2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT (MT) Review

In the Malaysian pickup truck market, vehicles that combine household comfort and off-road utility have always been a popular choice among consumers. The 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT (MT) is specifically targeting this segment. As a budget-friendly (RM 111,388) and well-equipped 4WD diesel pickup truck, its key selling points lie in its balanced power performance, practical spatial design, and reliable off-road features. The primary goal of our test drive is to verify whether it meets the comprehensive needs of target users in daily commuting, family outings, and light off-road scenarios.

From the exterior, the 2021 Ranger 2.2 XLT (MT) continues the rugged style of the Ford pickup family, featuring strong, angular lines. The front end is designed with a large trapezoidal grille, accentuated with chrome trims, and integrated halogen headlamps on either side, giving the vehicle high recognizability. The vehicle’s side profile features straight waistlines, while the "RANGER" logo on the tailgate enhances its identity. The 265/65 R17 tire specifications strike a balance between road stability and off-road capability. The rear design is simple, and the combination of vertical rear fog lamps, reversing radar, and reversing camera system improves everyday parking convenience. However, the halogen headlamps fall slightly short in brightness during nighttime driving, which is a minor regret in the exterior configuration.

Sitting inside, the interior adopts a practical style with a clearly structured center console, combining physical buttons and knobs for convenient operation. While the 4.2-inch non-touch screen in the center console offers basic functionalities like Bluetooth connectivity and audio settings, its size feels adequate. The seats are manually adjustable (4-way for the driver, 2-way for the passenger). Although not as convenient as electric adjustments, the seats provide good support and remain comfortable for long periods of sitting. The cabin offers abundant storage space, including door pockets and a central armrest box, which accommodate daily items. The rear seats also feature ISOFIX child seat anchors, meeting family usage needs. However, the manual air conditioning controls feel a bit outdated, and the screen size is relatively small compared to some competitors in the same class, making it less appealing in terms of modern tech features.

In terms of performance, the 2.2T diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 160PS, with peak torque available between 1600-2600rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering smooth power output and ample torque. During daily starts, as long as you control the clutch and accelerator well, the power response is quick, without feeling sluggish. At medium to low speeds, the torque output is strong, making overtaking and lane changes effortless. At high speeds, the engine maintains a rotation speed of around 2000rpm to keep a speed of 100km/h, with commendable fuel efficiency. However, the long gear shift travel of the manual transmission may require some time for new drivers to get accustomed to.

As for handling and suspension performance, the front double-wishbone independent suspension works in tandem with the rear leaf spring non-independent suspension, balancing off-road capabilities with on-road stability. When dealing with bumpy road surfaces, the suspension effectively absorbs most of the vibrations, avoiding an overly rigid feedback. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within reasonable limits, and the steering wheel offers precise and clear directional control, providing sufficient confidence to the driver. The addition of the 4WD system ensures excellent performance in light off-road scenarios. When encountering muddy roads or small slopes, switching to 4WD mode enables it to pass through effortlessly. However, the leaf spring suspension in the rear slightly compromises passenger comfort, as noticeable vibrations are felt in the rear seats when driving over consecutive speed bumps.

In terms of fuel consumption, our test drive this time covered urban commuting, highway driving, and light off-road scenarios, with an average fuel consumption of about 8.5L/100km. For a four-wheel-drive diesel pickup, this performance is considered medium. Regarding noise control, the engine noise is slightly loud when idling, but once driving, the wind noise and tire noise are well controlled and do not affect normal conversation inside the car.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT (MT) lie in its balanced performance, practical space design, and reliable off-road capability. Although it is somewhat lacking in terms of technological features and luxurious interior feel, considering its budget-friendly price, these shortcomings are acceptable. Compared to vehicles in the same class, its four-wheel-drive system and diesel engine combination are more competitive, making it suitable for users who need to balance daily commuting, family trips, and light off-road activities. If you are a practical consumer who does not pursue flashy configurations but values the practicality and reliability of a vehicle, then the 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT (MT) is worth considering.