2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XL (MT) Review

In recent years, Malaysia's pickup truck market has been heating up, with consumer demand for practical and capable mid-size pickups remaining steady. The 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XL (MT) has emerged as a popular choice in this segment, garnering attention with its rugged 4x4 attributes, well-balanced features, and the durability of its diesel engine. In this test drive, we focused on experiencing its daily driving comfort, off-road capability, and the actual performance of its manual diesel powertrain to see if this RM 115,888 model can meet the dual demands of work and family use.

In terms of exterior design, the 2022 Ranger 2.0 XL maintains the brand's family-style rugged look with strong and square lines throughout. The front features a large trapezoidal grille, complemented by sturdy chrome trim, creating a highly recognizable appearance. On either side are halogen headlights with an auto-on feature, and round front fog lamps below that provide good visibility during rainy or foggy conditions. The body side is defined by straight lines, and the dimensions of 5370mm in length and 1918mm in width offer ample cargo space. The 255/70 R16 tires paired with steel wheels strike a balance between durability and off-road capability. At the rear, the LED tail lamps have a clean design in harmony with the front end, and the tailgate is manually operated, making it convenient to load and unload goods.

Sitting inside, the interior features black as the primary color tone, with a simple and practical overall layout. The center console is made of hard plastic, which, while lacking in luxury, matches the durability expected from a pickup truck. The central 10.1-inch SYNC touchscreen infotainment system supports basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity functions, and its operation is reasonably smooth. The dashboard includes an 8-inch TFT multifunction display that clearly shows information such as speed, RPM, fuel level, and four-wheel-drive status. For seating, the front row features 4-way manual adjustments, while the rear bench, capable of folding for storage, provides functional versatility. The daily seating space is sufficient, with a rear legroom of two fists for passengers of 180cm height. Storage spaces perform well, with door pockets, a center armrest compartment, and storage slots under the rear seats to accommodate everyday items.

As for the drivetrain, the vehicle is powered by a 2.0T diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 125kW (170PS) and a peak torque of 405Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. During startup, the diesel engine's low-end torque is ample, reaching its peak torque at around 1500rpm, allowing the 2227kg vehicle to move effortlessly with a light press on the accelerator. When shifted into third gear, acceleration remains strong, and downshifting for overtaking prompts a quick response. While cruising at high speeds, the engine maintains a speed of around 2000rpm, with noise levels kept within an acceptable range. In terms of handling, the steering wheel provides moderate weight and satisfactory precision for a pickup. The combination of a double-wishbone independent front suspension and rear leaf springs helps to absorb most minor bumps on paved roads, though there is noticeable bouncing over speed humps in the rear seats. On unpaved terrain, the four-wheel-drive system performs well, exhibiting good capability when tackling muddy or gravel roads, while the 230mm minimum ground clearance makes it suitable for general off-road scenarios. During fuel consumption tests, the average fuel consumption was about 8.5L per 100 kilometers under mixed driving conditions, which is a reasonable level for a diesel pickup.

In terms of comfort, the front row is equipped with dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rapid cooling capabilities. The seat padding is on the firm side but offers good support, making long drives less fatiguing. Noise insulation performance is average, with noticeable wind and tire noise during high-speed driving, but this is within the normal range for pickup trucks. In terms of safety features, it comes standard with six airbags, ABS anti-lock braking system, and vehicle stability control. The hill-start assist function provides convenience when starting on slopes, and the overall safety performance meets mainstream standards.

Overall, the 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 XL (MT) stands out for its balanced practicality and off-road capability. Its diesel engine ensures durability and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for long-term use, while the 4x4 system can handle various road conditions. Compared to competitors in the same segment, its configuration (such as the 10.1-inch central control screen and dual-zone automatic air conditioning) is relatively outstanding among pickups in the same price range, and the 5-year/160,000-kilometer warranty further adds to its value for money. This vehicle is suitable for users who need to balance work transportation and weekend off-road adventures, or practical-oriented family users. If you need a reliable, durable pickup that can handle various scenarios, the 2022 Ranger 2.0 XL (MT) is a great choice.