Ford Ranger 2021 Review

In the local pickup truck market, models that balance daily commuting with light off-road needs have always been the focus of family users and small business owners. The 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XL Double Cab (MT), as the entry-level four-wheel-drive version of the series, offers diesel power and full-time four-wheel-drive capability for less than RM100,000. These two core selling points make it particularly pragmatic in this price range. In this test drive, we will focus on evaluating whether this basic manual transmission pickup can meet the core needs of users in three scenarios: cargo loading, passenger carrying, and driving on rough roads, while maintaining an acceptable daily driving experience.

From the exterior, the 2021 Ranger 2.2 XL Double Cab (MT) continues the series' signature robust style. The front trapezoidal grille, paired with thick chrome trim, has a high degree of recognition. The body lines are simple and straight, with a waistline extending from the hood to the tail, enhancing the sense of strength. The 5426mm length and 1860mm width ensure practical space for the cargo bed. The rear design is relatively simplistic, with vertically arranged tail lights. There are no additional decorations below the rear bumper, but a trailer hitch interface is reserved. In terms of the lighting system, halogen headlights and front and rear fog lamps come standard across the series. Although the lighting effect is not as good as LEDs, it is still sufficient for nighttime suburban roads and entails lower maintenance costs. The side mirrors support electric folding, reducing the risk of scratches when parked daily.

Opening the door reveals an interior that prioritizes functionality without too much fancy design. The center console is covered with hard plastic, which feels stiff to the touch, but the seams are even, and the overall workmanship matches the standards for this price range. The seats are fabric and feature 2-way manual adjustment in the front row. Although the adjustment options are limited, the backrest and cushion provide decent support, so long driving hours won’t cause noticeable discomfort. The steering wheel has a multifunctional design, with buttons on the left side to control volume and take calls. The operation logic is clear and intuitive, making it easy to use without looking. The instrument panel consists of traditional mechanical gauges combined with a monochrome display, showing basic information like speed, RPM, fuel level, and water temperature, making it easy to read. In terms of storage space, the inside of the door panels feature cup holders and storage compartments. The depth of the central armrest box is sufficient to house a large smartphone, and there are also two cup holders between the front seats, which suffice for daily usage. It's worth mentioning that the interior includes a 220V/230V power outlet, which is very practical for users needing outdoor power supply.

Space performance is one of the strengths of this vehicle. The 3220mm wheelbase provides ample legroom in the rear seats. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the back can have about two fists' worth of legroom, and there’s also a headspace clearance of about one and a half fists, ensuring no sense of oppression. The rear is equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchors for easy installation of child seats. However, the middle seat lacks a headrest, which affects long-term seating comfort. Although the official specifications of the cargo bed size are not provided, actual measurements reveal that it can easily accommodate two standard-sized suitcases or some tools and materials, making it suitable for small business owners' cargo needs.

Starting the vehicle, the idle noise of the 2.2T diesel engine is slightly louder than that of a gasoline engine, but inside the cabin, the soundproofing is fairly decent and does not hinder normal conversations. This engine features a maximum power output of 160PS, and the peak torque is achieved between 1600-2600rpm. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, the power delivery is very smooth as long as you find the right clutch engagement point at the start. The torque output begins at 1600rpm, so when driving in city conditions and keeping the engine speed around 2000rpm, overtaking or accelerating is relatively easy without the need for frequent gear changes. The manual gearbox has a clear shift pattern, and the shifting distance is moderate, making it easy for beginners to adapt quickly.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel's turning force is relatively heavy, which aligns with the positioning of a pickup truck, and its stability at high speeds is quite good. The front suspension uses a double-wishbone independent suspension, while the rear suspension features a leaf spring structure. This combination allows the front suspension to filter out most small vibrations when dealing with bumpy roads. However, due to the characteristics of the leaf spring, the rear suspension may experience noticeable jolts over larger potholes. That said, leaf springs offer stronger load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for cargo transport. We specifically tested it on an unpaved road, and the minimum ground clearance of 237mm allowed it to easily traverse small ditches and bumps. The full-time four-wheel-drive system also performed stably on wet and slippery roads, without any skidding issues.

Fuel consumption is one of the advantages of diesel vehicles. We drove 100 kilometers under mixed road conditions, with city roads accounting for 60% and highways 40%. The average fuel consumption was around 7.8L/100km. Based on the 80L fuel tank capacity, a full tank can provide a range of over 1,000 kilometers, making it very suitable for long-distance trips. In terms of braking, the front ventilated disc brakes respond promptly, and the braking distance is at a mid-level compared to models in the same class, ensuring sufficient safety for everyday driving.

In summary, the 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XL Double Cab (MT) is a very practical pickup truck. Its strengths include the low fuel consumption and high torque of its diesel engine, the off-road capability of its full-time four-wheel-drive system, spacious seating, and practical configurations. Compared to competitors in the same price range, its core advantage lies in its cost-effectiveness—a four-wheel-drive diesel truck for under 100,000 MYR is quite rare in the market. Although the interior materials are somewhat hard and the features are relatively basic, these are not issues for users who prioritize practicality.

This vehicle is clearly aimed at specific groups of people: first, small business owners who need to balance family outings and cargo transport; second, outdoor enthusiasts who require mild off-road capability; and third, users with a limited budget who want a reliable four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you’re looking for luxurious features and a high-tech feel, this may not be the best choice, but if you need a sturdy and reliable vehicle that can handle both work and family use, the 2021 Ford Ranger 2.2 XL Double Cab (MT) is definitely worth considering.