2022 Ford Ranger XLT Plus (AT) Review

The competition in Malaysia's pickup truck market has always revolved around practicality, balance of features, and price. As a core choice for most family users, the Ford Ranger XLT Plus (AT) 2022 model has recently maintained its spot among the top in sales, thanks to its near-top-level safety features and flexible space design. In this test drive, we focus on evaluating its overall performance in daily commuting, light weekend off-road driving, and family passenger and cargo scenarios to see if this model, priced at RM142,888, truly lives up to being "all-round capable."

From the exterior, the Ranger XLT Plus continues the rugged design style of the family. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with chrome accents treated in a smoked finish, with the LED headlight cluster integrated seamlessly into the grille, giving it high recognition. The side profile has straight lines, and the 5370mm length and 1918mm width make it appear imposing. The 17-inch alloy wheels paired with 255/70 R17 tires balance on-road comfort with grip on unpaved roads. The rear design is simple, with vertically arranged LED taillights. The bed comes equipped with a standard roll bar, emphasizing utility despite the lack of excessive decoration.

Inside, the layout of the dashboard leans towards the driver’s side, and the operation logic is clear. The interior primarily uses hard plastic materials, but key areas such as the armrest box and inside door panels are wrapped in soft materials, providing a pleasant tactile experience. The 10.1-inch central touchscreen responds smoothly, supporting Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, while the 6-speaker sound system is sufficient for daily music needs. The configuration includes many highlights: standard six airbags across the range, lane departure warning, active braking, and forward collision warning, bringing safety features on par with higher-end models of the same class. Additionally, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents improve everyday convenience.

Space performance is one of Ranger XLT Plus's core strengths. The 2900mm wheelbase provides spacious seating in both the front and rear rows. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the rear row still has more than two fists’ clearance for legroom. The front seats support six-way manual adjustment, while the rear row features foldable bench seating with hidden storage underneath. When carrying large items, the seats can be folded up, offering great flexibility. The design of the door storage compartments, central armrest box, and rear cup holders is also very practical, making it well-suited for family outings or transporting goods.

In terms of power, the 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine has a maximum output of 154.5kW (210PS) and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The power response during takeoff is not particularly aggressive, but once the turbo kicks in, torque delivery feels ample, and mid-to-high-speed acceleration inspires confidence when overtaking. The 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly, with almost no noticeable jerks at low speeds, and it keeps RPM low during high-speed cruising, helping reduce fuel consumption. During the test drive, fuel consumption in urban conditions was about 8.5L/100km, and on highways about 6.8L/100km, which matches expectations.

In terms of driving feel, the steering wheel is precise, with little play, making lane changes and turns agile in daily driving. The front double-wishbone independent suspension combined with rear leaf springs can filter out most minor bumps on paved roads. However, when going over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the rear suspension vibrations are more noticeable, which is common in pickup trucks. As for off-road performance, the 4x4 drivetrain combined with a minimum ground clearance of 230mm is sufficient to handle light off-road conditions such as gravel roads and small hills. The inclusion of a hill descent control feature also enhances safety when off-roading.

The attention to detail for daily driving comfort is well executed. The seats are fully padded, ensuring no fatigue even during long drives; the noise control inside the car performs excellently, with wind noise and tire noise well suppressed at high speeds; the rear air conditioning vents ensure the comfort of rear passengers. The only minor drawback is the manually adjustable steering wheel and seats, which are not as convenient as electric adjustments, but considering the price, this is acceptable.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT Plus lie in its balanced configuration and flexible space. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max in the same class, it offers more comprehensive safety features, larger rear space, while maintaining a reasonable price, making it highly cost-effective. This vehicle is suitable for families needing it for daily commuting with occasional light off-road needs or small business owners frequently requiring cargo transport. If you're looking for a safe, practical, and reasonably priced pickup truck, the Ranger XLT Plus is worth considering.