2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XL (AT) Review

In the Malaysian pickup truck market, models that strike a balance between daily practicality and versatile adaptability are always the core focus of consumers. The 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XL (AT), as a popular choice in the 4x4 segment, attracts the attention of many family users and small business owners with its well-balanced configuration, reliable power, and flexible space performance. This review will focus on the static design, dynamic driving, and actual usage adaptability of this model to help readers determine whether it meets their needs.

From the exterior, the 2022 Ranger 2.0 XL maintains the rugged style typical of Ford pickup trucks. The front features a large trapezoidal grille, paired with chrome accents and rectangular halogen headlights on both sides, giving it a high degree of recognition. The side of the body has straight lines, with a length of 5370mm and a width of 1918mm, creating a solid visual effect. The 16-inch wheels paired with 255/70 R16 tires strike a balance between on-road stability and off-road capability. The rear design is simple, with a combination of LED taillights and rear fog lights ensuring nighttime visibility, while the cargo bed retains the practicality of a pickup truck. The overall design does not have excessive flashy elements, focusing more on functionality and durability.

Inside the cabin, the interior mainly uses dark plastics, which fit the positioning of pickups at this price point. While the materials may not feel luxurious, they are solid and durable. The center console layout is clear, featuring a 10.1-inch SYNC touchscreen that supports basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity, with decent operation responsiveness. The 8-inch TFT instrument cluster displays key information such as RPM, fuel level, and four-wheel drive mode, enabling the driver to monitor the vehicle's status in real time. In terms of configuration, the front row comes equipped with an electronic dual-zone automatic climate control system, while the rear row has air-conditioning vents, ensuring comfort during long drives. The multi-function steering wheel supports volume adjustment and phone controls, reducing distractions while driving. The front seats are manually adjustable in four directions, and the rear folding seats feature storage space underneath, ideal for storing tools or small items, enhancing practicality.

Space performance is one of this vehicle's highlights. The 3270mm wheelbase provides ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the 1884mm height ensures that even passengers who are 180cm tall will not feel cramped in the front row. The rear row comfortably accommodates three passengers, with sufficient legroom for the person in the middle seat. In terms of storage, the storage compartments in the door panels can hold water bottles and small items, while the front center armrest box and cup holders are highly functional. Folding the rear seats further expands the storage capacity of the cargo area, meeting the needs of family outings or small-scale goods transportation.

In the powertrain department, the 2.0T turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 125kW (170PS) and a peak torque of 405N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the torque output at low RPM is abundant, making starts and low-speed following relatively effortless. During acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly, with no noticeable jerking, and a deep press on the accelerator provides an immediate power response for overtaking. When switched to four-wheel-drive mode, its ability to handle muddy or gravel roads is significantly enhanced, and a minimum ground clearance of 230mm ensures good off-road capability, making it suitable for occasional trips to the countryside or construction sites.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of a pickup truck. The steering wheel has moderate effort and decent precision, making daily road driving relatively easy; the combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring suspension effectively absorbs most small bumps on rough roads, but there is still slight bouncing when crossing speed bumps. When cornering, the body roll is within an acceptable range, showing strong stability. In terms of fuel consumption, the average fuel consumption is around 8-9L per 100 kilometers under mixed driving conditions, which is fairly standard for a vehicle weighing 2.2 tons.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle has good noise insulation, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds; the seat support is adequate, ensuring no fatigue even after long drives. The vibration control of the diesel engine is well-handled, and barely any noticeable shaking can be felt inside the cabin. However, the manual parking brake and mechanical key design appear more traditional compared to the electronic configurations of some competitors in its class. That said, for users who prioritize reliability, this design can reduce the risk of electronic failures.

As for safety features, this vehicle comes standard with 6 airbags (including front and rear head airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist. Its comprehensive safety features can meet the passive safety needs of family users.

On the whole, the core strength of the 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XL (AT) lies in its balance: the reliable 4x4 system is suitable for various terrains, the flexible space meets both passenger and cargo needs, and the complete set of safety and comfort features ensures a good everyday driving experience. Compared to similar models like the Toyota Hilux 2.4G, it offers stronger torque output and a larger infotainment screen; compared to the Nissan Navara 2.5XE, dual-zone air conditioning and rear storage space are its advantages.

This vehicle is best suited for two groups of people: first, small business owners who need to balance family trips with light cargo transportation; and second, families who occasionally venture into the countryside and require four-wheel-drive capabilities. If you are seeking luxury configurations or exceptional road handling, it may not be the optimal choice. However, if you need a durable, practical pickup that can handle a variety of scenarios, the 2022 Ranger 2.0 XL (AT) is a reliable option worth considering.