2020 Ford Ranger FX4 Review

As the demand for "practicality + individuality" in Malaysia's pickup truck market continues to rise, mid-size pickups that combine off-road capabilities with everyday practicality are becoming the focus of consumer attention. The 2020 Ford Ranger FX4, a special edition launched by Ford to meet this demand, highlights its core selling points in exclusive styling kits, the practicality of the four-wheel-drive system, and Ford's consistent durability. This test drive will focus on whether its static design meets market aesthetics, its dynamic performance balances off-road and urban commuting, and whether its overall cost-effectiveness is worth investing in, providing a comprehensive reference for potential customers.

In terms of appearance, the most distinctive feature of the 2020 Ranger FX4 is the exclusive black-themed kit. The front end features a large black honeycomb grille paired with a black Ford logo, offering significantly higher recognizability compared to the standard Ranger. From the side, 18-inch black alloy wheels are in line with the black fender flares and side steps, complemented by the "FX4" exclusive badges on the hood and doors, presenting a rugged off-road style. At the rear, the black rear bumper contrasts with the chrome trim, while the simple yet functional LED taillight set ensures clarity even under strong light. In terms of lighting systems, the front lights come equipped with an automatic lighting function, ensuring sufficient brightness and range for driving on suburban or rural roads at night.

The interior design emphasizes practicality, with a straightforward and clear layout. The dashboard is wrapped in a large amount of soft-touch materials, which, while not as sophisticated as luxury cars, are above average among pickups in this class. As for key configurations, the 8-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with tolerable operational smoothness, although the screen's resolution may reflect light under strong illumination. The seats are a leather and fabric combination, with manually adjustable front seats featuring lumbar support to ease fatigue during long drives. The steering wheel adopts a three-spoke multifunctional design, with volume controls and call buttons on the left side, and cruise control controls on the right, providing clear tactile feedback during blind operation. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with automatic air conditioning and rear air vents, ensuring a certain degree of comfort for rear passengers.

In terms of space performance, the 2020 Ranger FX4 measures 5354×1860×1848mm, with a wheelbase of 3220mm. The rear legroom is at the mainstream level among vehicles in its class; a 175cm tall passenger sitting in the rear leaves about a fist's distance between their knees and the front seat. Regarding storage capacity, the storage compartments on the front door panels can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the depth of the central armrest box is sufficient to store a tablet and some miscellaneous items. The cargo bed measures 1549×1560×511mm, capable of easily carrying tools or outdoor equipment. The bed is also equipped with reserved tie-down hooks for securing cargo.

The powertrain is equipped with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum output of 160PS and peak torque of 385N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response during startup is relatively mild, which is a characteristic of diesel engines, but as the engine speed climbs beyond 1500rpm, the torque is unleashed rapidly, providing ample power for overtaking or climbing. Switching to sport mode makes the transmission’s shift logic more aggressive, noticeably increasing downshifting speed, which is suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration. During everyday urban commuting, the engine speed generally remains below 2000rpm, and cabin noise is well-controlled, ensuring undisturbed conversations.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers moderate resistance and has minimal play. The directional control during driving is precise, allowing for accurate navigation even on unpaved suburban roads. The suspension system is a combination of a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear leaf spring non-independent suspension, which ensures off-road performance while maintaining a certain level of comfort. When driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the rear suspension's shock-absorbing performance is average, and rear passengers will feel noticeable bouncing, which is a common trait of pickup truck models. The four-wheel-drive system is a part-time 4WD with a low-speed mode. On muddy or gravel roads in the suburbs, switching to 4WD mode significantly enhances the vehicle's off-road capability, sufficient for light off-road needs.

In terms of fuel economy, this test drive covered city roads, highways, and some unpaved roads, with an overall fuel consumption of approximately 8.5L/100km. For a 4WD pickup truck with a curb weight exceeding 2 tons, this result is within an acceptable range. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal travel is moderate, the initial braking force is linear, and the body remains stable during emergency braking without noticeable nosedive.

In terms of driving comfort, the seat wrapping is average, but the support is sufficient, so long drives won't cause significant fatigue in the lower back and hips. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise become more noticeable during highway driving, particularly above 120km/h, where you may need to increase the volume to hear music clearly. However, this is typical for pickup trucks. Additionally, the vehicle's idling vibrations are well-controlled, making it almost imperceptible when seated inside, as the diesel engine's vibrations are effectively dampened.

Overall, the key advantage of the 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 lies in its exclusive exterior styling kit, enhancing its recognizability. Its four-wheel-drive system is highly practical, appealing to users with occasional light off-road needs. Compared to its competitors like the Toyota Hilux, the Ranger FX4 is more affordable and adds features like rear air vents and a multifunction steering wheel, offering better value for money. Compared to the Mitsubishi Triton, the Ranger stands out with better brand influence and reliability reputation.

This vehicle is mainly suited for consumers who need to balance work and life, such as small business owners, outdoor enthusiasts, or rural users. It can meet daily cargo transport needs while also being capable of short outdoor trips with family or friends during the weekends. However, urban users who prioritize ultimate comfort might find its rear suspension a bit stiff and highway noise level relatively high.

In summary, the 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 is a "versatile" midsize pickup truck that strikes a good balance between appearance, performance, practicality, and value for money. For consumers who prioritize vehicle durability and multi-scenario usability, it is a worthwhile option to consider.