2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT (AT) Review

As the popularity of pickup trucks continues to rise locally, consumers are increasingly seeking models that can cater to both daily commuting and light off-road demands. The 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT (AT), as a popular choice in the midsize pickup segment, has attracted considerable attention with its practical configuration and reliable performance. This time, we had the opportunity to test drive this vehicle, with the main goal of evaluating its actual performance in terms of power, space, and day-to-day usage scenarios, and to determine whether it truly meets the dual needs of work and life.

In terms of appearance, the 2021 Ranger 2.2 XLT upholds Ford pickups' consistent rugged style. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with a blacked-out front bumper, offering a high level of recognition. The body lines are straight, with a waistline extending from the hood to the tailgate, enhancing the sense of strength. The 17-inch alloy wheels and 265/65 R17 tires ensure both off-road capability and a more balanced side profile. At the rear, the vertically arranged taillight design is simple, and the step integrated into the lower portion of the rear bumper facilitates access to the cargo bed. The overall design avoids excessive ornamentation, leaning more toward practicality. For lighting, halogen headlights and front and rear fog lights come standard, while the automatic headlight function switches lighting on and off when entering tunnels or on overcast days, adding convenience to daily use.

Stepping inside, the interior layout focuses on practicality. The symmetrical design of the center console features a 4.2-inch non-touch display that delivers clear visuals. Combined with physical buttons and knobs, the controls are intuitive and convenient to operate. The multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment and call answering, letting you manage these functions without distractions while driving. Regarding materials, most parts use hard plastics, but areas that are frequently touched, like door armrests and seats, are covered with soft materials, offering decent comfort. In terms of features, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding side mirrors come as standard, enhancing everyday convenience. The front seats are manually adjustable, with the driver’s seat offering 4-way adjustments and the passenger seat 2-way adjustments. While not as convenient as electric adjustments, the range of adjustments is adequate for most users.

Space performance is a significant advantage of this vehicle. The vehicle's length reaches 5,426mm with a wheelbase of 3,220mm, providing ample room for both the front and rear passengers. Headroom and legroom in the front row are generous, and even passengers standing 180cm tall will not feel cramped. Although the rear seatback angle is slightly upright, legroom is sufficient, and longer journeys shouldn’t result in significant discomfort. For storage, the door panel slots can accommodate large bottles, while the central armrest box and glove compartment offer ample space for everyday essentials. The bed's dimensions are not specified, but based on actual usage, it easily accommodates large suitcases or tools, making it suitable for users who need to haul cargo.

In terms of power, the 2021 Ranger 2.2 XLT is equipped with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 160 PS and peak torque available between 1,600-2,600 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the power response is fairly quick. It feels agile during starts, provides smooth acceleration, and during overtaking, pressing the accelerator prompts the transmission to downshift quickly, offering strong power output. Regarding driving modes, although there aren’t multiple mode options, it handles both daily commuting and light off-road scenarios competently. The chassis adopts a front double wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring non-independent suspension, with tuning leaning toward firmness. When encountering uneven road surfaces, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations, and the vehicle remains stable. In cornering situations, the steering wheel offers precise control with minimal dead zones, body roll is well-managed, and the overall driving experience is stable and confident.

The fuel consumption performance is moderate. According to our tests, the fuel consumption is about 9-10L/100km when driving on city roads, and it can drop to 7-8L/100km on highways. For a 2.1-ton 4x4 pickup truck, this performance is quite decent. In terms of braking performance, the front ventilated disc brakes perform steadily, the brake pedal provides clear feedback, and the vehicle maintains good posture during emergency braking. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise can be noticeable during high-speed driving, but they remain within an acceptable range. The noise of the diesel engine is slightly noticeable at idle, but it becomes unobtrusive when driving.

Overall, the 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT (AT) is a midsize pickup truck that balances practicality and cost-effectiveness. Compared to competitors in the same class, it has a significant advantage in space, its configurations are fairly practical, and it is priced at around RM 118,388, making it quite competitive among vehicles in the same price range. This vehicle is suitable for users who need to balance daily commuting with light off-roading and cargo transport, such as small business owners, outdoor enthusiasts, or family users. If you are looking for a reliable and practical pickup truck, the 2021 Ranger 2.2 XLT (AT) is worth considering.