s noise control is well executed, with wind and tire noise remaining within acceptable limits at high speeds. The diesel engine noise is somewhat noticeable at idle, but it is masked by wind noise when driving. The seat comfort is decent; the front seats have average wrap-around support but provide sufficient support, while the rear seatback angle is moderate, allowing for long rides without discomfort. The inclusion of rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights enhances convenience during rainy and nighttime driving. The rear parking sensors help drivers better assess the distance of the rear, reducing the risk of minor collisions.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Ford Ranger 3.2 XLT 4x4 (A) are its powerful engine performance, reliable four-wheel-drive system, and spacious interior. Compared to same-class vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux 2.8G 4x4, the Ranger’s 3.2L engine is more powerful, and its interior space is roomier. However, its interior quality and tech features are slightly less refined. This vehicle is suitable for users who need to balance daily household use with occasional cargo transport or light off-road activities, such as small business owners, outdoor enthusiasts, or families with multiple members. If you value power and space and don’t mind a more plastic-like interior feel, the 2018 Ford Ranger 3.2 XLT 4x4 (A) could be a good choice for you.