Ford Ranger 2022 Review

The demand for pickup trucks in the Malaysian market has always been centered around "practicality above all." Whether for construction site transportation, farm work, or daily cargo loading, a reliable single-cab pickup is often the top choice for commercial users. The 2022 Ford Ranger Manual Single Cab 2.0L XL is targeted at this niche market, and its key selling points for attracting target users include the price of RM98,888, the 2.0T diesel engine, and the 4x4 drivetrain system. This time we got our hands on the actual vehicle to see if it meets the "hardcore" demands of commercial users in terms of loading practicality, performance, and daily driving.

In terms of exterior design, this single-cab pickup continues the rugged style of the Ranger family, with a straight and strong overall profile. The front features a large black grille complemented by halogen headlights on both sides. Although it lacks LED lighting, the standard automatic headlights and daytime running lights ensure basic lighting convenience. The side profile of the vehicle highlights the extended cargo bed due to the single-cab layout, further emphasizing its utility vehicle characteristic when paired with 255/70 R16 steel-rim tires. The rear LED taillights offer decent visibility, and rear fog lights are also included. The overall design avoids unnecessary decoration, focusing solely on functionality.

Sitting inside the cabin, the interior design leans towards utility, with most areas made of hard plastic materials. While the tactile feel may not be premium, the durability should meet the needs of a commercial vehicle. The central control layout is straightforward, with a 10.1-inch SYNC touchscreen as a standout feature. The interface operates smoothly and supports basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity functions. The instrument cluster features an 8-inch TFT multifunction screen, providing clear displays of the tachometer, fuel level, and driving modes, enabling the driver to monitor vehicle conditions at any time. The seats are fabric upholstery with 4-way manual adjustments, offering decent support and ensuring no significant fatigue even during long drives. In terms of storage space, the front door panels and central control area include several practical storage compartments, sufficient for holding small items like phones, documents, and water bottles for daily use.

Regarding space performance, the vehicle's main advantage lies in its cargo bed. The 3,270mm wheelbase ensures substantial bed length, and the single-cab design offers more flexibility for carrying large items compared to double-cab models. The front row offers adequate seating space; a 180cm tall driver can have more than a fist's clearance for both headroom and legroom after adjusting the seat. Although there are only two seats, this layout maximizes cargo bed utilization, which is more practical for commercial users. It’s worth mentioning that despite the lack of rear seats, the area underneath features foldable storage compartments for tools or miscellaneous items, further enhancing utility.

In terms of dynamic performance, the 2.0T diesel engine is surprisingly impressive. With a maximum output of 170PS and a peak torque of 405N·m delivered at 3,500rpm, both starting and acceleration feel quite responsive. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, which features clear gear positions, moderate shift travel, and a well-defined clutch engagement point, making it easy even for beginners to adapt. During daily driving, the low-end torque is adequate, providing smooth power delivery on construction sites or muddy roads. Combined with the 4x4 drivetrain system, its off-road capability is assured. The steering wheel has moderate feedback and precise steering with no noticeable slack, so driving it doesn’t feel like maneuvering a large boat.

In terms of chassis, the combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring suspension is typical for a pickup configuration. In an unloaded state, the rear suspension may feel slightly stiff, and there is a noticeable bump when passing over speed bumps. However, once loaded with cargo, the suspension performs much more smoothly, which is a characteristic of leaf spring suspension—it becomes more stable under load. With a minimum ground clearance of 230mm and a four-wheel-drive system, it can handle Malaysia's common rural dirt roads or light off-road conditions without any issues. Regarding the braking system, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes provides linear braking force, ensuring safe daily driving.

The fuel economy is commendable. In our mixed road condition tests, the fuel consumption was around 7.8L per 100km. For a 2.2-ton four-wheel-drive pickup, this is quite an economical result. With an 80L fuel tank capacity, a full tank allows for a range of over 1000 kilometers, reducing the need for frequent refueling, which makes it suitable for long-distance transportation. As for noise control, the vibration and noise of the diesel engine are within an acceptable range. However, wind noise and tire noise become slightly noticeable at high speeds, but for a commercial vehicle, such performance is already sufficient.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Ford Ranger Manual Single Cab 2.0L XL lie in its high cost-performance ratio, practical single-cab layout, and reliable diesel powertrain. Compared to similar single-cab pickups, it offers more features. The 10.1-inch central touchscreen and TFT instrument panel are uncommon in vehicles of this price range, and the 5-year/160,000-kilometer warranty guarantees reliability. This vehicle is an excellent choice for business users who frequently need to transport goods, such as construction contractors, farm owners, or small transport business operators. It balances daily driving and heavy-load requirements, making it a true "workhorse" vehicle.

In summary, the 2022 Ford Ranger Manual Single Cab 2.0L XL avoids flashy features, with all designs centered around practicality. Its power is sufficient, fuel consumption is economical, and its loading capacity is strong, making it an ideal choice for business users. If you need a reliable work vehicle but do not want to compromise on features, this vehicle is worth considering.